Question About Who's Who... "Scam"???

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Has anyone been elected by their university/college to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges?

A few weeks ago I recieved a letter in the mail stating that I was one of 9 students at my college who had been selected to be in this Who's Who. Upon researching the internet, I concluded that it was a scam, or "vanity press." Now I haved recieved a certificate in an envelope with my colleges return address.

Is this a scam? If not, what does it mean? I had never heard of this before and was not aware that my college participated. Are students with a certain GPA randomly selected or are there records reviewed by staff? Just a bit curious as I certainly haven't a clue as to why I was selected. Thanks for any info!

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I think it is a scam. They give you the "award", then try to get you to buy a book which lists you and the other "winners". You do get something for your money, but the award is pretty much meaningless to other schools and colleges.

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Thanks! Thats what I figured, and if it doesn't mean scholarship, it really does not matter... lol ;)

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Have you done anything special to grant being nominated? I have heard of it but know nothing about it.

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Good to know

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Yes, companies publish "Who's Who" books all the time. They ares simply lists of people who have done well enough at something to be included on the list -- which might be pretty unimpressive. Most have very little meaning.

They make money from selling you the book -- where you can see your name printed in tiny print along with thousands of other people.

I fell for it the first time ... back in high school ... but not since.

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Okay.. Thanks.. Im really new to all this so im reading around to find out whats, what.

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hello,

I was also elected for Who's Who in college, (and in high school but i didnt buy the book or anything) and for the letter i received it did not tell me to buy any books, or anything just congratulated me and said a professor nominated me. So I am assuming it was not a scam if it did not suggest you to be published in a book and to buy the book. Who knows if the award is worth anything though. :)

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Specializes in OB, Perinatal.

just a thought on these things.... when you create your cv or resume, you can list who's who for the years you were nominated. generally this type of recognition means you excelled academically, so it's not a bad thing to include on a resume. as far as actually paying to be included in the book, i wouldn't bother. simply put nominated to who's who 2001, 2002 etc on your resume. this is especially helpful when nurses are starting off early and do not have much to distinguish them from other new grads.

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