Did you know that over 1 million students join in National Honor Society (NHS) activities?
Becoming a member of the NHS is one of the greatest achievements a student can have. After all, it shows your character, dedication, and commitment to the community and service. Aspiring to join this society is well and good, but you’re unlikely to know what to do.
Don’t panic yet.
With this guide, you’ll learn how do you get into the National Honor Society. Read on and find out more:
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Maintain Your GPA
One of the criteria used to determine whether you adhere to the NHS standards is your cumulative GPA. If you want to become a member, you must work on maintaining a consistently high GPA. That means having a 3.5 or higher average on the 4.0 scale.
This means having at least 4.375 on a 5.0 scale and 5.25 on a 6.0 scale. Simply put, you must have a B+ on a letter grade scale and 90% on a 100-point scale.
With these requirements, you must start working on it early in high school. With a low GPA, you must put more effort into improving it by the following semesters. This means taking your studies seriously.
If you’re having a hard time with a particular subject, consider getting a tutor or asking a friend. Take note, most people can’t excel well in every subject. For example, you might be an ace in chemistry but can’t remember historical dates.
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Do Well on Standardized Tests
The NHS also looks at your standardized testing scores before considering your application. The minimum is 1750 on the SAT, 200 on PSAT, and 26 on the ACT. Take note, most institutions offer PSAT tests during your Sophomore year, so start studying for it after your freshman year during the summer.
Lots of bookstores and online retailers have updated study guides for most of these tests. You can also take prep courses since most offer both in-person and online environments. If you’re serious about getting this membership, ask your parents for support.
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Become a Leader
The NHS values leadership as a quality among its members. It’s because they want student leaders with good problem-solving skills, contributing more meaningful ideas to the world. That’s why you must have some experience in leadership when processing your NHS application.
A good way to do this is to become more involved with your school. Join a club that aligns with your passion and make it a goal to get a leadership position. You need not become a president instantly, but take lower positions like treasurer or board member.
Take note, the school isn’t the only place you can get some leadership experience. If you become a captain of a hockey or soccer team, this also counts as leadership. Always look at other communities you’re passionate about and become a leader there.
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Volunteer
The NHS looks for students dedicated to serving the community. The good news is that you’ll never run out of ways to volunteer. Pick a cause you like and stick to it.
If you’re having a hard time finding volunteering opportunities, you’re likely to find them at a local community center, hospital, church, or even a coffee shop. These establishments often have flyers telling people to volunteer.
An alternative is to ask your school counselor or principal. It’s because they have contacts from most local organizations looking for student volunteers.
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How Do You Get Into the National Honor Society? Start Local
Your school must have an active NHS chapter for you to become eligible to join. Take note, students can’t enter the NHS using the national level. This means all applications must be at a local level, so you must enter the organization through your high school.
If your school has no NHS chapter, don’t feel hopeless yet. Ask your principal to make an NHS chapter within your campus. Take note, students can’t establish chapters, but you can talk your school into doing it for you.
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Get a Teacher to Nominate You
You can’t apply to the NHS alone since a faculty member must nominate you first. After that, a person within your school’s NHS chapter decides on your application. If a teacher doesn’t nominate you automatically, ask a teacher impressed by your dedication and hard work to nominate you.
If you convince them, the teacher must print and submit a student nomination form. This is form is available on the NHS website.
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Get a Candidate Status
After your teacher submits your application form, the person at the head of your school’s NHS chapter decides whether you meet the NHS criteria. This determines if you’re eligible to proceed with your application.
Always remember that NHS chapters have varying rules. When you’re unsure, consult your local chapter and get their precise requirements. You can also read this guide if you want to find a legitimate Honor Society chapter.
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Work on the Application
Application processes differ depending on your school. Regardless, you must spend a lot of time on the application process. This allows you to make a solid case that increases your likelihood of becoming an accepted member of the NHS.
A good way to do this is to list all your experiences relating to NHS’s core values: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. This includes sports experience, volunteer work, awards, and more.
In case you didn’t become a member, you’re within the rights to appeal this decision. You must do this with the local chapter since state and national NHS agencies have no time to spare for membership appeals. Never feel discouraged and continue maintaining your GPA, service, and leadership activities.
You can always apply next year if all else fails.
Find Out More About the NHS Today
These are some things you must do to answer “how do you get into the National Honor Society?” Do these and memorize the NHS motto to increase your chances of becoming a member.
Found the answers you seek? Of course, there is a lot more to learn about the NHS and you can pick up all the information you need right here! Don’t hesitate to go over our other guides today!