The National Society of High School Scholars is a distinguished academic honor society, committed to recognizing and serving the highest-achieving student scholars in more than 26,000 high schools across 170 countries. Criteria for membership is based on academic performance and is the highest among national high school honors programs. Since our founding in 2002, NSHSS has fostered a diverse and inclusive organization of exceptional young leaders of more than 2 million members spanning high school to college to career. Our mission is to honor academic achievement and provide unique resources and scholarships that enrich educational journeys, fuel career interests, and drive community impact.

Claes Nobel (1930-2021), a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, helped found NSHSS in 2002 to continue his family's legacy of recognizing and rewarding contributions to world betterment. He believed the world leaders of tomorrow emerge from today's youth and that NSHSS is a platform for young leaders to receive the support needed to change their world. As the chairman of the advisory board for the years leading up to his death, Mr. Nobel was personally involved in many of the Society's initiatives. He attended member events and provided input on the strategic direction of the organization.

As an active membership organization for high-achieving students, NSHSS is not a simple recognition program or vanity press. There is no listing of students published or a book to buy. Through its objective membership process, NSHSS is proud to be an inclusive organization, drawing from a broad, diverse pool of students and offering exclusive benefits and value to its members. Unique participatory activities include academic competitions, national events for members and their families, networking, and volunteer activities.

Membership with NSHSS is an individual membership and is not chartered through schools. Being an individual membership is what allows NSHSS to offer a continuity of benefits that extend after high school graduation, into college and beyond. Because it is based on the individual, not the school, it also means that membership remains with the student even if they transfer schools. It also means that any student who qualifies can be a member of NSHSS regardless of their location. Membership is for a lifetime and is not renewed annually.

Hear what a member of both NSHSS and NHS says about her experience as a member of both honor societies: 

NSHSS members will continue to enjoy the benefits of membership into their college years and beyond. After high school, members are still able to apply for scholarships, internships, and study abroad opportunities. NSHSS college members also have the opportunity to participate in unique events such as the festivities surrounding the Nobel Prize awards in Stockholm, Sweden. 

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
• IGCSE Grade A or higher
• Top 10% rank in class

• 4.375 Cumulative GPA or higher on a 5.0 scale
• 5.25 Cumulative GPA or higher on a 6.0 scale
• B+ Letter Grade Average or higher
• 90th Percentile Grade Average or higher, on a 100 point scale

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

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 a membership kit within 15 business days after accepting your invitation. These materials will include:

• Your membership certificate
• A welcome letter from NSHSS founder Mr. Claes Nobel 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 (to be worn on the tassel of the graduation cap)
• 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

Sign into your member dashboard to access all scholarship applications. Select “Forgot Your Password” if it is your first time signing in. Once you are in your member dashboard, select “Apply for Scholarships” and "View All Current Open Scholarships." 

If you would like to submit this press release for publication, please contact the editorial department(s) at your local newspaper(s) and/or local magazine. You can easily locate the newspaper or magazine online, and contact the editorial department(s) via the email listed on their website. You may submit to multiple newspapers and media outlets if you wish. Following these guidelines will help increase the likelihood of publication:

• Attach your photo and biographical information, including honors and awards
• Provide your contact information so the newspaper or media outlet may easily reach you or your family if they have additional questions
• Reproduce multiple copies of the release so that it may be sent to newspapers, radio, television stations, and other local sources
• Send a copy of the release to your high school newspaper, parents' company newsletter, and other organizations of which you are a member
• Address each to the "Community News Editor"

Please share your press coverage with NSHSS by emailing pr@nshss.org.

You may cancel your membership at any time; however, to receive a refund, you must cancel your membership within 60 days from the time your membership was processed. Membership cancellations can only be processed over the telephone, so please give Member Services a call at 866-343-1800, Monday – Friday, 8a-5p EST.

***NSHSS Membership Fee refunds are only available during the first 60 days from the point of acceptance and payment. For more information about how to maximize the benefits of your membership through scholarships, events, chapter engagement, leadership opportunities, and networking with like-minded scholars, please visit nshss.org or contact: information@nshss.org

To update your member profile or address, go to www.nshss.org and log in to the Member Dashboard of the website. Click "My Profile" and update address, email or any other information required. Alternatively, you can send an email to information@nshss.org and our Member Services team will update your profile.

