The National Society of High School Scholars: Is It Worth It?

July 30, 2024

By Eric Eng

Is it worth accepting an invitation to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)? At first glance, it might seem like an obvious choice. The organization describes itself as a prestigious academic organization focused on celebrating and assisting top-performing student scholars.

However, before you decide to pay that lifetime membership, it’s important to evaluate the potential benefits. Consider whether joining this society will truly be advantageous for you or if your money could be put to better use elsewhere.

What is NSHSS?

So, what is NSHSS? The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is a global organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring high-achieving high school students. Established in 2002 by Claes Nobel, its mission is to promote and support academic excellence among high school students.

NSHSS identifies students who have excelled academically, demonstrated leadership, and contributed to their communities. Members benefit from a wide array of opportunities, including scholarships, internships, and educational resources.

Among the scholarships offered are the Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship, the NSHSS STEM Scholarship, and the NSHSS Humanities Scholarship. These provide financial aid to students pursuing their academic and career aspirations. Additionally, NSHSS members gain access to various internships and resources designed to help them succeed academically and professionally.

How can you join the NSHSS?

Joining the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) involves meeting specific academic criteria and receiving an invitation. Here’s a detailed look at the process:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Students must meet at least one of the following:

3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent
SAT score of 1280 or higher
PSAT score of 1150 or higher
ACT score of 26 or higher
Score of 4 or higher on any AP exam
Combined IB test scores of 36 or higher
IGCSE Grade A or higher
Top 10% rank in class

2. Receiving an Invitation: Qualified students are identified and sent an invitation letter by the National Society of High School Scholars. If you haven’t received an invitation but meet the criteria, you can ask an educator to nominate you or apply directly on their website.

3. Accepting the Invitation: Upon receiving an invitation, you can join by accepting it online or by mailing the confirmation card received in the invitation packet.

4. Membership Fee: There is a one-time lifetime membership fee of $90, which covers member communications, benefits, and technology support.

5. Member Benefits: Once a member, you gain access to scholarships, internships, educational resources, leadership programs, volunteer activities, and a network of academically outstanding peers.

What are the benefits of becoming one of the National Society of High School Scholars?

Upon joining, new members will receive a welcome email immediately and a membership kit within 15 business days. The kit includes:

A personalized certificate of membership
A welcome letter with your membership ID
A press release announcing your membership
Information on benefits and scholarship applications
Details from NSHSS partners and programs
A free tassel drop for your graduation cap
A Scholar sticker to display your NSHSS membership

NSHSS partners and affiliates offer exclusive discounts to members and their families. Collaborating with leading universities and organizations, NSHSS provides a range of resources, including scholarships, college preparation, financial aid assistance, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful employment options. These benefits are available throughout the lifetime membership of NSHSS scholars.

Method Learning: Method Learning offers online tutoring and test preparation programs globally, assisting students in significantly improving their SAT and ACT scores.
SMARTTRACK: SMARTTRACK® offers members free access to licensed College Funding Advisors. These advisors assist in reducing college costs and maximizing financial opportunities through strategic decision-making.
College Aid Pro: the National Society of High School Scholars collaborates with College Aid Pro to provide families with access to CAP’s technology and expert college planning services. The MyCAP platform simplifies financial planning for college.
MedSchoolCoach: Explore medicine through Virtual Clinical Education with MedSchoolCoach. Shadow real physicians in various medical specialties for free and earn certification.
ACT and SAT Online Test: MathChops is an online math test prep program tailored for achieving perfect scores. It personalizes the learning experience for each student, covers math skills required for both the ACT and SAT, and only requires a 15-minute daily commitment.
United Planet: United Planet is a nonprofit organization that connects volunteers with communities in over 20 countries, offering immersive experiences and opportunities for meaningful impact.
The Intern Group: Enhance your resume and gain practical experience through The Intern Group. They offer global internship programs, including virtual options, to help you expand your network and advance your career.

Is the National Society of High School Scholars legitimate?

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is a legitimate organization with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, it often gets mistaken for the more prestigious National Honor Society (NHS) due to its similar name. The confusion is made worse by NSHSS’s practice of listing students’ high schools in its invitation letters, making it appear as though the organization is school-endorsed when it isn’t in reality.

Moreover, the $90 membership fee is often criticized for not offering significant value, as the large membership base diminishes the distinction of being a member. Moreover, some high schools do not recognize NSHSS regalia during graduation. While NSHSS offers substantial scholarships, the competition is fierce due to the vast number of members. In contrast, NHS is more reputable, school-affiliated, and does not charge a membership fee, making it a more valuable honor society for students.

Is NSHSS Worth It?

Determining whether joining the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is worth it depends on individual goals and circumstances. NSHSS offers benefits like scholarships, internships, educational resources, networking opportunities, and career development programs, which can be valuable for high-achieving students aiming to advance their academic and professional goals.

However, the membership fee, which varies by level and duration, may not be affordable for everyone. Critics have also questioned the organization’s marketing practices and the actual value of its benefits.

So, is NSHSS worth it? It can be, certainly! Students should carefully assess their goals and financial situation before deciding to join NSHSS. Exploring alternative ways to achieve their objectives, such as applying directly for scholarships and internships or seeking resources within their communities, may also be beneficial.

