[kdot]

Thanks to all who responded - especially for the links and personal experiences. There is a lot written about this organization - good and bad. It's a lot of money for a conference and isn't the academic honor as it advertises. But I can see some value depending on the child and career objectives.

Thanks again, my FReeper FRiends.

[jilliane]

My son was just “selected” for his “academic achievements” and received the letter of 12/8/2009. It’s easy for a person with a scholar to believe this as the materials echo all the things they believe to be true - their son/daughter is an outstanding person with high academic achievement. I’m puzzled by my son receiving this because no one knows what kind of student he is except those reviewing his report card and test scores and that’s a small group.

1. His school has not shared any of his academic achievements with anyone.

2. His PSAT (soph year) and first ACT taken a few months ago wouldn’t categorize him as a “national scholar”...my hunch is whatever list is shared by the ACT and PSAT that begins generating the college recruitment letters is probably tied in to this. Simply that he TOOK these tests early may trigger something. His actual scores did not trigger his selection unless the test company published test scores to marketing companies which I don’t think they do.

3. He was not nominated by a teacher as nothing in the letter says he was.

If this were a legit honor, I have no problem with the company behind it running at a profit. Some are obsessed with that but I am not.

My concern is that it is not a legit honor - college admissions office might chuckle at it.

I am suspicious that this is an elaborate, highly sophisticated marketing campaign selling a field trip.

My background is in marketing and I’m highly sensitive to marketing strategy and analyze beyond the fluff. The materials are expensive and second to none including oversized, beautiful invitation with the foil seal that when opened presents a highly personalized, database driven nomination that showcases your name at the top of the card-stock diploma and on the diploma lists the distinguished alumni from your high school by name from other classes who were also “honored” (aka. responded to the offer).

It’s impressive in its presentation and I’ve surely seen worse. If the materials weren’t so incredible, it’d be nothing more than a “You’ve been selected for inclusion in the International Who’s Who because of your achievements.”

Additionally, the credibility of the program is established through expert testimonial. The speakers list which includes an impressive list of politicans - both parties - of high titles. Republicans include Asa Hutchinson, Newt Gingrich but the laundry list of liberals is far greater...and their credibilty is further anchored through the board of advisors. It would be simple to get leaders on the list if you were working for the marketing company - just show the list of all the other leaders who are in and say its for select national student scholars. Many politicians wouldn’t hesitate to go along without digging further. I’m going to write my representative (R) who is on the list!

Sure the attendees of the field trip may be great kids from all over the country and the field trip is educational and provides return from your investment of $1400 - low budget field trip or not. They organize a massive trip to D.C. and require a dress code.

I think it’s a brilliant marketing program that hosts a low-budget field trip that the kids will love. Take it for what it’s worth, but use caution before adding it as a resume builder on the college application. Call the admissions offices first and ask if they consider it an honor worth mentioning.