Prepare yourself for college - Build your network for life

Membership into the National Society of High School Scholars is by invitation only to high-achieving students who have met at least one of our rigorous academic criteria. NSHSS provides members with lifetime access to a variety of experiences and resources including scholarship opportunities, leadership programs, volunteer service activities, member events, partner offers, and a network of academically-outstanding peers. NSHSS members are making an impact in their schools, communities and the world.

Take advantage of scholarship opportunities to help pay for college, study abroad, summer programs, and graduate school.

100000+

Young Scholars
In Our Member Community Since 2002

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High Schools
With NSHSS Members, Including Your School

$100000+

Dollars
In Scholarships Awarded Annually

What our members say

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Tigerlily Cooley
Fordham University, The Intern Group Scholarship Recipient

"Through my scholarship with NSHSS and The Intern Group, I worked in Medellin, Colombia for six weeks as a strategy intern at one of the city's top aesthetic surgery clinics, interviewing clients and helping craft a customer retention plan. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to fulfill my goal of working in a Spanish-speaking country. While interning abroad, I greatly improved my Spanish, made several long-lasting friendships with students all over the world, fell in love with Colombian culture, and gained valuable work experience that helped me secure an awesome internship at Doctors Without Borders. My advice to potential NSHSS members is to not only join, but get involved! I didn't expect to win the scholarship, but I'm so grateful I applied since it was truly one of the best experiences I've had."

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Daniel Garcia
Rice University, Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship Recipient

"I believe the National Society of High School Scholars has impacted my life by encouraging me to pursue academic excellence that will eventually culminate in an improvement in global health services. To all potential members, the National Society of High School Scholars will provide you with an unparalleled network of opportunities for global improvement."

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Hadaiya W
CIA STEM Camp Participant

"The CIA STEM Camp was an amazing experience that helped me explore a new career path. Because of the camp, I am now considering becoming an engineer instead of a psychologist. Talking to the staff, especially the engineers, really inspired me! The agency members are all extremely kind and welcoming, they answered all our questions and explained their roles. I recommend applying for the Camp because you’ll meet interesting intelligence officers and network with other students. I was able to make friends from across the country and talk one-on-one with some of the CIA advisors who encouraged me to broaden my horizon. The camp was extraordinary; my thanks to NSHSS and the CIA for allowing me that opportunity."

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Cambria Khayat
Butler University class of 2022, Aflac Scholar Award Recipient

"I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach English in two orphanages on the New Mexico and Guatemala borders. I was led into this community of 33 orphans living in a home about the size of two school buses and asked to teach English. I feel really blessed that the Society honored and recognized my work in the orphanage because with the recognition of my work, I was able to make my dream of going to college a reality."

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Selina Nie
University of Notre Dame class of 2023, Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship Recipient

"I am so grateful for these years of NSHSS experiences. I have been awarded a full scholarship to participate as an ambassador in the prestigious Congress-Buderstag Youth Exchange Program funded by the US State Department, and I am studying abroad in Germany, where I am on the way to mastering my fourth language - Deutsche. I am a firm believer that languages are the tool to connect human beings, to expand my world view, and to appreciate cultural diversity. I was selected as a merit scholar at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Computer Science, and will stay committed to community service, which will have a lasting impact on the world."

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Blake C
CIA STEM Camp Participant

"NSHSS has impacted my life by giving me unique opportunities to experience and explore career fields and work in environments that I would not have had the chance to explore otherwise. The STEM Camp was an experience that I will always remember, and is something unique that I guarantee I would not be able to do outside of NSHSS."

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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."

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."

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Michael Christensen
NSHSS Passion for Public Service Scholarship Recipient

"I am truly humbled, honored, and grateful to be part of such an incredible organization that recognizes outstanding people who go over and above."

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Laure Nzeni
NSHSS Ambassador

"NSHSS has been an invaluable part of my high school journey. Their commitment to recognizing and supporting high-achieving students has given me opportunities I am truly grateful for. Being a member has allowed me to connect with fellow scholars, access resources that have enhanced my learning, and engage in meaningful community service projects. NSHSS has not only celebrated academic excellence but also fostered personal growth and leadership skills. I'm thankful for the doors it has opened and the friendships I've made through this community."

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Mehkila Matthews
NSHSS Ambassador

"I’ve been an NSHSS member since October 2023 and just recently got accepted to be an Ambassador! It’s a very exceptional and inspiring community to be a part of. NSHSS has so many amazing benefits and opportunities such as scholarships, workshops/meetings, and who doesn’t love discounts? I love the fact that they are able to bring students and people in general within this society together no matter the race, no matter the gender. Whether it’s online or in person meet and greets! There is something for everyone to receive from this community even if it’s just insight! I’m very grateful to be a part of this wonderful society and I believe you will too!"

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