Emily Duarte
Scholarship awarded: NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship
Is NSHSS a Scam?
No, NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) is a legitimate organization founded in 2002 by Claes Nobel, a member of the Nobel Prize family, and James Lewis. The mission of NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor the highest-achieving high school students by providing them with the resources and network to succeed in college, career, and community.
Over the years, NSHSS has built partnerships with respected organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Abercrombie & Fitch, the U.S. Army, DECA, Columbia University, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and others.
Students are selected based on published academic criteria, and NSHSS membership provides access to exclusive scholarship opportunities (offered by NSHSS and its partners), leadership opportunities, member events, volunteer and service opportunities, and more.
NSHSS membership requires a one-time $90 fee, with no annual renewal fee, that supports the cost of these programs. Fee waivers are available to eligible students experiencing financial hardship, and NSHSS never charges members to apply for its scholarships.
What is NSHSS?
NSHSS is an academic honor society that recognizes high-achieving students from more than 26,000 high schools. Membership is by invitation and based on academic achievement. Members gain access to exclusive scholarships, college-prep opportunities, volunteer opportunities, partner benefits, member events, and other programs designed to support students from high school through college and beyond.
NSHSS membership is a lifetime honor. Members can list their NSHSS membership under Honors & Awards on scholarship and college applications, résumés, and future employment applications. Because NSHSS isn’t chartered through individual schools, membership travels with the student, with benefits that continue well beyond graduation.
$2,500,000 +
In scholarships awarded
to members by NSHSS and its partners every year
23 %
First-generation college students
nearly 1 in 4 NSHSS members are the first in their families to attend college
2,000,000 +
Members and growing
a community of scholars spanning high school, college, and career
26,000 +
High schools represented
across the United States
20 +
Years recognizing academic achievement
honoring academic excellence since 2002
90 +
Respected Partners
St. Jude, the U.S. Army & leading universities: Columbia, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech & more
Have you been invited to join NSHSS?
Receiving an NSHSS invitation means that you have met at least one of the organization’s published academic eligibility criteria.
Membership gives qualifying students the opportunity to receive lifetime academic recognition and access to NSHSS scholarship opportunities, member resources, events, career and college opportunities, partner benefits, and other programs.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with us directly, call our Member Services team at 866.343.1800 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET. You can also email us anytime at information@nshss.org.
Is NSHSS worth it?
NSHSS can be worth it for students who actively use the opportunities included with membership. The strongest value is likely to come from applying for exclusive scholarships, using college and career resources, participating in leadership programs, and engaging with the NSHSS network.
Because NSHSS membership is a one-time investment, members can continue to access benefits throughout high school, college, and beyond. Scholarship opportunities alone have the potential to offset the cost of membership, while ongoing access to resources and member benefits can provide value over time.
Members can access
$2.5M+ in scholarships awarded each year by NSHSS and its partners
Plus, educational, college, and career resources, exclusive partner benefits and discounts, a lifetime network and much more.
You pay
One-time membership
A single fee, with waivers available for students who qualify.
There’s a scholarship for your strengths
NSHSS and its partners award scholarships across a wide range of academic, creative, professional, and service-related areas.
A single scholarship award exceeds the cost of membership many times over.
And because NSHSS membership is a lifetime membership rather than a subscription, members can continue using available benefits through high school, college, and beyond.
Academic Excellence
STEM & Medicine
Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Music & Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Literature & Writing
Sustainability & Social impact
As an NSHSS member, you gain:
- Access to exclusive NSHSS scholarship opportunities available only to members
- A lifetime academic honor that strengthens college applications, scholarship applications, résumés, and future career opportunities
- Access to internships, volunteer service opportunities, grants, and career development resources
- Exclusive discounts and special offers from NSHSS partners
- Ongoing membership benefits and resources that extend well beyond high school
Without membership, you may miss:
- Scholarship funding opportunities and valuable partner discounts
- A recognized academic distinction to showcase under Honors & Awards
- Direct access to NSHSS-exclusive internships, grants, events, and networking opportunities
- A centralized source of college, career, and leadership resources, requiring you to independently identify similar opportunities elsewhere
Real students, real awards
Meet some of our scholarship winners
These are NSHSS members who earned scholarships through NSHSS and its partners. Every year, NSHSS awards millions of dollars to a diverse group of students.
Where your membership fee goes
NSHSS membership requires a one-time fee, not a recurring subscription. Membership fees help support the programs, resources, communications, technology, events, scholarships, and member services NSHSS provides.
There are no fees to apply for NSHSS scholarships.
