Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I join? Is it worth it if I won't earn lifetime membership?
    • NHS/CSF is a recognition of your hard work and good grades. Even if you are not a lifetime member, you can still list your semesters of membership on your resume, job applications, and college applications.
  • Do I have to qualify every semester?
    • Although we would hope that students will qualify each semester, you can miss a couple of semesters and still be eligible for lifetime membership.
  • Do I have to take honors classes to be in an honor society?
    • No, your eligibility is not based on being enrolled in honors classes. Honors/AP/IB classes do provide weighted grades, which can add to a student's grade point average and help them qualify for membership. Work with your counselor to challenge yourself appropriately.
  • Does my citizenship grade matter?
    • Yes, because these are honor societies, your citizenship grades matter. For NHS, any "U" citizenship grade disqualifies a student from membership. For CSF, any semester grade of "U" or "N" disqualifies a student from membership.
  • Do I need to qualify in 12th grade?
    • For both NHS/CSF, students must earn at least one semester in the 12th grade to qualify for lifetime membership.
  • Why do I have to pay dues?
    • Your dues payment covers the cost of senior cords, pin, seals, certificates and the honor society scholarship. Dues also cover the costs of the Freshman Installation Ceremony. NHS/CSF also supports Beautify DP by helping purchase tools and equipment for various projects on campus.
  • Can I get my dues waived?
    • Yes, fee waivers are available for students who receive free or reduced lunch. If you have concerns about paying your dues, please see Ms. Stone.
  • Can summer school classes count towards NHS/CSF?
    • No, only classes taken during the fall or spring semesters count towards eligibility for membership.
  • I can't remember how many semesters I have qualified. Who can I ask?
  • Is there a ceremony honoring members every year?
    • We have a Freshman Installation Ceremony in the spring of their 9th grade year. 
  • If I didn't pay for past semesters when I qualified, can I pay now in order to qualify?
    • No, payment needs to take place during the membership period, which follows after the end of each semester.
  • Why do I get notified after the semester is over as to whether I qualified?
    • Because qualification for NHS and CSF is determined by semester grades, we do not know if students are eligible until the semester is completed. For fall semester, students are notified in February. For spring semester, students are notified in September/October.
  • Do I have to do community service? Can I use hours that I already turned in to the Career Center?
    • NHS has a two-hour community service requirement. Students should complete those hours during the semester they expect to qualify by attending a Beautify DP or completing two hours through an approved community service organization. Students cannot use hours that they have already turned in to the Career Center for the graduation community service hour requirement. Students can turn in their hours to Ms. Stone first (who would deduct 2 hours), and then turn in their hours to the Career Center.