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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Young Scholars
in our member community since 2002

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In Scholarships Awarded
by NSHSS and its partners annually

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High Schools
with NSHSS members
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
IGCSE Grade A or higher
Top 10% rank in class

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.

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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.

Lauren Forney
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 2
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."

Loicebelle2024
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."

Sofiabarros_2024
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."

KaydenLindley_2024
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."

Dliyahlubin_2024
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!"

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!

Method Learning provides online tutoring and test prep programs worldwide, helping students achieve significant score improvements in SAT and ACT exams.

SMARTTRACK® provides free access to licensed College Funding Advisors for members, helping lower college costs and maximize opportunities through strategic financial decisions.

NSHSS partners with College Aid Pro, offering families access to CAP's technology and expert college planning. MyCAP platform enables easy financial planning for college.

Explore medicine with Virtual Clinical Education from MedSchoolCoach. Shadow real physicians across dozens of medical specialties for free and earn certification. Start shadowing today!

MathChops is the recommended online math test prep program for perfect scores. It adapts to each student, covers ACT and SAT math skills, and only requires 15 minutes per day.

United Planet is a nonprofit organization connecting volunteers with communities in 20+ countries for immersive experiences and meaningful impact.

Enhance your resume and gain practical experience with The Intern Group. They offer internship programs worldwide, including virtual options, to help you grow your network and build your career.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a nonprofit zoo in Tampa, Florida, focusing on wildlife conservation and offering unique animal encounters for visitors.

Liberty University in Virginia offers 300+ programs of study on a large campus. Students are empowered academically and personally, driving change and inspiring each other to be extraordinary.

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.

Access the fee waiver application.