NHS--is it hard to get in?

[Anonymous]

My son received an invitation to apply for NHS. He did not do junior NHS in middle school so this is new to us.

They ask for recommendations from teachers, as well as an application which wants him to list service he has performed, and an essay.

While he has some service, it's not a ton, and it was mostly things required by another organization he is part of.
Prior to him receiving this application, I thought it acceptance was mostly just based on grades, and then once accepted the student was supposed to perform a certain number of service hours. I didn't know service hours were required/considered BEFORE submitting the application.

How important is this? If his previous service hours (through the other organization) isn't "good enough" will they reject him? How about the essay and teachers recommendations--are they going to "make or break" his acceptance? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son received an invitation to apply for NHS. He did not do junior NHS in middle school so this is new to us.

They ask for recommendations from teachers, as well as an application which wants him to list service he has performed, and an essay.

While he has some service, it's not a ton, and it was mostly things required by another organization he is part of.
Prior to him receiving this application, I thought it acceptance was mostly just based on grades, and then once accepted the student was supposed to perform a certain number of service hours. I didn't know service hours were required/considered BEFORE submitting the application.

How important is this? If his previous service hours (through the other organization) isn't "good enough" will they reject him? How about the essay and teachers recommendations--are they going to "make or break" his acceptance? Thank you!

I hope someone has some insight to offer. I'd be interested in the information, too!

[Anonymous]

Decisions about the admissions criteria for NHS are made on a school level. Some schools have much narrower requirements than other schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Decisions about the admissions criteria for NHS are made on a school level. Some schools have much narrower requirements than other schools.

Thanks! This is a brand new school, so unfortunately no way to find out I guess.