The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious high school organization that prioritizes service, leadership, and academic excellence. Being part of the NHS is rewarding, and it also looks great on your college resume. If your school has an active National Honor Society chapter, you may want to consider joining.
However, because the NHS is such a renowned organization, you can’t just join; you have to apply. Your school’s NHS chapter will have clearly defined application guidelines, including maintaining a specific GPA, completing community service hours, and writing an essay.If the essay portion of the NHS application is making you nervous, don’t worry. Empowerly’s professional essay coaches have prepared a comprehensive guide to writing the National Honor Society essay, along with some examples to inspire you!
Step One: Ask For NHS Essay Examples
Ask your NHS chapter advisor whether they can share any essay examples with you. Your advisor helps review applications, so if you reach out to them directly, you can get a better idea of what your specific chapter is looking for. Examples can give you a better understanding of the tone, style, length, and general content needed.
Your school’s chapter advisor may also be able to provide you with a general prompt to guide your writing. However, specific application policies can vary by chapter, so your chapter advisor may not be able to give you any essay examples. If they can’t share any examples with you, we have some later in this article that can help!
Step Two: Outline, Focusing on the Membership Pillars
Every essay should start with a strong outline. For your NHS essay, the National Honor Society’s four membership pillars–scholarship, service, leadership, and character–will shape your structure. Your essay should be roughly 300-500 words, so you may not have enough space to address every pillar in-depth, but they should guide your writing.
Scholarship
Scholarship is the first of the four NHS pillars. National policy requires each NHS chapter to set a GPA requirement. The minimum is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but your school may have their own specific GPA minimum. If you want to highlight scholarship in your essay, don’t just list your academic achievements. Use your grades to show your work ethic, determination, and commitment to going above and beyond.
Service
The service pillar refers to volunteer work within both your school and your community at large. In your NHS essay, you can zoom in one particularly meaningful service opportunity and discuss what contributions you made, any accolades you received, and how this opportunity impacted you. You can also use these service examples as a way to demonstrate other important NHS pillars, like leadership and character..
Leadership
The third NHS pillar, leadership, can refer both to formal leadership roles as well as the traits that make a good leader. Show that you possess leadership skills like communication, strategic thinking, and time management. If you’ve held a leadership role, like being the president of a club, you can discuss it in detail, or you can highlight an informal experience where you stepped up and became a leader, like helping your younger sibling learn how to study.
Character
The final NHS membership pillar, character, is about honesty, integrity, and reliability. You will need to demonstrate your strong ethics and respect for others. Your chapter advisor may be able to access your disciplinary records, so if you have had any disciplinary issues, now is the time to openly address them and discuss how you’ve grown.
Step Three: Use Specific Examples
Specific examples are key to demonstrating that you fulfill all four of the National Honor Society’s membership pillars. Simply saying “I’m a good leader” is not compelling. You need evidence to prove your point.
Every example should have 3 parts:
- Give the necessary background info.
- Explain the specific actions you took.
- Analyze how this example demonstrates the NHS pillar that you are focusing on.
Make sure that you support every point you make with a strong example!
Step Four: Write
If you have a strong outline, the essay will practically write itself! Write a first draft and don’t worry too much about whether it is “perfect.” Once you get something down, it will be much easier to refine it during the editing process. After all, you can’t edit a blank page!
Step Five: Edit
Editing your essay isn’t just about making sure your grammar is correct; it’s also about making sure you fully answered the prompt with a compelling argument. After you complete your first draft, go back to the prompt and highlight exactly what it is asking you to do. Then, read through your essay and make sure that you answered every element with strong examples. If you are missing something, add it.
Pro tip: It may be beneficial to ask a friend, parent, or your English teacher to look over your draft. Since you wrote the essay, you can’t always look at it objectively. A fresh pair of eyes can help identify weaknesses in your argument or passages that don’t make sense.
Step Six: Submit Your National Honor Society Essay
If you follow each of these steps, you can feel confident you are submitting the best National Honor Society essay you can. Make sure that you adhere to your chapter’s deadlines and submission guidelines, as missing these details can disqualify your application. Good luck!