NSHSS has a one-time membership fee of USD $90 for members in the United States and Canada. There are no annual dues or renewals. This is a lifetime membership. Additionally, students are eligible to apply for a waiver of the fee if they can demonstrate financial need: www.nshss.org/fee-waivers.

***NSHSS Membership Fee refunds are only available during the first 60 days from the point of acceptance and payment. For more information about how to maximize the benefits of your membership through scholarships, events, chapter engagement, leadership opportunities, and networking with like-minded scholars, please visit nshss.org or contact: information@nshss.org

You can join online at nshss.org/join. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, AMEX, Apple Pay, and PayPal. If you join through the mail, checks or money orders can be made payable to NSHSS and mailed to NSHSS Headquarters, 1930 North Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319, along with your Confirmation Card and Personal Confirmation Code. Should you require a copy of your confirmation card, please email information@nshss.org, and we will email you a copy. 

***NSHSS Membership Fee refunds are only available during the first 60 days from the point of acceptance and payment. For more information about how to maximize the benefits of your membership through scholarships, events, chapter engagement, leadership opportunities, and networking with like-minded scholars, please visit nshss.org or contact: information@nshss.org

Like most membership organizations, a fee is charged to help cover the organizational costs of fulfilling our mission. Our one-time, lifetime fee covers virtually all expenses associated with membership in NSHSS, including access to benefits and opportunities available only to members of NSHSS, such as:

• Access to unique scholarship opportunities and academic competitions
• Publications and member-only web content
• Member communications including regular emails and e-newsletters
• Service and leadership opportunities
• Unique outreach from top domestic and international universities
• Unique offerings through our partnerships
• Personalized membership certificate
• Personalized press release for distribution to local media
• Peer networking

***NSHSS Membership Fee refunds are only available during the first 60 days from the point of acceptance and payment. For more information about how to maximize the benefits of your membership through scholarships, events, chapter engagement, leadership opportunities, and networking with like-minded scholars, please visit nshss.org or contact: information@nshss.org

It is our commitment that the membership fee and its payment never stand in the way of a qualified student becoming a member. We offer fee waivers for applicants who demonstrate financial need. An application is required in order to be considered for a fee waiver.

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

All fee waivers are processed within 4-6 weeks. Please wait at least six weeks after submitting your fee waiver application before contacting Member Services for a status.

If your fee waiver is approved, your member kit will be mailed to you and a welcome email will be sent to your email address.

If your fee waiver request is denied, you will receive an explanation email within that same time frame.

Your personal confirmation code is printed on your confirmation card, on the bottom right corner of your invitation letter or provided on your email invitation. If you do not have your invitation letter or confirmation card, you can email NSHSS headquarters at information@nshss.org and an NSHSS team member will assist you.

Any high school educator (teacher, principal, counselor) may nominate high school students (grades 9-12) who meet any ONE of the criteria listed below. Educators may nominate students by visiting their Member Dashboard after registering as an official NSHSS Educator here.

• 3.5 Cumulative GPA (4.0 Scale) or higher (or equivalent such as 88 on a 100-point scale)
• 26 ACT score or higher
• Score 4 or higher on any AP exam
• Total combined IB test scores of 36 or higher
• Top 10% rank in class
• 1280 SAT score or higher
• 1150 PSAT score or higher
• IGCSE Grade A or higher

Membership with NSHSS begins with recognition of academic achievement, but it doesn’t end there. NSHSS serves to help high-achieving students successfully transition from high school to college and from college into their young professional lives. Membership with NSHSS is for a lifetime. In addition to more than $2.5 million in college scholarships annually, the benefits of membership include: direct connections with university admissions officers at public and private institutions worldwide; scholarships and discounts for summer and semester study abroad programs; workshops to explore career opportunities with the Central Intelligence Agency and science/technology-focused corporations, among other partners; special discounts on leadership programs and testing and tutorial services; and exclusive member events where scholars meet like-minded peers from other communities.

Any educator (teacher, principal, counselor) may nominate high school students (grades 9-12) who meet our eligibility criteria. Educators can nominate students for membership online after registering here. 

