Hey, I've been invited to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), but I'm unsure if it's a legit organization or just a scam. Can anyone here give me their honest opinion?
Hey there! While the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is a legitimate organization, it's not highly regarded in college admissions. The reason is that NSHSS has fairly loose academic requirements for joining and usually requires a fee for membership. College admissions officers view it as a "pay to play" extracurricular, and it typically won't impress them.
When it comes to extracurriculars, quality and impact matter more than the sheer number of activities. Colleges prefer to see significant leadership, passion, and commitment in a few activities rather than a long list of things you've only been marginally involved in. Focus on investing your time in activities where you can make a meaningful contribution and demonstrate your interests.
In short, I would advise against paying for an NSHSS membership if you're doing it to improve your college application. Instead, put that money and energy into meaningful experiences and activities that align with your passions and goals, while also showcasing your achievements and leadership.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.