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Pine RichlandNational Honor Society

Helpful Hints for the Application Process

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ipAcademic Eligibility

• Academic eligibility requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75

• Any student, not currently an NHS member, rising into 11th or 12 grade that meets the qualifying minimum GPA receives a candidacy packet

• Candidacy packets are mailed to the student’s home address on record

• Academic eligibility qualifies a student for candidacy

• Candidates must complete the application process to be considered for membership

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ipCandidacy

• Membership is not automatically conveyed simply because of academic eligibility

• NHS is not an honor roll

• Membership is for students that have genuine interest and experience in service and leadership

• Membership is granted only to those students selected by the Faculty Council on the condition of their having met the standards for selection based upon: scholarship, character, service and leadership

• Application is the only information available to the faculty council

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ipCandidacy

• Applications are anonymous (student ID only)

• Your previous reputation or relationships within the school community are not known or assumed

• Invest time to carefully complete each section according to the instructions

• Represent “your best” on the application in each section

• All sections should be complete with details provided

• Incomplete and/or late applications will not be reviewed

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ipApplication Materials

Candidacy Packet includes:•Letter of Eligibility•Candidacy Packet Checklist •NHS Selection Criterion•Teacher Recommendation Forms (2-blue)•Community Member Recommendation (1-purple)•Leadership Evaluation Forms (2-yellow)•NHS Requirements Agreement (1-green)•Directions to online NHS Application

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ipBeginning the Application Process

• Confirm that you have all required documents

• Read “NHS Selection Criterion & Requirements” to understand the challenge & commitment of NHS membership

• Carefully read the checklist paying close attention to:– Instructions for completion of candidacy process– Due dates– Submittal instructions

• Be sure to complete all required documents AND the online application form available at: www.pinerichland.org/nhs

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ipCandidacy Form & Essay

• Available for download on the NHS website

• Must be typed & printed (handwritten forms will not be accepted)

• Primary document for the faculty council

• Only chance to convey how you meet the qualifications of character, service & leadership

• Provide adequate details to evidence your qualifications

• Invest time in your answers and proofread

• Faculty council evaluates the entire application & all required documents

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ipEvaluation & Recommendation Forms

• Forms are given serious consideration by the faculty council

• Carefully select your recommenders (can not be a peer or family member)

• Be sure that the individuals you have selected for each form can evidence your qualities and experiences with concrete examples and details

• “Leading by example” and “will represent NHS well” are not adequate statements to evidence your qualities as an individual committed to service and leadership

• Give your recommenders adequate time to complete the required form

• Communicate to your recommender the importance of their evaluation/recommendation

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ipEvaluation & Recommendation Forms

• Forms are confidential

• Candidate (and parents) have waived the right to view the evaluations/recommendations

• Candidate name should not appear on the forms

• Only student ID# should be on the actual form

• Provide recommenders with an envelope that has your name written on a removable post-it note

• Forms should be submitted in the signed/sealed envelope

• Please follow the submittal instructions carefully for all forms

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ipCommunity Member

Recommendation Form

• attests to character & ability to meet the requirements of PR-NHS

• provides evidence & observations of specific actions or behaviors that demonstrate the strong character of the candidate

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ipLeadership Evaluation Forms

• Submit TWO leadership evaluations

• attests to leadership ability & experiences

• Provides evidence and observations of specific actions that qualify this student as a leader

• Stating a title or the responsibilities of a given positions is not sufficient

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ipTeacher Evaluation Forms

• Submit TWO teacher evaluations

• One must be a core subject teacher

• Provides evidence & observations of specific actions or behaviors that demonstrate the strong character of the candidate

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ipMembership Requirements

And Acknowledgement of NHS Commitment

• Candidate & parents must indicate their understanding of the requirements with a signature

• Important to fully understand the requirements to avoid strikes or dismissal

• Complete policies & procedures are on the NHS website: www.pinerichland.org/nhs

• Form submitted separately from candidacy packet

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ipSubmittal Instructions

• Arrange all forms in order according to the checklist• Attach all forms using a paper clip – do not staple• Recommendation forms requiring a sealed envelope should

remain in the envelope with student ID (not your name) marked on the front

• Place all materials – forms and sealed envelopes - in a large (9”x12” or 10”x13”) sealed envelope with your student ID # on the front (do not fold documents)

• Submit the signed Pine-Richland Chapter Membership Requirements agreement separately in a mailing envelope with your name marked on the front

• Submit to Room 424 on Friday, September 12 no later than 2:30pm