NHS Essay Examples: Crafting the Perfect Essay
Here are a few National Honor Society essay examples that can be a jumping off point for your own writing:
Highlighting Leadership and Service Example
From organizing community clean-ups to leading my school’s student council, I have always believed in the power of collective effort to bring about positive change. As a nominee for the National Honor Society, I am eager to continue my journey of leadership and service, guided by the principles that define the NHS.
To me, leadership is not just about holding a title; it is about inspiring and motivating others. As the president of the student council, I initiated a mentorship program that paired upperclassmen with freshmen to help them navigate high school life. This program not only improved the freshmen’s academic performance but also fostered a sense of community and belonging. Leading this initiative taught me the importance of organization while also showing me the impact that small acts can make. I am proud that I was able to use both my classroom knowledge and my empathy to make a difference.
Using my leadership skills in service is a cornerstone of my personal philosophy and moral character. Volunteering at the local food bank has opened my eyes to the pressing issues of food insecurity in our community. So, I organized a series of food drives, which collected over 2,000 pounds of food in six months. Through these efforts, I learned the value of perseverance and the profound impact that dedicated service can have on individuals’ lives.
Being a part of the National Honor Society would be an incredible honor. It would allow me to expand my efforts in leadership and service, utilize my scholarship and character, and collaborate with like-minded individuals to make a broader impact. I am committed to upholding the values of the NHS and contributing positively to both my school and community.
Emphasizing Academic Excellence and Character Sample
I have built my high school career upon the pillars of academic excellence and strong character. As a prospective member of the National Honor Society, I am excited to bring my dedication and integrity to a community of scholars who share my values.
Academics have always been a priority for me–not just for the grades but for the joy of learning and discovery. My commitment to academic excellence is reflected in my 4.0 GPA and my involvement in numerous advanced placement courses. I have always valued challenging myself academically, which was on display when I took AP Biology. Science is not my strongest subject, and I struggled initially. However, I was determined to succeed. I started studying every night and working with a peer tutor, and I was ultimately able to achieve an A in the course. I even decided to take AP Chemistry this year, where my scientific study skills are still paying off. I believe that education is a lifelong journey, and I strive to inspire my peers to approach learning with the same enthusiasm and curiosity.
My commitment to my academics also displays an important part of my personality: my character. Character defines us when nobody’s watching. I pride myself on being a person of integrity and kindness. Whether it’s standing up against bullying or offering support to a classmate in need, I consistently strive to serve my community and do the right thing. I am so committed to building character that I have joined my school’s peer mediation program to help other students resolve conflicts respectfully. This experience has turned me into an ethical leader, equipping me with the skills to effectively mediate disputes, foster meaningful dialogue, and build inclusive environments.
The National Honor Society represents a unique opportunity to continue growing as a leader and a scholar. I am eager to contribute my academic prowess and unwavering character to the NHS, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow members to uphold the society’s esteemed values.
Other Samples:
NHS Essay Example 1
From the moment I stepped into my high school, I knew I wanted to make a difference. Joining the National Honor Society (NHS) represents the pinnacle of that goal. The NHS is not just about academic achievement; it is about being a beacon of leadership, service, and character.
My journey began in freshman year when I joined the student council. I quickly took on leadership roles, including serving as vice president during my junior year. My most notable project was organizing a charity drive for a local children’s hospital, which successfully raised over $5,000 in donations. This experience taught me the importance of community and the power of collective effort.
Academically, I have always challenged myself to strive for excellence. Advanced placement courses in subjects like chemistry, calculus, and literature have pushed me to expand my knowledge and critical thinking skills. I honed my time management skills to maintain a 4.0 GPA while balancing my rigorous courseload with extracurricular activities, which has been demanding but rewarding. My academic endeavors are fueled by a genuine curiosity and a desire to understand the world better.
In addition to academics, I also prioritize service. I have dedicated numerous hours to volunteering at the local food pantry, where I help organize and distribute food to people in need. Additionally, I mentor younger students in our school’s peer tutoring program. Watching them grow and succeed is incredibly fulfilling, and it reinforces my belief in the impact I can make through service.