Facing financial hardship? Fee waivers are available to eligible students so that qualifying students who cannot afford the membership fee can still have an opportunity to join.
How to spot a real NSHSS invitation
A genuine NSHSS invitation:
- Is based on verified academic criteria , including GPA, test scores, AP scores or class rank
-
Offers lifetime membership for a one-time fee
Provides fee-waiver options for eligible students
-
Never charges members to apply for an NSHSS scholarship
NSHSS will never:
-
Ask you to pay money to “release” a scholarship you have won
-
Ask for unnecessary sensitive financial information simply to verify a scholarship award
When in doubt, contact NSHSS Member Services directly at 866.343.1800.
What are the benefits of being an NSHSS member?
Scholarships
Members can apply for NSHSS scholarship opportunities, with millions of dollars awarded annually by NSHSS and its partners across academic, creative, career, and service-related fields.
There is no fee to apply for NSHSS scholarships.
Academic Recognition
NSHSS membership is a lifetime academic honor that members can include under Honors & Awards on scholarship and college applications and later include on résumés and employment applications.
College & Career-prep Opportunities
Members can access college-prep resources, career programming, internships, webinars, and other resources designed to support the transition from high school to college and career.
Events & Lifetime network
Members can participate in virtual and in-person events, college visits, Scholar’s Day experiences, educational workshops, and leadership groups such as the NSHSS Ambassador Program, Collegiate Council, and Fellows. Build meaningful connections with peers and mentors through these experiences and a network that can support you from high school through college and into your career.
Member Benefits & Discounts
NSHSS partners provide members with access to selected resources, programs, discounts, and educational services, including college-preparation and career-related benefits.
Service & Grants
Members can participate in volunteer service activities and will have opportunities to apply for grants supporting projects that make a difference in their communities.
What members say it’s worth
Members describe getting value from NSHSS in different ways, including scholarships, college resources, recognition, and opportunities to make a difference.
Lauren Forney
NSHSS Activism and Advocacy Scholarship Recipient
"I have a deep appreciation for NSHSS due to the incredible opportunities it offers. Participating in an Instagram Takeover and being a panelist, sharing insights on winning scholarships, was an enriching experience. The chance to connect with like-minded individuals through networking has been invaluable, and I'm especially grateful for the scholarships I've been fortunate to receive. These scholarships are instrumental in helping me pursue my dream of graduating college without accumulating debt. I applaud NSHSS for its commitment to investing in the futures of students across the nation, including mine."
Glendis Asoyang
NSHSS Ambassador
"I was encouraged to join NSHSS by an upperclassman friend and I can wholeheartedly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my academic journey. I especially love that NSHSS offers so many resources(webinars, scholarships, college tours, etc..) to guide and aide members to and through college and other post secondary schooling options. The NSHSS Ambassador community is a very friendly, supportive, and positive environment where members can socialize, network, and form meaningful connections. Personally I have connected and made good friends with the other NSHSS Ambassadors at my school and I would highly recommend joining NSHSS and applying for Ambassadorship as well!"
Ke'Lel Viltz
NSHSS Ambassador
"Being a part of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. From the moment I was accepted into the organization, I have been given access to a wide range of opportunities that have helped me grow both academically and personally. One of the biggest benefits of being an NSHSS member is the access to exclusive scholarships and grants. The organization offers numerous opportunities for financial assistance, which has been a huge help in funding my education. Additionally, NSHSS provides members with access to networking events, leadership opportunities, and resources to help further their academic and career goals."
Juliany Tartas
"What I love about NSHSS is that you get to make connections with people as well as building leadership skills by going to the events they hold and being a volunteer. I believe that being a member of this society has taught me that not only am I achieving my goals as a student but also as a leader."
Kathryn Schuhmacher
NSHSS Ambassador
"Being a part of the NSHSS has allowed me to make friends and connect with others in ways I never could’ve imagined. Being able to talk with kids like me about the things we are passionate about, even if they’re across the U.S., is something I would’ve never had without this organization. I’ve been able to work with so many amazing people, and have been given so many incredible opportunities to share my passions and to advance ahead of my peers. Amazing community of likeminded individuals, and support like no other."
Loic Ebelle
NSHSS College Freshman Scholarship
"I want to thank the NSHSS for the support it has always given me. I have been part of this Society since my junior year in high school. I started as a general member then became an ambassador my senior year of high school and now I am part of the Collegiate Council. I can not thank the NSHSS enough for all the good it has contributed to my education and success."
