<p>I got an invitation in the mail today from NSHSS and I was wondering if it would hurt to join (see details in next paragraph). Before you go on your little spiel about NSHSS, I already know that they hype themselves up to get more money and that most people usually leave with the free T-shirt and a $25 “scholarship,” if that.</p>
<p>I just want to know, could it HURT me to join? Is it likely that colleges would look at it and think, “What a naive child for joining such a pointless ‘society,’” or if they aren’t impressed/interested would it be more likely for them to just think, “Meh. Not that big of a deal,” and skip over it? I’m more interested in applying to CSUs (California State Universities), so it’s not like I’m applying to any Ivies or a top university.</p>
<p>I’m kind of on the fence about joining. Money really isn’t an issue for me, so I don’t mind paying the $60 membership fee. A part of me KNOWS this really isn’t beneficial scholarship-wise, but the other part of me doesn’t see any harm in joining and says, “Go for it.” Which is why I’m here. IS there any harm in joining? If there is no harm, I’ll probably join just for the heck of it.</p>
<p>Is there a harm? Likely not. How about an alternative? Take the $60 and order a nice meal for your parents and surprise them. The affect of that will be more beneficial for you than to give it to such an unworthy and unethical org such as NSHSS, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Or donate it to redcross.org for their ongoing disaster relief.</p>
<p>CSUs don’t really care about any of your awards. You’ll be admitted/rejected solely based on your transcript and test scores.</p>
<p>The standards for that are so low, even if you joined I wouldn’t even bother mentioning it. The only “society” worth mentioning is the National Honor Society, and even that doesn’t mean very much.</p>
<p>I believe it hurts an application to include extras like this that truly add nothing. They dilute the message and distract the reader from the things about the applicant that are actually impressive or important.</p>
<p>Imagine 1,000 current and former college admissions officers who have HS kids. Imagine all of them receive the NSHSS mailer like you did. How many do you think would allow their kid to send in the $60 fee?</p>
<p>I agree with T26E4’s initial answer above. I don’t think it’ll hurt, but I think even if you’re Bill Gates’ son, your family could probably find a better use for $60.</p>