Each year, select MHS students are eligible to apply to the National Honor Society. If you’re the oldest sibling in your family or don’t have a sibling at all, the process can seem daunting and confusing. Luckily, this guide will teach you all the ins and outs of the National Honor Society from the perspective of the 2024-2025 NHS president.
In this guide find answers to:
- What is the NHS?
- Who is eligible to apply?
- How do I join the NHS?
- What is in the application?
- Why should I join the NHS?
What is the NHS?
The National Honor Society, or NHS, is a national organization recognizing outstanding achievement in high schoolers. Founded in 1921, NHS now has over 1.4 million members nationwide and is widely recognized for its prestige and dedication to service. With four pillars recognizing scholarship, character, leadership, and service, the NHS mainly guides students into leading their communities with pride and serving them with kindness.
Who is eligible to apply?
Juniors and seniors with a weighted GPA of 5.6 or higher in 2024 are eligible to apply. In subsequent years, the GPA requirements will be as follows:
2025: weighted GPA of 5.8
How do I apply?
Unlike a club, you can’t sign up for NHS, you must be invited. If you meet the GPA requirements and are a junior/senior, an email will be sent out by the NHS advisor in early fall congratulating your academic achievements and giving you the next instructions on how to complete your application.
What is in the application?
The application consists of 4 parts: 3 essays and letters of recommendation. Let’s break it down.
The first essay describes your leadership qualities and experiences, stating what they are, how you gained them, and how they would benefit the NHS. This essay will be about 1 to 3 pages long.
The second essay describes any significant community service you have completed before your invitation to join the NHS, and how it has personally impacted you. This essay will also be 1 to 3 pages long.
In your final essay, you will propose a service project that could potentially be implemented by the NHS. This essay will be 1 page long.
In addition to the essays, you will need 3 letters of recommendation: 2 are required to be from school faculty members. To get these letters, simply ask your teacher if they would be willing to recommend you for the NHS. As long as you don’t ask last minute, most teachers are more than willing to recommend their students.
Why should I join the NHS?
In addition to being a booster for your college applications, the NHS fosters a community dedicated to serving others. While at times, community service may feel unnecessary or boring, those that you help will always appreciate your efforts, big or small. With the help of the NHS, you can make an even bigger impact on our small town.
