Is NSHSS Legitimate? Benefits and Downsides Explained

Download Article

Find out whether the NSHSS is worth the investment with our guide

Co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: March 27, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Is NSHSS a scam?
|
• Benefits
|
• Negatives
|
• NSHSS vs. NHS
|
• Should you join?
|
• Video
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

If you’ve gotten a letter or email from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), you’re probably wondering if it’s actually legit. While some people have labeled the NSHSS as a scam, they do offer exclusive benefits when you start a membership. We’ll walk you through what the NSHSS actually offers and what downsides users have experienced. Plus, we’ll cover how the NSHSS is different from the NHS program at school.

Is the NSHSS a scam?

While NSHSS is a real organization and they do offer perks for a membership, many people have claimed that the benefits are not worth the fees. Some schools recognize NSHSS honors on college applications, but listing it may not make a difference at other universities.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Is NSHSS a scam?

Download Article

1. 
   NSHSS is a legitimate organization, but some think the membership fee isn’t worth it. The NSHSS was founded in 2002 by Claes Nobel (of the Nobel Prize family) to recognize academic excellence, and they offer members real scholarships and exclusive benefits once they join. However, there are many people who believe that most college admissions overlook NSHSS memberships and that there are not enough benefits for the cost.

   • The NSHSS is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.
   • The reasons why some people believe that the NSHSS may be a scam are:
     • They believe the NSHSS is intentionally named to be confused with the NHS (National Honors Society)
     • The organization has aggressive marketing tactics, like sending multiple emails or large mailers
     • They believe the NSHSS shouldn’t charge if membership is truly merit-based
     • The NSHSS sends membership invitations to a lot of people
     • Universities don’t recognize the NSHSS on applications
Advertisement

Section 2 of 5:

Benefits of Joining NSHSS

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Exclusive lifetime membership When you become a member of NSHSS, you keep your membership through high school, college, and after so you continue having access to the other perks. You’ll get a membership invite in the mail or your email if you meet one of the following criteria:

   • 3.5 cumulative GPA (88 on a 100-point scale) or higher
   • 1280 SAT score or higher
   • 1150 PSAT score or higher
   • 26 ACT score or higher
   • 4 or higher on an AP exam
   • 36 or higher on combined IB test scores
   • A or higher on the IGCSE
   • Top 10% rank in your class
2. 
   2
   Access to scholarships & grants NSHSS offers exclusive scholarships to their members that are normally not available anywhere else. They also have the Be More Grant that you can apply for if you’re developing an entrepreneurial product or service. These scholarships and grants can help you save on college tuition.
3. 
   3
   Member webinars & networking events NSHSS has members-only virtual and in-person events to help you prep for college and careers in the future. These events include professional speakers, college or job fairs, and help with your application.
4. 
   4
   Opportunities for leadership programs and study abroad programs The NSHSS has ambassador and collegiate council programs that you can join for added opportunities in the organization. These leadership programs also can boost your application or resume to show that you’re driven to succeed.

   • Some programs also allow you to study abroad with a host family, which can also make your college applications look better.
5. 
   5
   Discounted ACT and SAT prep If you want to feel prepared for the ACT or SAT, NSHSS members get discounts to online courses that guide you through the material. That way, you can save even more money and improve your scores on the tests.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 5:

Negatives of Joining NSHSS

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Membership requirements are lower than other honors programs. While other honors programs have a set of requirements you must meet, NSHSS only requires you to meet one of the criteria to get invited. Some users claim that this means a lot of people are sent membership offers and it may not be as prestigious as it’s made out to be.
2. 
   2
   You have to pay a membership fee. The NSHSS charges a one-time $90 USD fee when you first become a member. Some users are unhappy with having to pay and feel like they aren’t getting their money’s worth when they can finally access the perks.

   • There is a possibility to get your membership fee waived if you’re in financial need, like if you receive Medicaid, SNAP, or participate in the National School Lunch Program.
   • While you don’t have to pay any fees when you apply for scholarships the NSHSS offers, some people argue that you can find scholarships on your own without having to pay a membership fee.
3. 
   3
   Scholarship applications are too competitive. While the NSHSS has exclusive scholarship offers for members, users have noticed that high-value scholarships have a lot of applicants. Because there are more people applying for each scholarship on the site, some members are frustrated that the scholarships they want are unavailable.

   • According to the NSHSS site, you may only win 1 scholarship per calendar year.
4. 
   4
   Events are crowded or not worth it. A few users who have gone to in-person NSHSS events have not been satisfied with their quality and how crowded they become. Because the events are only in specific cities or locations, some users have trouble affording to travel to them.
5. 
   5
   Schools may not recognize NSHSS memberships. Some users claim that because there are many members in the NSHSS, universities may not take it into consideration if you include it on your college application.

   • Before starting an NSHSS membership, talk to your school’s guidance counselor and universities you’re interested in to see if they take NSHSS into consideration for applications.
   • The NSHSS also offers regalia to wear during your graduation, but some schools may not allow you to wear it during your ceremony. However, the NSHSS offers refunds if you return the items in the same condition.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 5:

NSHSS vs. NHS

Download Article

1. 
   1
   The NSHSS and NHS are both honor programs that offer scholarships. The NHS is another program that recognizes academic excellence and leadership. Similar to the NSHSS, the NHS offers their members exclusive scholarships and programs that can make your college applications more enticing.
2. 
   2
   The NHS has stricter membership requirements. The NSHSS has a broad set of requirements, and you only need to meet one of them to be invited to the organization. The NHS on the other hand has 4 strict requirements that you must maintain to become a member:

   • Maintaining a 3.0 GPA or a B-average, though it may be higher depending on your NHS chapter
   • Doing community service for a set amount of time by the local chapter
   • Taking leadership responsibilities at school or in your community
   • Having good character and a clean disciplinary record
3. 
   3
   NHS fees are covered by your school. Because the NSHSS is an individual membership, you must pay the one-time membership fee on your own. Local NHS chapters are run by schools in your area, so they cover the larger fees of the organization.

   • Some NHS chapters ask members to pay smaller fees each year, but these are usually only around $20-40 USD.
4. 
   4
   NHS memberships are more recognized on college applications. NHS has been around for over 100 years while the NSHSS was only founded in 2002. Because the NHS is older and has stricter requirements to become a member, many college admissions offices like seeing it on your application because they know you’ll be a good student.
Advertisement

Section 5 of 5:

Should you join the NSHSS?

Download Article

1. 
   Become a member if you think the pros outweigh the cons. It’s up to you if you want to join the NSHSS, but ask your guidance counselor or universities you’re interested in if they believe it’s worth it. Here are the important details to remember before you make your decision:

   • Pros:
     • Access to exclusive scholarships and grants
     • Opportunities for leadership and study abroad programs
     • Discounted SAT and ACT test prep courses
   • Cons:
     • Paying a membership fee
     • Competitive scholarships or crowded events
     • The organization may not be recognized by universities

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

• If you don’t want to keep an NSHSS membership, you can get a refund for your membership fee if you cancel within 60 days. Call 1-866-343-1800 between 8 AM and 5 PM EST to speak to NSHSS Member Services.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement