National Honor Society (NHS) GPA Requirements
The National Honor Society recognizes high school students who excel in four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. While GPA is foundational for eligibility, selection is holistic and varies by chapter.
Typical GPA Thresholds
| GPA Scale | Typical Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unweighted (4.0) | 3.0–3.5 | Most common chapter range |
| Weighted (5.0) | 3.5–4.0 | Varies by district policy |
| Class Rank | Top 10–25% | Some chapters use rank proxy |
Selection Criteria: The Four Pillars
- Scholarship: Meeting or exceeding the GPA threshold
- Service: Verified community service hours with impact
- Leadership: Roles in clubs, teams, community organizations
- Character: Integrity, conduct records, recommendations
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Maintain a strong GPA trend with rigorous courses when possible
- Document service with outcomes, not just hours
- Seek leadership opportunities and demonstrate initiative
- Ask for recommendations early and provide activity summaries