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Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of this page is to address matters pertaining to eligibility for National Honor Society.  We hope this information is comprehensive and helpful.  If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Chapter Cosponsors, Ms. Dell'Elmo (sdellelmo@umasd.org) and Mrs. Sabato (dsabato@umasd.org).

1. Am I eligible to apply?

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

    • You are currently in grades 11 or 12.
    • You meet the GPA requirements outlined below.
      • 3.5 Unweighted GPA at the end of any grade
      • 4.8 Weighted GPA at the end of 10th grade
      • 5.6 Weighted GPA at the end of 11th grade
    • You have been enrolled at UMAHS for one semester. (This period is necessary for students to establish themselves academically and involve themselves in various service and leadership activities, and for the faculty to get to know them and the quality of their character.)

2.  I'm eligible.  How do I apply?

You will be notified by email of your eligibility.  At that point, directions for applying will be given to you in your first period class. All eligible students must complete and submit Candidate Information Forms and a Signature Form to be considered for membership.

3. I meet the GPA requirement -- is there more?

The GPA requirement meets the scholarship standard and is only considered for eligibility to apply for membership; acceptance into National Honor Society is based on your demonstration of the other three organizational standards: character, service, and leadership. The Candidate Information Form and Signature Form are designed to highlight how you embody those standards. These forms should be completed thoroughly, honestly, and accurately. Candidate Information Forms should reflect all in-school and out-of-school activities, service projects, leadership opportunities, and work experience during a student's high school tenure (i.e. nothing before 9th grade will be considered). 

4. Who decides if I am accepted for membership?

All applicants are considered for membership in a rigorous and thoughtful process that surveys faculty and staff (including counselors, coaches, sponsors, etc.) for feedback pertaining to how each candidate exhibits the pillars of National Honor Society -- character, service, and leadership. Furthermore, each candidate is reviewed at least twice throughout a series of meetings by a five-person Faculty Council. (Please note that the cosponsors facilitate these meetings but do not cast votes on candidate admission.)

5. When does the selection take place?

The selection process takes place over a period of several months. The selection process usually unfolds as follows:

    • Candidates submit materials by the middle of September.
    • Faculty feedback is collected by the middle of October.
    • Faculty Council meetings are held throughout October.
    • Decisions are returned to applicants by the end of October.

6. How will I know if I have been selected?

We will email students regarding the status of their selection no later than the first week of November.  Please check your school email consistently.

7. When is the induction ceremony?

This school year's induction ceremony is Monday, November 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

8. I'm not eligible to apply yet.  What can I do now to be a good candidate when I can apply?

Maintaining good grades, actively volunteering and taking on leadership roles within school and the community are great places to start.  Feel free to talk to an NHS member or sponsor for more details.