These experiences also demonstrate my daily commitment to character. I have participated in my school’s ethical leadership program, where we engage in discussions and activities centered on making ethical decisions and fostering a positive school environment. These experiences have honed my ability to navigate complex situations with honesty and respect, making me both a better person and a better leader.
The National Honor Society embodies the ideals I strive for: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. As a member, I will continue my journey of personal and academic growth, inspiring others to achieve their best and contribute positively to our community. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded peers and take on new challenges as I prepare for my future endeavors.
NHS Essay Example 2
Since childhood, I have always been driven to make a positive impact on society. The National Honor Society (NHS) presents the ideal opportunity to expand on this passion, combining my dedication to academics and community service with leadership and character.
My interest in societal issues has been a cornerstone of my high school experience. As president of the Social Justice Club, I have organized numerous events to raise awareness about issues like racial equality, gender rights, and environmental sustainability. One of our most successful projects was a community-wide seminar on climate change, which brought together local activists, students, and educators to discuss actionable steps for a greener future. This experience has deepened my understanding of social issues and the importance of advocacy.
I know that intellectual prowess will be key to changing society, so I have consistently challenged myself in school. Enrolling in advanced placement courses in history, sociology, and government has honed my study skills and broadened my perspective on the complexities of society. My hard work has paid off; I have maintained a 3.8 GPA while engaging with these demanding courses. My research paper on social media’s impact on political polarization was recognized at the state level, highlighting my ability to conduct impactful research.
Service is also a fundamental part of my commitment to social justice. As a volunteer at my local community center, I have helped organize after-school programs for children from low-income families. These programs provide educational support and recreational activities, aiming to create a nurturing environment for personal and academic growth. Additionally, I have participated in food drives and fundraising events for various social causes, reinforcing my belief in the power of community service.
In my quest for social justice, I have had to become a leader. I am the captain of the debate team. I guide my peers through competition preparation, ensuring that my teammates have the skills they need while fostering a positive, collaborative environment. This role has not only improved my public speaking and critical thinking skills but also taught me the value of listening and empathy. Furthermore, I serve as a peer mediator, helping to resolve conflicts and promote a positive school culture.
Character is the bedrock of all these endeavors. I strive to embody integrity, empathy, and resilience in every aspect of my life. I have been recognized by my teachers and peers for my commitment to these principles, receiving the school’s Character Award for two consecutive years. I also participated in the Ethics Bowl, which has further sharpened my ability to navigate complex moral dilemmas and reinforced my dedication to ethical behavior.
The National Honor Society offers a unique platform to further my academic and societal contributions. As a member, I hope to collaborate with like-minded individuals to initiate projects that address pressing social issues and promote academic excellence. I am eager to take on new challenges and continue growing as a leader and scholar.
Tips for Writing Your NHS Essay
- Be Authentic: Your essay should reflect your true self. Highlight your genine strengths and experiences without exaggerating your achievements.
- Focus on the Key Pillars: NHS values leadership, service, character, and scholarship. Make sure your essay touches on each of these areas.
- Use Specific Examples: Instead of vague statements, provide concrete examples of your accomplishments and experiences.
- Show Passion: Let your enthusiasm and commitment shine through in your writing. The selection committee wants to see your dedication and drive.
- Edit Your Drafts: A polished essay is crucial. Proofread your work and consider asking a teacher, mentor, or essay coach for feedback.
Write a Standout NHS Essay with Empowerly
If you really want to make your NHS essay stand out, Empowerly can help. Our expert essay coaches can help you outline, draft, and polish your National Honor Society essay, and we can provide continued support throughout your high school and college application experience. Remember, the NHS is just one part of a strong extracurricular profile. Our college counselors offer customized advice for every step of the college admissions process, including standardized test prep, school list development, and application timelines. Our students are so successful that 98% of them have been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools! Book your FREE consultation today.
Additional Resources:
If you’re trying to get inspiration for your Common Application essay, try Top 40 College Essay Ideas and Topics
For a leg on up on essay writing, read 12 Tips for Finding the Best College Essay Coach (2024)If you are unsure how to begin the college application process, check out College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed
