To brag first?

Kidding :D Congrats, and do it.

Yeah, you'll get those deans list and presidents list letters when you get a good gpa. I got an invite from those people but i think there was some crazy fee associated and didnt really care for it being on my resume... Didn't really matter to me.

As far as resumes, just listing your GPA, or "Deans list x#" is good enough. You're not going to want that thing crammed with info.

Do it. The more things to go on your resume the better.

What's a Dean's list and why does it sound so oninous?

Do it, I guess.

i think what @hurricaneivan29said is on point. it's good to have a good gpa and it's good to be on the dean's list but no one gives a shit about w/e school society you were in in the real world. it's just gonna be another line on your resume.

i got way better grades in college too but than you realize a ton of ppl actually have high gpas so honestly, a good gpa doesn't mean much either. it's really about how it makes you feel and what you did to get good grades. in my case, i dedicated way more time into school work and built consistency and better habits.

I was a part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars when I was in school. It provided me the opportunity to go to China with the International Scholar Laureate Program, so I would say it was probably worth joining.

@liquiddragon: yeah, its just easier to put the GPA on your resume, if that's what you're worried about. Also, think about it, the society is just a representation of your high GPA, so you're just being redundant on your resume by listing both. Space on your resume runs out fast. Tell em you did good and move on. Its the experience and accomplishments that you'll want to stand out, not a society that you signed up for.

Your deciding factor should be what you know the society will provide you, i.e. Scholorahips or education opportunities. Also, will these opportunities and benefits cost extra fees and what not? Will they actually benefit you?

Right now I am leaning towards not joining since I would rather put that money towards the societies I am already a member of: VFW, Marine Corps League, and Disabled American Veterans.

First of all, congrats man. Making Dean's List is a great honor unto itself (and something you shouldn't hesitate putting on your resume/CV).

I'm a little weary of "pay for the privilege" honor societies. I did pretty well in school, and I received some similar offers. There are many predatory organizations out there looking to make easy money in exchange for a formal document you can point to in a job application. Employers are likely going to be more impressed with your GPA and experience. You should be proud of your accomplishments, but I might do a little research into the organization first. Honors are supposed to be just that: rewards for your hard work and talents. Having to pay for an honor is a little sketchy. It's usually the other way around, and they pay you by way of scholarships.

All that said, do what feels right. I think you already have enough to beef up your future resume just by being on Dean's List.

I assume there's some kind of membership fee?

From what I've seen (disclosure: I never joined such a society, but was invited to, and did know some people who did), you can get out what you put in. Meaning, there's a bunch of people who pay the fee and never get anything out of it, but also people who get involved in honor society events/leadership and say it was well worth the price of admission mainly for networking.

Arguably the value of such opportunities depends on your major...I feel like it's not so important for science / tech but meeting the right people could be huge in fields like business or law.

IMHO the other groups you mentioned (VFW, Marine Corps League, and Disabled American Veterans) are more worthwhile and would stand out on a resume more to my eyes.

Totally agree. Pretty much just onanism.

I kid. Do whatever is good for your resume. Just don't take yourself seriously.

These three societies will do more for your resume than the NSCS. Someone else said lots of people get high GPAs. This is true to the point that it generally is needed to get your foot in the door, but the societies you listed here are going to help contribute to separate you from the pack (especially if you are involved in them in some way and can talk about your role).

@trafalgarlaw: It means that you did well in school and got very good grades.

domyessay said:

You can never be a top student with strict parents though. My uncle was a misfit in the family, because he was expelled from college after his first freshman semester.

I learned only one thing during my first semester: tryharding is nonsense. Your efforts are never noticed by some profs, just because you're an international student. The freshman winter break is almost over and I hate it to return to Stralsund again: my dad wanted me to study this business management thing and how it can help me to find a job?? who cares??

This is not a insult...but understand these college 'honor societies' are a dime a dozen. Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International, Gamma Beta Phi Society, and a dozen others are all out there. They are fine, no harm in accepting or joining unless they want monye. Thye legist ones typically do not have fees or dues. But, honestly, there are so many 'alphabet' honor societies that meeting a fellow will be non-existent. In the 30 years since college i have met ONE other Golden Key or Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma Beta Phi.

I will tell you think if you join one try to become an officer of the group. The groups gets money from the national 'head quarters' and sometimes enough to send you to a national conference where a brunette will give you sloppy oral down by the pool while you are in Scottsdale Arizona - its college. I'll admit you can be some cool people, get to work on a public service projects, and get to play with some money. Being an officer in any college group is good for a first resume, but you will take it off after the first or second job.