Members must be high school students who 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
• Top 10% rank in class

Students join NSHSS while they are in high school, and their membership continues throughout their lifetime. Since NSHSS was founded in 2002, there are more than 2 million scholars from 170 countries that make up the current membership. NSHSS scholars are committed to the pursuit of academic excellence and embody the values of Mr. Nobel’s family tradition that include ethical action, service leadership, and expressions of altruism. NSHSS members are diverse: 45% are multi-lingual; 40% are White; 20% are African-American; 18% are Latino/Hispanic; 12% are Asian/Pacific Islander; and 10% are Multi-Racial; and 24% are first in their family to attend college.

NSHSS has a one-time membership fee of USD $90 for members in the United States and Canada. Upon joining NSHSS, new members receive a free Graduation Tassel Drop (a tassel will be provided by the member’s high school prior to graduation), a personal letter of recognition in honor of  Mr. Nobel, personalized press release, and an embossed membership certificate that can be framed. For students facing financial hardship, fee waivers are available, as the Society does not want to inhibit any prospective member’s ability to join our lifetime network. For details on how to secure a fee waiver, visit /fee-waivers.

There is no fee for educators to register with NSHSS.

Student contact information is provided by teachers, counselors, and educational partner organizations.

Yes. Homeschool educators may nominate any student for membership who meets one of the following NSHSS eligibility requirement:
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
Score 5 or higher on any IB exam
Top 10% rank in class

We welcome educators’ attendance at NSHSS Member Events. Member events are celebrations of academic achievement. NSHSS Member Events are open to all members and their immediate families, as well as educators. Events are held throughout the year in the United States. 

NSHSS Advisory Board members and Nobel Laureates attend, as well as educational, corporate, and government partners such as the Central Intelligence Agency and U.S. Department of State. Admissions officials from esteemed universities also participate in college fairs and discussion panels. These events are unique opportunities for students to learn about the college admissions process and financial aid. Scholars are inspired by corporate executives and Nobel Laureates, and are encouraged to pursue their unique mission in life and to use their talents for world betterment.

For a complete list of events, please visit our Events page.

NSHSS high school members are given the opportunity to nominate high school teachers, counselors, principals, and coaches who have made the most significant contribution to their academic career.

Eligible educators must be outstanding role models and positive influences, those who have made a lasting difference in students’ lives by encouraging them to strive for excellence. Your comments in the “Reason for Nomination” section will be closely reviewed to ensure that the educator meets this criterion.

NSHSS will recognize all educators who meet the criteria and who are nominated, regardless of the number of nominations that any one high school educator may receive.

NSHSS will send an email to your teacher to let him/her know that you have nominated them for recognition in the NSHSS Educators of Distinction program. In addition, your teacher will receive a letter of congratulations naming you as the student who nominated them, a personalized press release, and invitations to NSHSS member events.

To confirm that NSHSS has received your nomination, you may login to the member portion of the NSHSS website. In the section titled “Nominate Educators” you will be able to view the name of the educator whom you have nominated for the Educators of Distinction program.

Yes. In the nomination form, please provide the school name of where your teacher is currently teaching and describe the reason for your nomination in the comments section of the form.

Only educators at the high school level are eligible for nomination in the Educators of Distinction program.

Any high school educator, including a principal, counselor, or coach, is eligible for nomination in the Educators of Distinction program.

Educators who have registered as NSHSS Educators are eligible to apply for grants. Click here to register for free as an NSHSS Educator.

Click here to log in to your dashboard. Once you are logged in your dashboard, select “Apply for Grants.” Grant applications appear on educator dashboards only. You can also browse the open grant opportunities on our Grants webpage.

NSHSS Educators of Distinction are outstanding educators—nominated by NSHSS members—who are leaders in both their school and community. By offering exclusive grants to NSHSS Educators of Distinction, NSHSS aims to empower leading educators as they continue to improve students’ lives both inside and outside of the classroom. Click here to learn more about the NSHSS Educator of Distinction program.

Educators are invited to apply for grants via email. You may also browse open Grant opportunities on our website.

No, if you unsubscribe from any NSHSS emails, you will no longer receive grant email invitations. Be sure to set your NSHSS contact preferences to “allow” to receive grant notifications. To edit your contact preferences, log in to your dashboard, and select “My Profile.”

Most grants require a statement, resume, principal or headmaster recommendation, and a headshot (photograph) suitable for website posting.

NSHSS grant applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date.

