I need help making a decision (school related)...

[DragonMaster 1,166]

I'm a bit unsure on how to introduce my problem, so I'm just going to get right to it.

 

I'm academically eligible to apply for the National Honors Society. However, my eligibility pretty much ends there. That is to say, I've never had a job and have done no services or extra-curricular activities to speak of (during high school, which seems to be the only period that counts), and anything done for a social or personal purpose does not count.  Now, I can certainly make a bunch of excuses for that, but that is neither the focus of this thread nor does it make it any less of my own fault. Basically, this means that there is no way I am ever going to be accepted. The three teacher recommendations I could get would not be enough, and I say this being fairly positive that the recommendations would score me fairly high.

 

So I have a choice. I can apply anyway, get the recommendations I can get and try my best to fill out all the paper work. However, I would essentially be turning in blank paperwork. Which means that I won't get accepted and I will waste the time of the teachers filling out the recommendation sheet and the ones who vote on whether to accept applicants as members. The next option is that I can simply not turn in anything at all. The next option is for me and one of my parents to sign a document stating that I acknowledge that I am academically eligible but request to revoke my consideration for joining. (Obviously, the last option renders the option of not turning anything useless and likely not in my best interest.)

 

That's where I need help. Should I try anyway, even though the likelihood of being accepted is next to zero (looking at it optimistically)? Or should I just accept the reality, acknowledge my academic eligibility, and revoke my opportunity? I've been considering my options for over a week now, and I just can't commit. I don't want to have one of my parents sign the paper to revoke unless I'm absolutely sure.

 

Thanks for any help.

[Aang 649]

Hello,

I can't say I've been in such a situation. Considering I'm not the smartest guy on the block. But, if I was in your shoes, I would give it a shot. If this means a lot to you, than go for it. It's always worth a try. If you were to revoke, or do nothing you'd never know, wouldn't you?

 

-Ansem

[DragonMaster 1,166]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

I certainly do see the point you are making. I will take it into consideration.

[EternalReckoning 1,135]

Just try it, you never know until you try, even if the chances are slim, nobody ever got where they wanted without fighting the full battle. I would say if it costs nothing or very little to register, the least you can do is be honest, smart and give it a shot.

[Javelin434 3,164]

Do it. Apply anyways. You have nothing to lose except some time and maybe a hurt wrist, but the opportunities that being in NHS can unlock for you are limitless.

 

"I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one."
Mark Twain 

[DragonMaster 1,166]

I'll be honest, I was expecting to see this kind of advice, yet I was almost hoping to see some telling me to revoke...

 

To be absolutely clear, here is the paperwork I have to turn in, with:

A log of all "Service Activities", with a description and signature from the advisor

A log of all Extracurricular activities

A log of all Leadership Positions

A log of all Community Activities

A log of Recognition, Awards, and Work Experience

3 Teacher Recommendation Sheets

2 Activity Advisor Recommendation Sheets

 

The only things I'll be able to have anything written down AT ALL are the log of awards/etc. and the teacher recommendations. When I said that I'd be turning in blank papers, I really meant it. Should I really go through with it?

I mean, I certainly do see the wisdom in trying anyway, but I'm just really embarrassed with how little I can actually do. I was thinking that if I do it, I'd include a letter explaining that I realize my situation but decided that trying despite hopeless odds was better than just having it on record that I gave up. Do you all think that would be the best course of action?

[Soul Eater Evans 4,045]

Do it if you want, but I have a question.

 

 

Why do you want to get in?

 

That'll give me more insight.

[DragonMaster 1,166]

Do it if you want, but I have a question.

 

 

Why do you want to get in?

 

That'll give me more insight.

NHS is nationally recognized and is known for having stringent requirements for entry (3.6 Grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale is one of them). When applying for college, it can be very helpful to be able to put that you were accepted into the NHS. Aside from that, membership is purely an honor-thing, as far as I know  once you are accepted that's it. Plenty of people get into college without having even been considered as members, but it really helps to have it on your application.

 

That's really the only reason. I mean, sure a few of my friends are likely to get accepted, but it's not like they'll hold it over me.

[Soul Eater Evans 4,045]

NHS is nationally recognized and is known for having stringent requirements for entry (3.6 Grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale is one of them). When applying for college, it can be very helpful to be able to put that you were accepted into the NHS. Aside from that, membership is purely an honor-thing, as far as I know  once you are accepted that's it. Plenty of people get into college without having even been considered as members, but it really helps to have it on your application.

 

That's really the only reason. I mean, sure a few of my friends are likely to get accepted, but it's not like they'll hold it over me.

 

So it's basically a "prestige" thing?

 

I don't really think you should bother then. Sure, your friends'll be away, but if you are true friends, you'll stay in touch no matter what.

 

I still think you should try, if you have nothing else to do. If it'll get in the way of some other application, then give it up.

[DragonMaster 1,166]

So it's basically a "prestige" thing?

 

I don't really think you should bother then. Sure, your friends'll be away, but if you are true friends, you'll stay in touch no matter what.

 

I still think you should try, if you have nothing else to do. If it'll get in the way of some other application, then give it up.

in response the bolded: Nah, no one will actually be going anywhere. If you're accepted you partake in a ceremony at our school, then go out to lunch with the NHS advisor from our school. Aside from that, I'm not aware of any other "traveling" they get to do. In other words, school will pretty much continue as normal afterwords. I agree with your point, though.

 

In response to the rest of your post, yeah, it's pretty much for prestige. It won't be getting in the way of any other applications, I don't have anything else to do.

 

Well, I suppose I'll consider trying anyway then. I'd still appreciate any other opinions as well.

 

Thanks to everyone who has replies so far! This is why I love this site so much, all of the awesome people on it.

[Samantha Dominis 25]

I think you should apply for it.  I'm in NHS, but for my school it was different.  

[DragonMaster 1,166]

Well, I gave out my three teacher evaluation forms today, and I'll fill out all the paper work I can tomorrow. Then I'll turn it in on Friday.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I'm certain I won't get in, but if the planets align just right and bestow upon me the gift of celestial luck I'll be sure to let you all know.