Is an Honor Society Worth It for High Schoolers? A Parent’s Guide
If you are a parent of a graduating high schooler, you might be wondering if it’s worth it for your child to join an honor society. In today’s large world, every student can be judged and assessed on a myriad of things, not simply their academic transcript.
One major positive component in a student's background is their participation. The value of a student's education comes from his or her participation in things like class, sports, after-school activities or clubs, and volunteering opportunities. An honor society will provide them ample chances to participate, meet other students around the world, and expand their worldview, all within a safe environment.
Is an Honor Society Worth It for High Schoolers?
As a parent, your student’s well-being is always going to be top of mind. There are lots of ways for your student to stand out, and an honor society can help that. However, it’s important to know that your student’s participation in an honor society is not a “golden ticket” for admission to the school of their dreams.
The point of an honor society is to build a foundation in their lives, whether that’s through volunteerism, community outreach, leadership opportunities, or the relationships they forge through and within their society. But, if you or your student are both on the fence, take a look below for some of the great benefits!
What Are the Benefits of an Honor Society?
Leadership growth: Students who join will learn to interact both with their fellow students, professors, and business leaders. These will help build your student’s confidence, and will prepare them for more moments like this in the future.
Community service: Through an honor society, your student will find a structured approach to community service, with chances otherwise unknown to them outside the society. These services can be completed and tracked through the honor society, providing a great addition to their future applications.
Scholarships & academic perks: Your student will gain access to member-only scholarships, grants, and study-abroad opportunities.
Network: Every student will be motivated to connect with fellow students through events, interacting with academically focused peers and mentors.
What Are the Drawbacks Parents Should Consider?
Time commitment: Active chapters may require meetings and volunteer-hour minimums, a real consideration for busy students.
Cost: Some organizations charge a membership fee; note this is normal and, for a one-time lifetime fee, can be offset many times over by a single scholarship.
How Can Parents Decide If an Honor Society Is Worth It?
How active is it? The things to look for are societies that favor organizations with real, ongoing opportunities over passive ones.
Is it legitimate? Don’t be afraid to do your research, talk to fellow parents, and call the societies directly. Every parent should be able to trust where the child invests their future.
Does your child have time to participate? Some students are busier than others, and it’s important to ask the student directly where they want to invest their time. You can help them make that decision based on what you learn about the society you think is best.
What’s the true cost and value? Weigh the one-time fee against scholarships and benefits; check for fee waivers.
Is NSHSS Worth It For High Schoolers?
NSHSS is one of the premier student organizations around the world. A big reason for this is the convenience that we provide to students and parents alike. The first step is applying, and we allow each and every student to apply for free. If accepted, then that acceptance lasts for life.
After graduation, your student will be invited to attend our conferences as an NSHSS alumni, an honor we cherish. We also believe in cultivating members who can lead. That is why we established the Ambassador Program, to help older students lead young students as the years go by.
And finally, we like to say that our reach never exceeds our grasp. What that means is that we are a global network, and if your child decides to go abroad for a summer, we have partners all over the world who can host them, show them around, and mentor them. This also means that our diverse group of members means that no student feels alone or isolated.