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Who's Who and National Honor Roll have no merit. They cleverly appeal to the naive and gullible students and proud parents. Last year, I asked many of my classmates if they had received them and most had gotten them. These "prestigious" awards are no more than easy money makers for those companies. Over $60 for a book with my biography and picture? No thanks. Just to print your bio with a picture costs $15 WITHOUT the purchase of a book. There is no reason to put these mindless achievements on your college resume.

National Honor Roll is the slickest. On the bottom of the form, they request your grandparents' information (names, addresses, etc.) They not only want to scam you, but also your grandparents. Here's my take on it: Your exceptional grandson/granddaughter has been selected out of the top high school students in the nation to receive this amazing award. If you would like to order a record of their accomplishments, then please send a check for $65! LOL

I was laughing so hard at school. Some students get giddy about winning Who's Who and National Honor Roll. They boast to all their teachers and fellow students. Well, guess what? Those awards are sent to everyone in the country.

In fact, I threw all of those letters and forms in the garbage. I don't need other people giving out my personal information to colleges. I'm not interested in most of those institutions. I'll research and apply to the universities of MY choice. Plus, introduction letters from colleges mean NOTHING. They just want to send you stupid brochures and info on college selection.

By Welshie (Welshie) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 06:11 pm: Edit

I didn't get anything from Who's Who, nor did I get anythinng from National Honor Roll. I did, however, get something from National Society of High school Scholar's. Hooray.

-Jesse

By Datadigit1 (Datadigit1) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 06:12 pm: Edit

Yes, the Who's Who NHR is a total SCAM!

By Usna_Reject (Usna_Reject) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 06:13 pm: Edit

I hate those things. Everybody knows I'm the best student in the country anyways. I should make an autobiography.

By Televelis (Televelis) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 07:24 pm: Edit

I tried convincing my friend that colleges would laugh at her for putting them down on her resume... she didn't listen. Oh well.

By Zephyrmaster (Zephyrmaster) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 07:42 pm: Edit

Yeah, they are definitely scams...

Here are some low quality web cam pics from when I used my unoriginal alter-ego "Pete Zahut"...

http://home.comcast.net/~zephyrmaster/proof.jpeg
http://home.comcast.net/~zephyrmaster/proof2.jpeg

If Pete Zahut and myself can get it, being the same person, I don't think this award has a lot of... merit.

By Maryville (Maryville) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 09:47 pm: Edit

I actually was chosen for the honor of Who's Who, but I didn't pay to be in the book. Wasn't worth it.

By L_Wonder (L_Wonder) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 11:19 pm: Edit

I feel bad for the parents who send their child's name and photo into the local paper to celebrate the award. They should have some sort of meeting for parents to let them know about these scams.

By Haruko (Haruko) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 12:16 am: Edit

Those are scams.. they make you pay for the stupid book :p

By Welshie (Welshie) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 02:12 am: Edit

Zephyrmaster- what about National Society of High School Scholars? Pete didn't have what it takes to make it in there?

-Jesse

By Zephyrmaster (Zephyrmaster) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 02:19 am: Edit

Haha, I did, but Pete didn't garner that "honor."

Pay money to join a "society," of self-absorbed, gullible, or senseless people? No thanks.

By Nikelaos (Nikelaos) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 08:34 pm: Edit

yes, I'm wondering about the "National Society of High School Scholars" award as well... I received the invitation, and after seeing the names of the people "behind it" (e.g., Maya Angelou, the "Nobel" last name, etc...) I was tempted and eventually gave in and shelved over the 45 dollars or so...

But yeah. If you really think about the whole thing, it just seems really stupid. So after all, in my applications I ended up not mentioning them...

By Luckystar1111 (Luckystar1111) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 09:43 pm: Edit

I received a USAA Foreign Language Award because I was nominated by my Spanish teacher. The United States Achievement Academy sent me the letter. Is this an award or a scam? Did anyone else receive anything from this organization?

By Got2go (Got2go) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 10:28 pm: Edit

Simple equation:

you give them money==scam
they give you money==real

write down that equation and put it in your wallet. It will apply to anything you "win" or any "awards" you will ever receive in life.

By Stonefox (Stonefox) on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 07:57 pm: Edit

I don't know wheather or not these awards are scams or not. But I DO know that, if anything, they serve as good fillers for a college achevement page. I dished out almost $100 to the National Honor Roll and didn't get anything from them but a framed certificate that my mom had bought. But as for the "Who's Who" thing, I didn't have to pay for anything. If anyone else had to, please let me know, I must be missing something. Anyway, I don't know about you fine people but I've already dished out enough money for application fees and other things of that nature and I really regret having sent off that money for just a certificate. I don't even think I should have had to pay for it, I mean, If I'm such a "fine student" then I shouldn't have to pay for something i've already worked hard for. And even though (according to the other postings) some people who don't deserve the awards, still get them, I really DO work hard in school and I make sure that my achevements are recognized not through action, but through effort. As a matter of fact, the more I write about this subject, the more it upsets me. = (