You should receive an email confirmation that your application was successfully submitted. You can also check your application status this way:

1) Log into your NSHSS Dashboard: https://dashboard.nshss.org/

2) Click on Apply for Grants> Click Here to View Current Open Grants

3) Go to My Applications (in the top right corner)

4) On the My Applications dashboard, you can see the status of your applications. If it has been successfully submitted, you will see a green check mark and “submitted” as the status.

NSHSS educators are eligible to receive one NSHSS grant per academic year.

The Educator of the Year Award of USD $5,000 may be received once every 5 years.

Methods of grant disbursal vary. Some grants—used for educational purposes or conference attendance—are either sent directly to the educator or to the school where the educator teaches. While other grants—such as grants used for graduate school—are sent directly to the recipient's university. U.S. educators are required to submit a W9 form to NSHSS to receive the funds directly.

Recipients of grants that are to be used for educational purposes are required to submit an NSHSS Educator Grant Report indicating how and when the grant was used—as well as how students have directly benefited from the grant.

Applicants are typically notified roughly 6-8 weeks following each grant deadline. This may vary for each grant as we may rely on internal and external grant committees. All applicants are notified of the results via email. 

NSHSS requires IRS compliance if funds are provided directly to an individual, school, or organization.

NSHSS grant recipients who receive grant funding directly are required to provide an explanation of their use of the grant funding by submitting an NSHSS Grant Final Report. Visit your member dashboard, click Apply for Grants, and toggle to the My Applications tab after you have accepted your grant award to complete this form.

NSHSS members who are in their sophomore, junior, or senior in high school and have a 3.7 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale (or a 93 on a 100 scale) are eligible to apply to be an Ambassador.

Applications for the Ambassador program are available every year. An email will be sent to all NSHSS high school members (sophomore to seniors) regarding the application opening and more details about the program.

NSHSS Ambassadors are student leaders within their high schools who demonstrate strong academics and a commitment to community service. As role models to their peers, Ambassadors are responsible for representing the Society in their schools and inspiring their peers to get involved in community activities that interest them the most.

Ambassadors have first priority to volunteer at NSHSS member events around the country.

As a role model to other scholars, Ambassadors are expected to use their leadership skills in facilitating volunteer work and projects within their schools on issues of most interest to them.

NSHSS encourages our Ambassadors to participate positively in social media forums to answer questions about membership in the Society, as well as share the good work in your local community.

Ambassadors will be invited to join an exclusive forum available to only Ambassadors and create their own, unique profile. This forum is a venue that allows all NSHSS Ambassadors to communicate with each other and create discussions about current initiatives and proposed initiatives as well as seek advice on topics such as college acceptance, bullying, LGBT strategies, and tips on running for leadership positions within their schools. They also have the ability to share photos, join their state group, and share contact information with each other. You may also contact ambassadors@nshss.org and we will aid you in finding other Ambassadors or NSHSS members within your high school to get connected.

Educators at your school may nominate peers you suggest who meet the NSHSS membership criteria (3.5 GPA of higher) for membership. If you have a list of peers you would like to nominate, talk to your educator about the Society. Your educator can submit nominations here. If needed, educators may ask for additional information about NSHSS by emailing Ambassadors@nshss.org or calling (866) 343-1800.

Each NSHSS scholar participating in the Ambassador Program will receive a personal letter of congratulations; an Ambassador Certificate; a special Ambassador T-Shirt; a Social Media Guide; and details about your role as an Ambassador.

We are happy to assist you! Call us at 1-866-343-1800 or email us at ambassadors@nshss.org.

To update your member profile or address, go to www.nshss.org and log in to the Member Dashboard of the website. Click "My Profile" and update address, email, or any other information required. Alternatively, you can send an email to information@nshss.org.

The payment options available for the NSHSS Store are currently Discover, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, and Apple Pay. For e-store purchases only, PayPal is an additional option.

Yes. NSHSS honor cords, honor medallions, honor stoles, tassel drops (no tassel included), lapel pins, and spirit wear are on our e-store and are available exclusively for NSHSS members, their parents, and our educators. Before you order your graduation regalia, please check with your principal or graduation coordinator regarding your school’s graduation policy on wearing graduation items. You can also save your graduation regalia for a memento, use them for family photos or have them framed.  If you need to return graduation items, it must be within thirty (30) days of purchase and in the original packaging for a refund or exchange. For more information on Graduation Merchandise, see Graduation Merchandise Policy.

