Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of NHS?

Membership is an application process. Students that want to become a member of the National Honor Society should attend NHS meetings and activities, even before they have been officially accepted.  Each high school has their own Google Classroom, Remind App, etc. to stay in contact with their NHS Students so be sure to ask the advisor at your school to be added in those groups before the applications are open. Students accumulate service hours and then, once the application opens in January, they submit an application that includes the completed Community Service Log and Verification Form. 

After the NHS Faculty Council has reviewed the applications in March, students will receive a letter of acceptance or denial. The official Induction Ceremony occurs in April for membership of the current academic year.

When can I start getting my volunteer hours?

The hours for the NHS application can begin after the current school year's application deadline, which for this year will be March 1st, 2024. So, for 2024-2025 membership, any community service hours documented from March 2024 and on will count.

How many students will be selected each year?

There is not a minimum or maximum "quota".  The Faculty Council will consider students' admission by using the Selection Rubric.

Can I work on my application in an ongoing basis?

Yes. Students can fill it out and submit it.  It will not save changes unless it is submitted.  Then, later, if the student can go back to the form to make changes and or additions, and then re-submit it. They can access their forms in their BPS Google Drive Gmail accounts.

How can I find out if my cumulative G.P.A. reaches the minimum requirement, which is a 3.5?

After the fall semester is completed, students can stop by the counselors' office and ask if their G.P.A. meets the 3.5 minimum for NHS.

How do I upload my Community Service Log and my Signature Verification Form?

1.  Scan the documents or take a clear photo.

2.  Upload them onto your BPS Google account.

3.  Copy the links and insert them separately into your online form.

4.  *** Share them with your NHS advisor(s)! If you do NOT share them, you may miss the application deadline!

View the instruction video if you have more questions.

Who is on the Faculty Council?

Five faculty members from your school as selected by the principal and/or NHS Advisor serve on the Faculty Council.

Once I am a member, do I need to reapply each year?

Yes. You will follow the same application process as prospective inductees. As long as you simply maintain the Minimum Requirements for Consideration, you will be able to continue in your membership.

If I don't get selected, can I reapply the next year?

Yes.  Perhaps the following year, you will demonstrate more commitment to First-Tier Community Service, or maybe you will take on more leadership in your extra-curricular activities or employment.  For example, students who did not get accepted as sophomores are still encouraged to apply as juniors or seniors, especially if they demonstrate that they have gone well beyond the Minimum Requirements for Consideration.

Can 9th graders apply?

No, a student needs to have completed three semesters of high school to be an inducted NHS member. See the Official Website for National Honor Society and Junior National Honor Society Student Membership.

I will be a sophomore next year and am interested in applying for National Honor Society.  Can I began recording volunteer hours now? What else should I know?                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 You can begin volunteering as of March 1 for the next school year and collecting signatures.  It may also be a good idea to contact the NHS advisor of your HS to ask if there is a Google Classroom or Remind, so that you begin getting announcements.  You do not have to be inducted into NHS to be an active member of the school NHS Club or Key Club. Membership meetings often begin very early in the fall.                

Why does the Faculty Council make the distinction between First-Tier, Second-Tier, and Third-Tier Community Service?

The Faculty Council would like to note that all altruistic service is to be valued; however, for the purposes of National Honor Society, First-Tier Service clearly demonstrates the one's commitment to serving the community.  First-Tier Service requires a student to get out into the community and find a passion.  It challenges students to leave their places of comfort and seek to right a social injustice or meet a need within the community.  Second-Tier Service is also valuable, but might be more comfortable or convenient as it is completed through a school organization, sport, or home church.  However, Third-Tier Service generally does not demonstrate a personal drive or commitment to a social justice cause.  It is easier, more comfortable, and does not challenge a student to explore one of his or her passions.  Third-Tier Service will not count toward one's 15 minimum hours nor will it be considered by the Faculty Council as a part of the selection process.  Students who list Third-Tier Service on their applications will most likely not be inducted into the National Honor Society.

If I do not get selected, but I feel I deserved to be inducted, can I appeal my case?

On the Signature Verification Form, students acknowledge that the Faculty Council's decision final.  Bismarck, Century, or Legacy High School's policy is that students can appeal their case to the school principal.  However, the principal's decision on the matter is the final level of appeals.

Can I accumulate all 15 of my hours in the summer?

Yes, however, the Faculty Council wants to be convinced that students are making service a part of their lifestyles rather than simply fulfilling a minimum requirement.  

I have served more than 15 hours this year.  Do I need to demonstrate that on my application?

The Faculty Council wants to see all of the hours that students have served over the year.  Serving more than 15 hours can show the Faculty Council that a student demonstrates a strong commitment to volunteerism.  (See Official Website for National Honor Society and Junior National Honor Society Student Membership.)

Do I have to apply online?

Yes.  Students will manually fill out a hard copy of the Community Service Log in an ongoing basis in order to accurately record hours and obtain appropriate signatures. They will upload this hard copy log, along with the Signature Verification Form onto the the student's online form. A failure to upload the application  by the deadline will result in non-selection.

Do I have to use my BPSapps Google account to apply?

Yes.  Students cannot access the online form otherwise. This is required because in doing so, the Faculty Council can be ensured that students have not impersonated other students since one's personal BPS username and password are required to access the form.

Do I have to be in National Honor Society Club in order to be inducted or in order to maintain my membership status? 

No.  Anyone who wishes to develop his or her leadership skills or participate in service activities can be in the National Honor Society Club.

Do I have to have a 3.5 G.P.A. to be in the National Honor Society Club?

No.  Anyone who wishes to develop his or her leadership skills or participate in service activities can be in the National Honor Society Club.