Sofia Barros
NSHSS Ambassador
"NSHSS is worth joining because it helps you so much with college, scholarships, and meeting other students and people that have the same focus, dream and work hard as you do. It also opens a big variety of different and important opportunities as a student."
Kayden Lindley
NSHSS Ambassador
"NSHSS is an amazing organization! It has helped me through my college picking process! It is aiding me in becoming my most authentic self while making friends! Their Ambassador program allows so many more opportunities readily available to me. I am eternally grateful to be part of this high achieving organization."
D'Liyah Lubin
NSHSS Ambassador
"NSHSS is amazing! I am proud to be surrounded by so many intelligent and ambitious peers. I have learned new leadership skills and how to improve as a person. I would definitely recommend any high school scholar to join!"
Mehkila Matthews
NSHSS Ambassador
"I’ve been an NSHSS member since October 2023 and just recently got accepted to be an Ambassador! It’s a very exceptional and inspiring community to be a part of. NSHSS has so many amazing benefits and opportunities such as scholarships, workshops/meetings, and who doesn’t love discounts? I love the fact that they are able to bring students and people in general within this society together no matter the race, no matter the gender. Whether it’s online or in person meet and greets! There is something for everyone to receive from this community even if it’s just insight! I’m very grateful to be a part of this wonderful society and I believe you will too!"
Laure Nzeni
NSHSS Ambassador
"NSHSS has been an invaluable part of my high school journey. Their commitment to recognizing and supporting high-achieving students has given me opportunities I am truly grateful for. Being a member has allowed me to connect with fellow scholars, access resources that have enhanced my learning, and engage in meaningful community service projects. NSHSS has not only celebrated academic excellence but also fostered personal growth and leadership skills. I'm thankful for the doors it has opened and the friendships I've made through this community."
Charlotte Nebbeling
Martin County High School, Stuart, FL, NSHSS Ambassador
"NSHSS is worth joining because you get many opportunities to improve our community. I have enjoyed getting opportunities to grow my leadership skills and build relationships with my community outside of school."
NSHSS benefits: scholarships, networking, opportunity, and more!
Why should you join NSHSS? Membership opens the door to a world of opportunities, from scholarships and leadership development to networking and career exploration. Discover how NSHSS connects high-achieving students from across the United States. Hear firsthand from our co-founder, partners, and members about the benefits, experiences, and lifelong connections that come with being part of the NSHSS community.
NSHSS recognizes academic achievement from high school to college and beyond!
Dr. Toi Herschman: Strategic growth and partnerships consultant at Encoura and ACT
NSHSS supporters include individuals like Dr. Toi Herschman from Encoura and ACT. We are very proud of our renowned partners and supporters who help us continue our mission to assist students with their journey to success.
Videos featuring NSHSS members, partners, and events!
Encoura, A Division of Act
St. Jude Children's Research Hopsital
$10,000 Be More Grant Winner: Ruby Tilghman
NSHSS Brings A Career Opportunity With CollegeAdvisor.com
Be Honored. Be More.
NSHSS members explain how they go above and beyond to be more for their communities and the world.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and NSHSS
Connecting to make a difference through honor and leadership.
Sofia Gonzalez on Scholar's Day DC
Educator of the Year shares her experience at the biggest NSHSS event of the year.
Share Your Passion
Judges selected winners in the World Betterment and STEAM & Innovation categories.
NSHSS Scholar's Day DC
Highlights from our annual member event.
Frequently asked questions
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive honor society—but students must still meet one or more objective criteria to qualify for membership:
-
3.0 Cumulative GPA (4.0 Scale) or higher (or equivalent such as 80 on a 100-point scale)
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1280 SAT score or higher
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1150 PSAT score or higher
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26 ACT score or higher
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26 PreACT score or higher
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Score 4 or higher on any AP exam
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IGCSE Grade B or higher
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Top 10% rank in class
Because we don’t operate through school-specific chapters like some other honor societies, we use a broad set of criteria to reflect the wide range of academic systems and testing formats across schools and regions. Many students are also recommended by an educator.
Learn more in these helpful blogs: "Is NSHSS Hard to Get Into?" and "Why did I Get a Letter from NSHSS?"
Honoring academic excellence is a core value of NSHSS. The invitation to join NSHSS, extended for free to high-achieving students who meet our academic criteria, is itself a form of recognition.
However, some confuse recognition as being the sole purpose of our $90 one-time lifetime membership fee. In reality, NSHSS membership includes a wide range of additional benefits, such as access to scholarship opportunities, free webinars, virtual and in-person events and college tours, global experiences like Nobel Week in Stockholm, discounts on test-prep services, leadership programs, a network of like-minded peers and more.