All online e-store orders are processed and shipped from our warehouse and should arrive within 15 business days of online purchase. You will receive an email (at the email you provided when you joined) with a United States Postal Service, (USPS), and tracking number. You can track your merchandise at www.USPS.com. You can also find a link to your order number and tracking information on your Member Dashboard.

Shipping Options: If you choose Standard Shipping, your order will be processed and leave our warehouse and should arrive within 15 business days of online purchase. It will be shipped to you via USPS First Class Mail. If you choose other services, your order will be shipped to you per your chosen option and you will be able to track it here.

If you have any questions about your order, please email information@nshss.org, and we will respond as quickly as possible. Otherwise, please refer to your email to track your merchandise shipment.

Expedited Shipping: Please be aware that we do NOT offer Overnight shipping. If you request Expedited Shipping at Checkout, your order will be given top priority and will process and ship via the USPS and should arrive within 3 business days of online credit card purchase. You will receive an email with the tracking number and you will be able to track it here. track it here.

What is the Refund, Return or Exchange Policy?

REFUND POLICY. Refunds will be issued for select merchandise only returned to NSHSS within 30 days of original purchase and returned in the same condition it was received. We will not accept returns or issue a refund if items are returned after 30 days. NSHSS is not able to refund shipping and handling fees. The member must pay shipping charges for returns.

RETURN POLICY. For all packages sent to NSHSS for a return or exchange: Please write RETURN or EXCHANGE on the outside of the package. Include a note with the following information: order number, contact email, phone number, and a note explaining the action you would like taken. NSHSS is not able to refund shipping and handling fees. Members must pay shipping charges for returns or exchanges.

EXCHANGE POLICY. We will exchange any defective item within 30 days of purchase for the same item if the original item is returned within 30 days in the same condition it was received. If you wish to exchange a clothing item due to a sizing issue, we will exchange your clothing item for a different size upon receipt of the original item if it is returned within 30 days in the same condition it was received. NSHSS is not able to refund shipping and handling fees. The member must pay shipping charges for exchanges.

Return Address: Please send any items for Refund/Return/Exchange to NSHSS Headquarters, Returns Processing, 1930 North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30319. NSHSS is not able to refund shipping and handling fees. Members must pay shipping charges for refunds, returns, or exchanges.

NSHSS merchandise and spirit wear is for our members, their parents, and our educators. If you are a parent or grandparent and would like to order merchandise, place your order online and check out as a guest.

All online e-store orders are processed and shipped from our warehouse and should arrive within 15 business days of online purchase if Standard Shipping is the option. Expedited Shipping: Please be aware that we do NOT offer Overnight shipping. If you request Expedited Shipping at Checkout, your order will be given top priority and will process and ship via the USPS and should arrive within 3 business days of online credit card purchase. 

Merchandise and member kits are usually packaged together. Larger merchandise items are shipped separately, but should arrive within days of the member kit. You will receive an email when your merchandise ships that will allow you to track your merchandise. As long as your item has been fulfilled, you can track your merchandise shipment via your order number and tracking information on your Member Dashboard.

Contact NSHSS e-store customer service at information@nshss.org.

All NSHSS members who are eligible for a particular scholarship, regularly receive email updates listing upcoming scholarships that include eligibility information and the scholarship deadline. It is best to apply as soon as possible. New scholarship applications open throughout the year.

Visit /dashboard/ to sign into your member dashboard. Select “Set Up Your Password” if it is your first time signing in. Once you are in your member dashboard, select “Apply for Scholarships.” You may also browse the available scholarship options on the Scholarships page of our website.

NSHSS scholarships for high school and college students are available year-round. To apply for an NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) scholarship, high school or college students should follow a set of steps to ensure a thorough and competitive application. Here’s a guide: 

1) Explore Available Scholarships 

2) Review Eligibility Requirements:

• Be aware that some NSHSS scholarships for high school students are available to members only.

3) Prepare Required Documents: 

• Such as official or unofficial transcript, resume, professional headshot, letter of recommendation(s), and any additional materials.

4) Write personal essays: 

• Please follow the listed word count and review your application thoroughly for any grammar or spelling mistakes. 

5) Secure Letters of Recommendation: 

• Students can request up to 2 and cannot submit their own letters of reference. Recommenders will have to submit the letters through the online scholarship platform. 

