Applying for NHS

So you've been invited to apply for NHS, here is some info and 

a few tips to help you get accepted!

Sophomores with a 3.2 GPA or higher will be invited during their spring semester. 

Applications for Spring 2026 are due Feb 25th

Important Info for new applicants

You will be evaluated by members of the high school faculty and NHS student executive board.  Candidates are evaluated on the basis of leadership, service, character, and scholarship. 

Stay on top of your grades

Taking accelerated, AP, and dual credit classes definitely don't hurt but it's much more important that you have good grades in your classes no matter the level. 

Volunteer frequently 

NHS is all about volunteering and accumulating service hours so the more service hours you have when applying the better. Try to get more hours than the minimum requirement- volunteer opportunities are frequently presented throughout the school and in other extracurriculars. There's even a whole slideshow of opportunities on the Service Hours page. If you would like to see more current volunteering that NHS is doing, follow us on Instagram @bnhs_nhs.

Attempt to obtain leadership positions

This may seem like a tall order but it's not as daunting as it seems. You don't have to be the president of seven clubs and be running your own company, small positions can go a long way. It's not about how many leadership roles you've held; it's about what you've learned from them. Try new things and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Spend time on your applications

As tempting as it is to just speed run your NHS applications in one night, that would do more harm than good. Take the time to put together a good application, don't just turn in something you put no effort into. Take your time, and start as early as you can. Brainstorm and create an idea of what you plan on writing about. PROOFREAD! Just like in English class, good grammar and spelling are important. No matter how many hours you have, if you spell every word wrong on your application you're very unlikely to get in.  Have your peers read over your application, it never hurts to have someone else read it.