Will the National Society of High School Scholars positively affect my college application?

At this point, you may have asked yourself – does NSHSS look good for college? Joining the National Society of High School Scholars is not highly selective, so its impact on college admissions may be limited. The four tiers of extracurricular activities help evaluate the influence of such activities:

Tier 1: Rare achievements, like being a top state athlete or part of a national team, which significantly impress colleges.
Tier 2: High achievements, like being student body president, which are notable but less rare.
Tier 3: Common leadership roles, like varsity team captain, demonstrating good achievement.
Tier 4: Participation in clubs or volunteering, showing interests but less impact on admissions.

NSHSS falls into Tier 4 due to its lack of selectivity and leadership opportunities. In contrast, NHS, with stricter requirements, fits into Tier 3. Holding a leadership position in NHS can further enhance its value in college applications.

Joining the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is unlikely to significantly impact your college application. While some college admissions committees might view NSHSS membership favorably, it is not widely recognized as a prestigious organization.

So does NSHSS look good for college? It can be! College admissions decisions consider various factors, such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and test scores. However, NSHSS offers benefits like scholarships, internships, and educational programs, which can enhance your skills and achievements. Participating in NSHSS events and networking opportunities can also demonstrate leadership and community involvement, adding some value to your application.

Is NSHSS Hard to Get Into?

Getting into the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is not particularly challenging. Membership is based on criteria such as academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement. Students who meet these standards can be nominated by educators or apply independently.

While NSHSS is not widely recognized as a prestigious organization, it offers valuable benefits, including scholarships, internships, educational programs, and networking opportunities, which can help high-achieving students pursue their academic and professional goals.

How can you take advantage of the National Society of High School Scholars membership?

How do you take advantage of your NSHSS membership? There are several ways that students can take advantage of the benefits and resources offered by the National Society of High School Scholars:

Apply for scholarships: NSHSS offers a variety of scholarships for members, including academic scholarships, study abroad scholarships, and leadership scholarships. Students can apply for these scholarships to help fund their college education or other academic pursuits.offers extensive support for high-achieving students to excel academically and professionally.
Participate in educational programs: NSHSS offers a range of educational programs, including online courses, leadership conferences, and study abroad programs. These programs can help students develop their skills and interests and enhance their academic and career opportunities.
Seek out networking opportunities: the National Society of High School Scholars provides opportunities for students to connect with other high-achieving students from around the world through its online community and regional events. Networking with other students can help students build relationships and connections that can benefit them in their academic and professional pursuits.
Take advantage of career development resources: NSHSS offers resources to help students prepare for college and career success, including resume and interview workshops, career assessments, and mentorship opportunities.
Use the NSHSS member portal: The NSHSS member portal provides access to a variety of resources and benefits, including academic articles, study guides, and discounts on educational products and services.

The National Society of High School Scholars is an excellent organization for high-achieving high school students who are looking to excel in their academic and career pursuits. With a range of scholarships, educational resources, and networking opportunities, NSHSS provides its members with the support they need to achieve their goals and succeed in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get invited to join the NSHSS?

If you meet the criteria but haven’t received an invitation, you can ask an educator (teacher, counselor, etc.) to nominate you for membership by submitting an online nomination. Alternatively, you can apply directly by completing the membership application and providing verification of your qualifying achievements to be considered.

2. Is the National Society of High School Scholars considered prestigious?

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is not widely considered prestigious. While it offers various benefits such as scholarships, educational programs, and networking opportunities, it lacks the recognition and selectivity of other honor societies like the National Honor Society (NHS). The membership fee and marketing tactics have also raised questions about its value. Thus, while NSHSS provides useful resources, its prestige in the context of college admissions is limited.

3. Should I join NSHSS?

Deciding whether to join the National Society of High School Scholars depends on your individual goals and circumstances. NSHSS offers benefits like scholarships, educational programs, and networking opportunities, which can be valuable. However, it’s not widely recognized as a prestigious organization and requires a membership fee. Consider if these benefits align with your aspirations and if the fee is justifiable. Exploring other well-known honor societies or direct scholarship opportunities might also be worthwhile. So if you have asked yourself: should I join NSHSS? The answer is to evaluate your needs and options carefully and see if you have better options in store for you.

4. Does NSHSS look good for college?

Joining the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) may have a limited impact on your college application. While it offers benefits like scholarships and networking opportunities, it is not widely regarded as a prestigious organization by college admissions committees. Admissions decisions typically weigh more heavily on factors like academic performance, leadership roles, unique achievements, and personal essays. If you decide to join NSHSS, ensure you also engage in other high-impact extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities to strengthen your application.

5. What other prestigious organizations or groups can I join apart from NSHSS?

There are several prestigious organizations and groups that can enhance your college application:

National Honor Society (NHS): Recognized for academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.
National Merit Scholarship Program: Awarded based on PSAT/NMSQT scores.
Science Olympiad: Competitive events in various scientific disciplines.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): Focuses on leadership and business skills.
Model United Nations (MUN): Develops diplomacy and negotiation skills.
Key Club: Emphasizes community service and leadership.