6) Apply online: 

• Complete the scholarship application online through the NSHSS portal. Ensure that all required information and documents are submitted before the deadline. Once you do, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted. 

Scholarships are offered to students with interests in the arts and humanities, STEM fields, leadership, and more. Consider how closely your essay aligns with the essay prompt. The number of applicants for each NSHSS scholarship varies, so the most effective way to increase your chances of winning is to be selective and apply for scholarships best suited for you and your interests.

Develop and maintain superb organizational skills. Routinely update your resume, and keep a headshot and transcript handy to plug into any scholarship when needed. You should only be creating the essay for each varying essay prompt. Do not try to fit a previously prepared college admissions essay or scholarship essay into a prompt for which it does not fit. The best essay will be one you create specifically for a particular scholarship essay prompt.

Visit https://www.nshss.org/scholarships/tips-advice/ for more scholarship tips.

For questions regarding NSHSS scholarships, contact us at scholarships@nshss.org.

It's important to note that an "easy" scholarship can vary, and what might be considered easy for one person may not be the same for another. Scholarships for high school students or college students come in diverse forms, and their application processes can range from simple to more involved. Here are a few types of scholarships that are often considered relatively straightforward:

1) No-Essay scholarships

2) Local scholarships

3) Short-response scholarships

4) Social media contests 

While these types of scholarships may be perceived as more accessible, it's essential to approach the application process with care. Remember when applying to scholarships from different organizations that you verify the legitimacy, review the requirements, and apply to those that align with your interests and goals. When you apply to scholarships with this mindset, you may find the application relatively "easy."

We encourage students to apply for any scholarship program that is a good fit and for which they are eligible. There is no limit to how many application you can submit. As a rule, NSHSS does not award more than one scholarship to the same applicant in any calendar year.

NSHSS provides scholarships for high school students. For example, suppose you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year winner and have yet to enroll in a college or university. In that case, your scholarship award will be held. 

When you accept your award and complete the Accept Your Award form, choose “Please hold my award until I graduate high school and have enrolled in a college or university.” Selecting this will notify the scholarship administrator to hold your scholarship award until graduation.

If you are taking a gap year, please notify the scholarship administrator and provide a timeline of your enrollment status.

Start researching scholarships in advance. NSHSS scholarship opportunities are listed year-round at https://www.nshss.org/scholarships/. Select the scholarship that interests you to view the essay prompt and begin drafting your essay.​ A resume, transcript, educator recommendation, and a headshot are also typically required. You do not need to submit multiple transcripts, photos, and resumes. All applications and materials are handled through the NSHSS Survey Monkey Apply site. Any specific file formats required are listed within the application. Once these are submitted, they may be used for any NSHSS scholarships you apply for. Once you submit the application online, you will be unable to edit your answers. 

Essay: Word counts generally provide approximate guidelines, but keep your answers close to the number of words requested. If a scholarship response must not go over a certain word or character count, that will be indicated in the instructions.

Educator Recommendation: An educator recommendation supports your reputation as a student, e.g., your academic performance and motivation, demonstrated leadership, emotional maturity, school activity participation, and community awareness and involvement. You only need one educator recommendation per application, but you have the ability to request up to two. For example, you may wish to have a science teacher recommend you for a STEAM scholarship, or a writing teacher recommend you for a literary award. Each NSHSS scholarship application contains the online recommendation link to provide to one of your educators. All educators will need to register on the NSHSS Survey Monkey Apply site in order to upload a recommendation. The application and educator recommendation may be submitted in any order, but both must be submitted before the scholarship deadline. 

If your educator is already registered and has completed a recommendation, they do not need to create a new account. They can re-enter the NSHSS Survey Monkey Apply site here: https://apply.nshss.org/acc/l/. 

Resume: Your resume should contain your contact information, your academic standing (prospective academic titles of success, e.g., valedictorian or salutatorian) awards, leadership activities, extracurricular activities, community service, and references. Do not include activities and awards prior to high school unless your achievement is outstanding, e.g., winning the National Geography Bee or founding a charity at a young age. If you are enrolled in honors, AP, or IB courses, list your cumulative, weighted grade point average. If you are enrolled in regular-level courses, list your cumulative, unweighted grade point average. Transcripts will validate the grade point average and rigor of coursework in either circumstance.

Transcript: You may submit either your official or unofficial transcript—only one—whichever is easiest for you to attain. Your educator recommendation will support your academic reputation along with your cumulative official or unofficial transcript. Official or unofficial transcripts will need to be uploaded to your application, unless specified. 

Headshot: A headshot is a photograph of a person from the neck up. Headshots are required for possible website and social media postings and press releases in case an applicant becomes a scholarship recipient. Scholarship recipients are also featured quarterly in the digital newsletter and the NSHSS Scholar’s Journal.

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is known for recognizing and providing opportunities for high-achieving students, including high school scholarships. Membership can demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and may offer access to exclusive resources, scholarships, and events. Also, including NSHSS on your resume or college application can showcase your academic achievements and involvement in a prestigious organization.

Determining the "best" scholarship for high school students or college students depends on your strengths, interests, and goals. Different scholarships cater to various criteria, such as academic achievement, leadership, community service, specific talents, or intended fields of study. Any scholarship is an achievement when used as financial assistance to further your education at your college or university of choice and brings you one step closer to a brighter future. 

If a teacher has yet to receive a request for a letter of recommendation via email, then the issue might be related to the school's firewall blocking the communication. Here are a few steps that could be taken to address the situation:

1) Direct Communication with the Teacher:

•  Please reach out to the teacher directly and inform them of the situation. Provide details about the scholarship application, the deadline, and any specific instructions for submitting the letter of recommendation.

2) Alternative Email Address:

•  If possible, please ask your teacher if they have an alternative email address (not associated with the school's firewall) where the request can be sent.

3) Check Spam or Junk Folders:

• Teachers should check their spam or junk email folders, as sometimes automated emails may get filtered into these folders.

4) Whitelist the Scholarship Platform:

•  The school's IT department or the teachers themselves may whitelist the email address from the scholarship platform to ensure that future communications are not blocked.

Addressing this issue immediately is vital to keeping the application process smooth sailing. We want to let you know that we can't accept letters of recommendation after the deadline. 

The magic happens when students, teachers, and our scholarship platform team work together. So, please communicate to our team when you and your recommender are experiencing any issues. Your success matters to us; we're here to ensure everything goes seamlessly! 

The difficulty of attaining a National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) scholarship can vary based on several factors, including the specific scholarship, the number of applicants, and the competitiveness of the selection process. NSHSS offers a range of scholarships for high school students and college students, each with its own set of criteria and requirements. You increase your chances of receiving a scholarship by applying to multiple and creating a unique application. 

Consider each scholarship essay prompt and only apply for scholarships for which you would be a strong candidate. Some scholarships support students with interest in STEAM fields, students with extensive community service experience, students who will be first generation college students, etc. Most NSHSS scholarships are merit-based.

Of course! If a student receives a scholarship, they can apply it to any college or university, whether national or international. However, it's always a good idea to check your school's policies and procedures when reporting scholarships and let our scholarship administrator know if any specific information should be included in the scholarship letter.

NSHSS scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s college or university, unless specified. NSHSS scholarship funds may be used at any accredited college or university internationally. If you are still in high school or are putting college plans on hold, NSHSS will hold your funds for you until you are enrolled, but you must select to hold the award when completing your Accept Your Award form. Any additional questions about disbursement should be sent to scholarships@nshss.org directly.

Numerous colleges and universities offer various scholarships, and what might be considered the "best" depends on individual preferences, academic goals, and financial considerations. Some universities are known for their generous financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities. 

For example, Harvard is renowned for its generous financial aid program, which includes need-based grants rather than loans. They are committed to making education accessible for all admitted students, regardless of financial background. We are proud to report that as of 2023, twelve NSHSS high school scholarship recipients attend Harvard University. 

No, if you unsubscribe from any NSHSS emails, you will no longer receive scholarship email invitations. Be sure to set your NSHSS contact preferences to “allow” to receive scholarship notifications. To edit your contact preferences, sign in to your member dashboard, and select “My Profile.”

When applying for scholarships, kindly ask your preferred recommender for a recommendation at least three weeks prior to the scholarship deadline.

If the scholarship application specifies online submissions only (no printed or mailed copies), it's important to stick to those guidelines. NSHSS uses an online platform to streamline the application process, manage submissions efficiently, and ensure a fair and standardized review.

