How to Join a College Honor Society

Being a part of a college honor society truly is an honor. It's an opportunity to join America's top achievers and brightest minds. Academics, honor and integrity are stressed above all else. There are many honor societies to choose from, depending on your interests. The Association of College Honor Societies is the only agency that certifies college and university honor societies, by holding them to a rigorous standard.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know your options. There are general societies, specialized ones that focused on subjects like physics or music, freshman societies, leadership and two-year honor societies.

2. Study the honor society's criteria. Candidates should rank in the upper 35 percent of their class. That equates to a minimum GPA of 3.2 or 3.3.

3. Examine the governing body. There should be officers and board members who govern the society.

4. Research the campus chapter. An official chapter invites and chooses candidates to become members.

5. Look for a website. Honor societies are supposed to release certain information to the general public. This includes bylaws, membership fees, contact information and membership criteria and benefits.

6. Apply for membership. Contact the honor society for an application. Once they receive it, they will review it and determine whether you will be accepted.

Tips & Warnings

• Be wary of honor societies with post office boxes as addresses.
• Vague eligibility standards are a red flag.
• Honor societies that require a 3.0 GPA are more likely a recognition society than a true honor society.

Resources

• Association of College Honor Societies' official website
• National Scholars Honor Society's application