Membership
NSHSS helps today's scholars become tomorrow's leaders. Consider joining NSHSS for a one-time lifetime fee of $90 to be recognized and access a range of benefits including scholarship opportunities, leadership programs, volunteer activities, member events, career connections, partner offers, and a network of academically-outstanding peers.
Your membership fee goes toward the costs of member communications, benefits, technology support, and more. There are no fees to apply for scholarships. Your full benefits extend from high school to college and beyond. We are committed to supporting you on your path to greatness.
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Membership qualifications
NSHSS recognizes young scholars who have demonstrated excellence through their academic achievements based on objective criteria, including grades and test scores. Students must meet any one of the following criteria to be considered for membership.
A lifetime of benefits for high school, college, and beyond
Apply for scholarships to fund college, and engage in leadership events and college recruitment fairs. Expand your horizons with study abroad scholarships and summer programs. Gain real-world skills through volunteer service opportunities and internships. Enjoy ongoing scholarship opportunities and resource discounts during graduate studies. As an NSHSS Lifetime Member, connect with prestigious business partners for a competitive advantage.
Testimonials
When we ask new members why they decide to join NSHSS, they usually mention the access to scholarships, events, and leadership programs as their main motivators. After some time, the benefit our members tell us they appreciate the most about NSHSS is the network and connections they are able to make with other young scholars from around the world.
Membership perks
NSHSS partners and affiliates extend exclusive discounts to NSHSS members and their families. NSHSS works with top universities and organizations that provide scholarships, college prep, financial aid assistance, volunteer information, meaningful employment, and more, to extend resources throughout the lifetime membership of our NSHSS scholars. Be sure to check back frequently for more discounts and resources to be listed!
NSHSS Membership FAQS
NSHSS works directly with educators and educational organizations to identify students who may qualify. Students who we believe are qualified may be selected to receive an invitation. Members must be a student in high school and must meet ANY ONE of the criteria below:
- 3.5 Cumulative GPA (4.0 Scale) or higher (or equivalent such as 88 on a 100-point scale)
- 1280 SAT score or higher
- 1150 PSAT score or higher
- 26 ACT score or higher
- Score 4 or higher on any AP exam
- Total combined IB test scores of 36 or higher
- IGSCE Grade A or higher
- Top 10% rank in class
Qualified students who have been identified as meeting at least one NSHSS eligibility requirement may receive an invitation letter from the Society. You must be selected for membership to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
Once you receive your invitation, you can join online by accepting your invitation on our website: www.nshss.org/join. If you received your invitation by mail, you also have the option to join by mailing your confirmation card to the address listed on the card.
If you have not received an invitation but meet one of the criteria listed above, you can ask an educator to nominate you for membership. Please have an educator (teacher, counselor, etc.) submit the quick and easy online nomination here.
You may also apply to be invited. Complete the application for membership, including verification of qualifying achievement, to be considered.
As a new member, you will receive a welcome email immediately and membership kit within 15 business days after accepting your invitation. These materials will include:
- Your personalized certificate of membership
- A welcome letter from NSHSS with your membership ID number
- A press release that announces your membership in the Society
- Information about your benefits and how you can apply for scholarships
- Information from NSHSS partners and programs
- Free tassel drop (a $15 value gold nickel-sized in shape to be worn on the tassel of the graduation cap, provided by the school)
- Scholar sticker to proudly display NSHSS membership
Visit login to sign in to your member dashboard. Update your profile so you don’t miss any important messages, offers and information and begin exploring the nshss.org website or you can:
- Put your press release in the local newspaper to announce your membership to the world; announce it on social media
- Attend an NSHSS member event or college fair
- Write an article for the NSHSS blog or Scholars Journal
- Become an NSHSS Ambassador to tell others at your school about the Society
- Follow NSHSS on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook to get the latest updates and information
- Explore the discounts, scholarships, and other privileges offered by NSHSS partners
Yes, as part of our commitment to inclusivity and our desire to provide the same opportunities for all students, homeschool and online educators may nominate any student for membership who is in high school and meets ANY ONE of the following NSHSS eligibility requirements:
- 3.5 Cumulative GPA (4.0 Scale) or higher (or equivalent such as 90 on a 100-point scale)
- 1280 SAT score or higher
- 1150 PSAT score or higher
- 26 ACT score or higher
- Score 4 or higher on any AP exam
- Score 36 or higher on any IB exam
- Top 10% rank in class
Since the membership fees provide for the services of all members, we do request that you carefully and honestly assess your abilities to pay the fee when requesting a fee waiver. An application is required in order to be considered for a fee waiver. Fee waivers cannot be processed over the phone.