Following these submission guidelines ensures a fair evaluation process and keeps things aligned with our procedures. Your success is our priority!

Qualifying for college scholarships involves a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership, community service, and sometimes financial need. Below are some general steps to increase your chances of qualifying for college scholarships: 

1) Maintain a strong academic record 

2) Participate in extracurriculars 

3) Demonstrate leadership skills 

4) Engage in community service 

5) Pursue your passion

6) Research and stay informed

7) Be aware of financial need requirements 

8) Meet application deadlines 

NSHSS scholarship applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date. Upon submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging your submission. Should you not receive a confirmation email, please contact scholarships@nshss.org.

Review for applications does not begin until after the program closes. Applicants are typically notified roughly 6-8 weeks following each scholarship deadline. This may vary for each scholarship as we may rely on internal and/or external scholarship committees. All applicants are notified of the results via the email utilized to create their applications on their member dashboard. Please be sure to provide a valid email address to ensure you receive scholarship updates.

We're thrilled to welcome international students into our scholarship community. It's an exciting journey, and we want to ensure you have all the details you need.

Each scholarship has its own set of eligibility requirements. So, take a moment to review those specifics for each scholarship you're eyeing. 

We appreciate your commitment to the application process. It's important to note that we cannot make any edits once the application deadline has passed. Our deadlines are carefully set to ensure a fair and organized review process for all applicants.

We highly recommend thoroughly reviewing your information before hitting that submit button to avoid errors or inaccuracies. However, we understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances can arise, leading to critical mistakes or the need for additional information. If this happens, we have specific procedures in place to handle these scenarios and can guide us on how to proceed.

At NSHSS, we are proud to foster diversity and inclusivity by offering a range of scholarships tailored to the experience of our members. Here are some of the minority scholarships available: 

1) NSHSS First Generation Scholarship 

• Eligibility: Open to first generation college students of all levels
• Award Amount: $1,000

2) Claes Nobel Future Female Leader Scholarship

• Eligibility: Open to high school female seniors 
• Award Amount: $1,000

3) NSHSS Diversity Scholarship 

• Eligibility: Open to NSHSS members in their sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school
• Award Amount: $2,000

These scholarships reflect our commitment to empowering students from diverse backgrounds. We believe in the potential of every NSHSS member to make a positive impact on the world. 

All online e-store orders that are shipped via Standard Shipping should arrive within 15 business days of online purchase unless you choose a faster shipping option.

If you would like to submit the press release for publication, please contact the editorial department at your local newspapers and local magazines. You can usually locate their email addresses on their websites. Following these guidelines will help increase the likelihood of publication:

• Attach your photo and biographical information, including honors and awards.
• Provide your contact information so the newspaper or media outlet may easily reach you or your family if they have additional questions.
• Copies of the release may be sent to newspapers, radio, television stations, and other local sources.
• Send the release to your high school newspaper, parents' company newsletter, and other organizations of which you are a member.
• Address each to the "Community News Editor."

Please share your press coverage with NSHSS by emailing pr@nshss.org.

In order to receive our email messages, please add information@nshss.org to your address book. Failure to do so may prevent you from receiving email from us. In order for you to receive our email messages, log in to your Member Dashboard, click on, “My Profile”, and scroll down to Contact Preferences. Select your preferred forms of communication with NSHSS to ALLOW email communications.

Current NSHSS partners are listed on the NSHSS partnership page.

Current NSHSS contact information can be found in the footer of every page on our website. You can always contact us by emailing information@nshss.org or by calling 1-866-343-1800.

If you have forgotten your password, go to https://dashboard.nshss.org/ to log in.

• Click the “forgot my password” link at Log In to reset your password.
• Enter the email on your account; you will be sent an email.
• Follow the directions in your email to reset your password.

If your email has changed, or you do not remember which email was used to create the account, please send an email to information@nshss.org and an NSHSS team member will assist you.

NSHSS provides its members with information about a wide range of opportunities that align with their journey from high school to college to career. Eligible members are encouraged to apply for scholarships, internships, study abroad, and partner offers and to register for events, webinars, tours, and more. Please note that applying for an opportunity does not guarantee an award or placement in a program. Space at events is often limited, and registration will close when capacity is reached.

NSHSS activities are designed to enrich, inform, and diversify students’ experiences, though participation does not guarantee future success.