<p>it was based on academic standing. Sure we did community service as part of the society once accepted, but long lists and requirements didn’t proceed its admission. Nowadays, kids juggle multiple plates up in the air or more: academics, athletics, music/dance/art in addition to a modicum of home chores. Their own social life (trust but verify) is an absolute must also to allow needed age-appropriate growth for success in the adult world.</p>
<p>A reasonable approach is some community service for high schoolers, but great numbers of hours so spent deprive time for else. There are equally worthy outlets for demonstrating commitment and service to one’s friends and neighbors through school outlets. </p>
<p>Perhaps it’s time for each school’s National Honor Society to take a good look at our kids and be less directive and more open minded about Honors.</p>
<p>Huh, looks like my home state of WA is no longer a member. Wonder why? Perhaps since the dark ages when I went to HS, they adopted a state honorary like CA with its California Scholarship Federation.</p>
<p>It is interesting to see which states don’t have state associations. I wonder if there are schools within the “white” states that still belong. If not, it really begs the question of why this is a “national” honor society :)</p>
<p>zoosermom - I wanted to take D to that college fair too - but she says she’s too busy. :/</p>
<p>She is busy, but I still think it might be a good idea to go. I already made the labels - in addition to the things you mentioned, I included her email address and class of 2010.</p>
<p>Just thought I’d let you know that D has received her first email (that I know of, because it came to my email address) saying that applications are available for the Class of 2014! Scary!</p>
<p>pugmadkate - I was pretty surprised to see it in my email, that’s for sure. I was under the impression that applications come out in August. WUSTL isn’t on D’s list at the moment, so I don’t think she’ll be filling that one out anytime soon. For kids applying ED, it’s due Nov. 15th. I did take a look at the preliminary application, just to see what they want kinds of questions they ask.</p>
<p>However, I would like to direct your attention to the Cafe, where yours truly is leading in the March Madness pool. Look now because it won’t last! :D</p>
<p>LIMOM: An application already for the class of '14? Oh my gosh. Leave it to WUSTL to get a jump on the apps. I’m guessing that the earliest application release for the schools that D’s considering will be U. Pitt in July followed pretty closely by IU. Of course our HS transcripts won’t be available until mid-to-late September, but at least she can get going on them, as well as the Common App. in August.</p>
<p>PMK: How nice that your son went ahead and got all of his ducks in row for NHS. I recall that there was an NHS chapter back in the day at my high school in Connecticut. I wasn’t invited either; oh well.</p>
<p>QM: Goucher is the school that comes to mind with the study abroad requirement.</p>
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<p>There are. scualum, I just checked out your link for the first time, and I noticed that my state, Pennsylvania, is shown as white, and yet our school, as well as several others in the area, has an NHS chapter.</p>
<p>zoosermom - I’ll let you know if we decide to go next weekend. D definitely didn’t sound too excited about going, but she may change her mind. She just has some important things coming up, and she’s letting herself get stressed about them.</p>
<p>For the labels we made for the college fair last spring, DD ended up making 2 due to a lack of space. The first one had her name, address and phone number; the 2nd had her email address, graduation class year and her anticipated area of study. It made touring the tables much easier and it started conversations with many of the college reps, as they commented on what a great idea it was; plus it must make their lives easier rather than dealing with another card with questionable handwriting :)</p>
<p>Re: the WUSTL app being up…I just went and looked and I have to admit that it made me a little queasy. Part of it is that the more I hear about that school the less I like it (and it is on DD’s list, but I’ve mentioned my concerns to her about their “interesting” marketing tactics) but the other part is that I don’t think I’m ready for this part of the process to start. It’s not the getting her ready to leave the nest part; it’s the whole stress and craziness that I know the app process will bring. I was so hoping to have some zen moments in the house between the end of school and when the Common app goes up in July. And does anyone else think it’s pretty pushy for them to have their news apps up while the current seniors are biting their nails and waiting for all their decisions to arrive?</p>
<p>RobD - I agree with you too. They should have at least waited until after May 1st. Just hoping a bunch of other schools don’t jump on the bandwagon!</p>