High school students often get mail notifying them they’ve
been nominated for supposedly prestigious awards, or for membership in
self-described exclusive organizations, but the honor comes with a price—the
student has to pay to make it official.
It smells like a scam because it almost always is, as this entry on
University of Virginia’s admissions blog points out. Here’s the most important part of the post:
"Are these organizations legitimate? Yes, insofar that they
exist and have members who pay fees for programs and conferences. However,
admission folks aren't really impressed by expensive certificates or
conferences…If you think the
experience will be beneficial to you in another way, go for it. Just don't do
it thinking it will have an effect on your application."