Where to Put National Honor Society (NHS) on the Common App

Founded in 1921, NHS is one of the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized co curricular student organizations in American high schools. Membership is typically determined by the cumulative GPA requirement set by a school’s chapter, as well as other service requirements without compensation to remain a part of the organization.

Arguably, the activities section of the college application is one of the more crucial sections worth focusing on. This section allows students the opportunity to showcase their extracurriculars – ranging from in-school clubs and athletics, to volunteering and attending pre-college summer programs. But the list doesn't stop there—activities like part-time jobs or caring for a family member also count and can make a significant impact!  While test scores and grades may get you through the door, it’s your personal statement and extracurriculars that truly frame your narrative and help you stand out in a sea of applicants, ultimately tipping the scale in your favor.

You could also consider including NHS in the Honors section if you believe it’s the best fit. However, keep in mind that the Honors section is typically reserved for awards and distinctions, such as earning a national scholarship or being named valedictorian. Some may have reason to believe that listing NHS in the Honors section may not make much of an impact to prospective colleges simply they can infer your general membership from other parts of your application, like your GPA and volunteer activities.

Often times, students mistakenly believe they need to fill every slot on their college application, especially in the honors and activities sections. However, that isn’t necessarily true. There's no "right" or "wrong" number of activities to list, and you definitely don’t need to fill every space. In fact, adding too many "filler" activities can come across as insincere to admissions committees, who are experienced enough to spot them rather quickly. Instead, focus on curating your activities to align with the narrative or "hook" you've been building throughout high school. Remaining authentic to yourself and your interests is the best way to approach the process. At the end of the day, the admissions officers are simply trying to learn more about the real you, not the version you think will impress them so keep that in mind in the upcoming months.

All in all,  the decision comes down to you and you only.  Ideally, the Activities section is a great place to list NHS, but if you have space available, you also have the option to include it in the Honors section. There’s no right or wrong approach to the college application process—everyone does it differently. Just make sure to refine your list of honors and extracurriculars and stay true to your interests and overall hook to make your narrative more impactful. Trust your judgment and do what feels right for you! Good luck!