Is NSHSS Real?
Chances are that you’re reading this because you received a letter of invitation, learned about the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) from a friend, or found us online. You may be curious or a bit skeptical. That’s great! You should always do your due diligence and research every organization before getting involved.
Hopefully, we can answer many of your questions here.
What Is NSHSS?
The most common question we receive from students and their parents is, “What is NSHSS?” We are an internationally recognized honor society. Students who meet high academic performance standards are nominated to join our ranks including nominations by high school counselors, teachers, or other educators.
Students who choose to join become members for life. They may also take advantage of several perks we offer to help them pursue their academic and career goals.
Is NSHSS Legit?
Of course, you want to know if this is a legit organization. Sadly, students are often contacted by organizations that claim to be honor societies or other elite organizations. They often ask you to pay to have your name published in a book or promise rewards that never come to fruition.
We can assure you that this is not the case with NSHSS. We are a respected organization co-founded 20 years ago by a member of the Nobel family. We have partnered with dozens of well-known organizations, held events at accredited colleges and universities, and give more than $2 million in scholarships each year.
While the fee to join is a $90 once-in-a-lifetime fee to cover organizational costs, we offer much more than just printing your name in a bit of vanity press. Our members receive:
- Opportunities to apply for exclusive grants and scholarships
- Free virtual events and webinars
- Networking opportunities with other scholars
- Unique experiences curated by our partners
We encourage you to read more, and check out some great videos from our sponsors and scholarship recipients.
Is The National Society of High School Scholars a Scam?
You may have heard some things about us that make you wonder, “Is NSHSS a scam?” The answer to that is—absolutely not.
Let’s quickly address some of the more common rumors and concerns.
Myth: Anyone Can Get Into NSHSS if They Pay
This is absolutely untrue. The truth is that we have stringent admissions requirements. Students must meet one of many criteria, including being in the top 10% of their class, holding a 3.5 GPA, or a minimum score of 1280 on the SAT. Additionally, many students are nominated by a teacher or counselor at their school.
Myth: You Won’t Get Anything from Joining
Some students think they won’t get any meaningful benefits if they join. This is entirely untrue. Our members can apply for many unique grants and scholarships. They can attend free webinars, participate in conferences, attend leadership programs, get discounts on test prep services, and so much more.
However, we need students to understand that membership is what they make of it. You must be proactive, pursue the activities that interest you, and become an active participant.
Myth: You’re Just Paying for an Award
You aren’t paying for a certificate or access to scholarships. When you pay your membership fee, you are helping to cover administrative costs. This includes providing free memberships to economically disadvantaged students and families. The truth is that if you take full advantage of the opportunities you are given, you will receive benefits that greatly exceed your admission fee.
Myth: Universities Don’t Care If You Get into NSHSS
We’ve been told some students are advised not to mention their NSHSS membership to colleges and universities. This is based on a false assumption that schools simply do not care.
Here’s the truth. We regularly partner with colleges and universities to hold live events, give campus tours, and offer other programs to support students. Additionally, we have partnered with the U.S. Army, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and the CIA.
Students interested in joining NSHSS should be assured that their membership will be a powerful testament to their academic achievement. With more than 2,000,000 members all over the globe, NSHSS is a symbol of excellence recognized worldwide.
About NSHSS
Since 2002, NSHSS has supported young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. The mission behind NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor high-achieving students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career, and community. In doing so, NSHSS connects members with global events, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership programs, partner discounts, and more. Discover what makes NSHSS worth it to student members and how you can get involved.