National society of collegiate scholars

[ashjamar]

So i was invited to join the national society of collegiate scholars and im not sure if its really worth it. Though it is a one time fee of 75 dollars, i just dont believe that it is anything oh so great. Im a sophomore in college doing pre med and focused on getting into medical school. I realize that i do need to do things to build a impressive resume but i would think that shadowing, working in a health care field, and doing community service would look better than this little society that im paying to be a part off. honestly, i feel like its just a scam, what do you think?

[roberthhid]

Scam, Scam, Scam. My son got one of these. Threw it out.

[cronie]

Just try to throw it out! Son received more than one "invitation." We received a couple addressed to us as parents after he ignored his. Then they called our house! We couldn't figure out what the point was.
For a med student, work hard to get the best grades you can, study for your MCAT, and accept gratefully any honors your college officially recognizes. (Latin awards, Phi Beta Kappa) Most of these other private "honor societies" are seldom more than money making schemes, as you suspected.

[Neonzeus]

It's only based on making dean's list. You can put on your resume that you were "invited to join..." without spending the $75. Otherwise, putting dean's list on your resume is the same thing.

On the other hand, check out your school's chapter. If your school has a very active chapter, then it might be a worthwhile club on your resume if you plan on participating in their activities.

Your school might have other academic honor societies that carry more weight such as Phi Beta Kappa or honors societies for particular majors. Mortar Board's invitations for Seniors, for ex., are based both on academic eligibility and community service.

[binx]

Does anybody know anything about Alpha Sigma Pi aka The National Society of Leadership and Success? I am willing to let my D join programs that will actually be beneficial to her, but we are pinching pennies, so I need to not waste money. She has till July 29 to decide. There are fees, local and national, but I haven't figured out what they are yet.

[swimcatsmom]

NSCS are very very pushy. My daughter was invited also and not only has she received numerous reminders but we have received several reminders as 'parents of' including one that is done up to look like a final notice for an unpaid bill. Very over the top and certainly adds to rather than detracts from my suspicion that they are more scam than worthwhile. Their pushy tactics are a real turn off.

[mblackm8]

So, is it really a scam? I know that my school has a chapter and so does UNC Chapel Hill.

[binx]

Yes, D also turned down NSCS and received multiple pushy emails and mailings.

Does anybody know about National Society of Leadership and Success? NOT the same as NSCS.

[drb]

The NSCS notice I liked was the one in which they said their program committee had met and was extending the deadline for acceptance of their invitation. How accommodating!

D did well but did not make Dean's List so not sure how she was selected. Maybe "Not dead yet"?

[rocketman08]

Scam... they just use your details for mailing you lots of 'exclusive offers' for random crap, credit cards and the like

[wis75]

Never pay for an award. I pity the poor parents who got their kids listed in some "Who's Who" of HS or college students because they were willing to buy the book... Always remember the people in charge of any admissions will know the worthless awards and ignore them- don't try to pad your resume with meaningless junk. Check out any local connections- it could still be junk.

[Splatter Spree]

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[mikedgreen]

NSCS - The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is NOT A SCAM! I am the VP of Public Relations (2009) for the University of Central Florida Chapter. We host fun events, community service, and hand out over $3000 worth of scholarships each semester to our members. visit the site at National Society of Collegiate Scholars or NSCS @ UCF for our chapter.

I am also the Director of Communications for Sigma Alpha Pi (The National Society of Leadership and Success) and can attest to how this is NOT A SCAM! Ever semester you can apply for awards and scholarships. I wrote an essay and sent in my application and won first place in the US for the National Excellence in Leadership Award. I also received a check for $3500 (2009). Here is the national website Society of Leadership and Success and our chapter's website Welcome to the ??? UCF Chapter Website!

PLEASE DO NOT THROW THESE INVITATIONS AWAY! Your son and/or daughter can really benefit from these societies. I originally did not join NSCS as a freshmen because my mom thought it was a scam, until my girlfriend became president of both at our college and I attended every meeting on campus. Give them a try!

[jerzgrlmom]

By any chance, do you get paid to be President? Did your gf also receive a check for $3500? I'd be enthusiastic too about a group that paid me to do so.

An important point here is perception. Even if your group is an honest, supportive society and its members contribute their time (and obviously their entry fee), others outside of your little circle WILL perceive your society as less than you present it. I feel sorry for those members whose efforts will not be taken seriously.

[MSmom&dad]

This "honor" society keeps popping up every few months and every time we see defenders of the society who are new posters. Isn't it amazing that MikedGreen just happens to log on, see this thread, and make his first ever post defending the excellence of the society...
I remain convinced this is a scam (S and D were both repeatedly invited to pay to join).