Furthermore, NSHSS never charges students to apply for scholarships. Some of our scholarships are open to the public, many are exclusive to members, and applying is always free.
For students facing financial hardship, fee waivers are available, because we believe every qualified student should have access to these opportunities.
It’s worth noting that virtually all recognized honor societies charge some form of membership fee, either directly to students or through school/district affiliation fees. The idea of a “free” honor society is a common misconception.
For example, the National Honor Society (NHS) charges schools a $385 annual affiliation fee, and local chapters often charge students $20–$50 per year to cover program expenses.
As a student moves from high school to college to the professional world, the concept of membership fees to join professional networks will become more familiar.
NSHSS membership offers real value, but like any opportunity, students need to figure out where the value lies for them personally. For some, honor and recognition may be all that is desired. Others will participate in the additional opportunities presented to truly experience the benefits and make their membership work for them.
NSHSS member benefits include:
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A nationally recognized credential to include under Honors & Awards on applications
-
A membership kit including a personalized certificate and a free tassel drop
- College and career-prep resources
…and so much more!
Our active members can speak for themselves about personal experiences through daily Instagram takeovers, showing how NSHSS has supported their academic and personal growth. We encourage anyone to reach out to them and ask questions.
Email us at CollegiateCouncil@nshss.org and we will connect you with our Collegiate Council Executive Board, our college student leaders, who can share insight into membership opportunities or offer academic advice. We also invite you to explore our testimonials and scholarship winner stories for more insight into the real impact of NSHSS.
As with any reputable honor society, NSHSS membership is a signal of academic achievement. Including it in conjunction with other achievements, such as a strong GPA, leadership roles, and community involvement can help you stand out in a pool of applicants.
NSHSS and its partners provide real, tangible benefits:
These experiences not only enhance your resume but also give you access to a network of like-minded peers and professionals who are passionate about academic excellence.
NSHSS has earned the support and recognition of numerous renowned and highly-respected universities, governmental leaders, organizations and institutions that recognize the value of NSHSS members. Our partnerships and collaborators include:
- Columbia University, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and top Ivy League schools (Harvard, MIT, Yale, Columbia, and more through our college tours)
-
And others
See our full list of partners here.
Our members regularly participate in exclusive panels, networking events, and workshops hosted in partnership with these organizations.
As Nancy Beane, former President of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) states, “As an educator for 45 years and a college counselor for 28 years, I believe that organizations like NSHSS help students to find their place, to find their voice; and then help them to figure out how they want to contribute to society in the future.”
NSHSS is a completely separate organization from the NHS. We outline the key differences in our blog, "NSHSS vs NHS: What's the Difference?" and in our FAQ.
NSHSS offers individual memberships that are not chartered through schools. This structure allows us to provide continuous benefits that extend beyond high school into college, and beyond. Membership stays with the student regardless of school transfers, homeschooling, or location. It is a lifetime membership and there are no renewal fees.
We clearly spell out our full name in all invitations and encourage prospective members to view our website to learn more. We also encourage students to join multiple honor societies, including the NHS. Many of our members are part of both and share their experiences on our social media channels.
We truly believe that there are so many students in need of peer networking, scholarship, service, and leadership opportunities, and it’s a massive undertaking that should be supported by multiple organizations.
It's a common misconception that a society must be connected to a school to be legitimate. On the contrary, many reputable honor societies operate independently of school chapters.
NSHSS can be easily differentiated from NHS by:
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Abbreviation: NSHSS (5 letters) vs. NHS (3 letters)
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Crest: NSHSS uses a circular crest with a shield, feather, and crown; NHS uses a polygon with a torch
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Colors: NSHSS is burgundy and gold; NHS is blue and white
As high-achieving students often qualify for more than one society, we encourage them to stay informed and take advantage of all opportunities available to them.
While we work diligently to raise awareness about the society, not everyone knows about NSHSS and its benefits. Some educators and counselors are less familiar with those national honor societies that operate independently of school-based chapters.
Membership with NSHSS is based on academic achievement and offers access to scholarship opportunities, leadership opportunities, a network of like-minded peers, and more. Our reach continues to grow each year, and we’re proud to be recognized by respected media outlets and educational partners.
Notable mentions include:
We also invite you to hear directly from our members and educators, like Sofia Gonzalez, NSHSS Educator of the Year, whose keynote speech at Scholar’s Day received a standing ovation. See more featured stories and articles here.