Yes, NHS is Worth it.
By Juns Ye (III)
Contributing Writer
Every year, Boston Latin School juniors and seniors who are actively involved in their communities and have a strong academic record are invited to apply to the National Honor Society (NHS). Students in NHS wear a gold cord at graduation and get to add the organization to their résumé. Many, however, do not realize the other, more important benefits of membership.
NHS membership offers students an indispensable skill — learning how to balance the numerous tasks and expectations placed upon them. This skill is crucial for adult life, both in higher education and the workforce. Students who are members can adapt easily to these environments, and may be seen as better fits by college admission officers.
Although students see their membership as simply a prestigious inclusion on a résumé, many fail to recognize the importance of the broader organizational stature of NHS. NHS operates in all 50 U.S. states, as well as globally, and its name is highly recognizable. Furthermore, placing NHS membership on a résumé allows a student to combine academic accomplishments such as their GPA, ultimately reserving more space for more accomplishments or experiences.
Students are often discouraged from joining the NHS due to the numerous prerequisites, including the organization’s strict attendance policy. These requirements, however, only aim to help NHS recruit students who adhere to their four core pillars: good academics, strong leadership skills, participation in community service and a quality character.
Furthermore, students in previous years have expressed that NHS is relatively low-commitment, and members receive access to grants and scholarships that can help reduce the immense cost of college.
In addition, NHS provides motivation for students who may be struggling to stay on track. Students can use the goal of being a member of NHS as a source of motivation to improve their attendance, academics and commitment to the school community.
Those who have been neglecting their grades or attendance are also able to demonstrate improvement and reapply at a later date. Overall, every eligible student should apply to NHS, especially if committed to maintaining good academics, being a role model, participating in community service and contributing to the BLS school environment. Plus, did we mention that you get to wear a fun graduation cord?
No, NHS is Not Worth It.
By Angelina Tang (III)
Contributing Writer
Anually, upperclassmen at Boston Latin School vie for the coveted status that comes with being a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), and rightfully so. Who could pass up the amazing college résumé filler, and more importantly, the beautiful cord at graduation? But really, the benefits that the National Honor Society boasts aren’t all that, especially when considering the greater scope of Latin School student achievements.
The greatest motivation for students to get into NHS is their résumés. But how much of a difference does it make to have NHS on a college application? Not much; even if you aren’t a member of NHS, that doesn’t mean that you haven’t done anything noteworthy. Kento Lind (I) argues that “When colleges look at everything you do, being in honors society is really just one thing.” It shouldn’t be membership to NHS that defines a student, but their achievements; a student will not go unnoticed by colleges simply because of a lack of NHS status.
NHS isn’t the only way students can earn recognition for their achievements. BLS provides its students with countless clubs, tutoring and service opportunities, relating to both academics and creative endeavors. Isaac Zou (I) comments, “Most BLS students are amazing people and have done a lot.” Because of how many people are in NHS, however, the value of the achievement has decreased. It is no longer an honor to be a member of NHS because so many students have achieved that, and more.
Besides, an application doesn’t say everything about someone. A short résumé is not enough to judge someone’s true nature. “It’s kind of like people [..] with fame,” Lind explains. “They might be famous, but they may not actually be a good person on the inside.” If even morality, one of NHS’ greatest selling points, is called into question, then its presence on a résumé means less, as there is nothing holding its members accountable.
It isn’t just character that NHS judges; attendance is put on the hot seat as well. One too many tardies can ruin your chances of admission, but often, students can’t help it if their bus gets caught in the rain, or if the train arrives later than it was supposed to. Sure, NHS is meant to have high standards, but this requirement alone bars many students who would otherwise be completely eligible for admission.
Truthfully, NHS is just for show. It is a reiteration of the things that one has done rather than an actual triumph. There are so many factors that go into college applications, and BLS has a great support system to help their students as much as possible. From summer internships to performances, there are so many opportunities that students can explore. So if you feel like NHS isn’t for you, don’t stress — you’ll do just fine without it.
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