Does everyone get invited to the National Society of High School Scholars?

No, not everyone gets invited to the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), but invitations are sent to a large number of high-achieving students who meet specific academic benchmarks like a high GPA or test scores, leading some to feel it's not exclusive, though it does require a membership fee and isn't the same as the highly selective National Honor Society (NHS).

Is NSHSS invite only?

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.

How do you get invited to the National Society of High School Scholars?

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.

Is it hard to get into NSHSS?

It's not inherently "hard" to get into the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) because membership is based on meeting at least one clear, high academic benchmark (like a 3.0+ GPA, 1280+ SAT, or 26+ ACT), making it accessible to many high-achievers, but you must meet criteria and often pay a one-time fee after receiving an invitation, with some debate existing around its value vs. other honor societies. 

Is it hard to get into NHS in high school?

Per national policies, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence, or higher, as determined by their local chapter. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a cumulative GPA above the national minimum.)

Is the National Society of High School Scholars a legitimate organization?

How big of a deal is NSHSS?

NSHSS membership has many benefits, and many high school students qualify. Whether you are invited to join as a member or apply for an NSHSS membership, the cost is just $90 for a lifetime of benefits.

Does NHS accept everyone?

The four basic requirements for membership are scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students are eligible to apply for NHS membership if they demonstrate academic achievement by achieving a 3.65 or higher. Grade point average will not be rounded to meet the minimum requirement.

Should I put NSHSS on my resume?

“Not only is NSHSS an excellent addition to your resume, but it also enhances your confidence and high school experience. NSHSS offers countless scholarships, grants, SAT prep resources, webinars, and more.

Is NSHSS an award or honor?

NSHSS, or 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 ...

What's the hardest honor society to get into?

The hardest honor society to get into generally depends on your field and university, but Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) is widely considered the most prestigious and selective due to its strict liberal arts focus, while Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) is known as the most selective all-discipline society, inviting only the top 7.5-10% of students across all fields. Other highly selective societies include discipline-specific ones or those requiring exceptional achievement in character, leadership, and service, like Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), but PBK and PKP usually stand out for sheer academic difficulty. 

Is NSHSS legitimate?

Yes, the scholarships and grants are legit. See the full list of NSHSS scholarships here. Get a summary of our Be More Grant winners and the event here.

What GPA will get you a full ride scholarship?

To get a full-ride scholarship, you generally need an exceptional GPA, often 3.8 or higher, but it varies, with some requiring a perfect 4.0, alongside strong test scores, rigorous coursework (AP/IB), leadership, community involvement, and sometimes financial need, as colleges look for well-rounded students, not just high grades, to secure these highly competitive awards. 

Is it a big deal to get into NHS?

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious group. It honors high school students for their academic success, leadership, character, and service. It's designed to honor students who not only excel in the classroom but also make a positive impact on their communities.

How did NSHSS find me?

Why Was I Invited to Join NSHSS? You received your invitation because an educator at your school believes you would be an asset to the National Society of High School Scholars, or because you have met one of our other membership requirements. You can find these criteria on the FAQ page.

Is NSHSS more prestigious than NHS?

Ultimately, both organizations can offer valuable experiences, opportunities, and help you develop important skills. If you're aiming to strengthen your college application, NHS would be your best choice due to its prestige and recognition.

How many people are in NSHSS?

With a global community of over two million members in more than 170 countries, NSHSS provides access to scholarship opportunities, internships, leadership programs, and college and career resources.

Why did I get an invitation to NSHSS?

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) found you because you met at least one of their academic criteria (like a certain GPA or test score) or were nominated by an educator, and they collect student data from various sources to send invitations for membership, though some consider it a paid honor society with questionable value. They send these invitations to recognize high-achieving students, but you must pay a fee to join and access their claimed benefits, leading many to question if it's truly beneficial or just a way to get money. 

Is getting into NSHSS a big deal?

NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) is a legitimate organization for high-achieving students, co-founded by a member of the Nobel family, offering scholarships and networking, but its value is debated; while some find it beneficial for college prep and career resources, others view it as a "pay-to-play" society that's not as prestigious as traditional honor societies like NHS, and its impact on college admissions isn't a deciding factor, just an addition to an application.
 

Does NHS look good on a resume?

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious high school organization that prioritizes service, leadership, and academic excellence. Being part of the NHS is rewarding, and it also looks great on your college resume. If your school has an active National Honor Society chapter, you may want to consider joining.

What are 2025 resume buzzwords to avoid?

For 2025, avoid resume buzzwords like "hard worker," "team player," "results-driven," "strategic thinker," "proven track record," and "synergy," as these are vague or overused; instead, use strong action verbs and quantify achievements with specific data to demonstrate impact, as modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) prioritize concrete results over generic traits, according to The Connors Group and Novorésumé. 

Do jobs verify your HS diploma?

Yes, many employers check for high school diplomas, especially for entry-level roles or jobs requiring specific qualifications, often through an education background check that verifies graduation dates and attendance, but sometimes they just rely on your word unless it's a sensitive position like government or military, though lying can lead to termination. Verification confirms you attended and graduated, but usually not grades, and it can happen years after graduation through school records. 

Do employers care about National Honor Society?

We are the only accredited honor society in the nation. Because of this prestige, membership to the NSLS can be a huge differentiator between you and other applicants. In fact, some employers actively seek to hire members of the NSLS.

What is the hardest honor society to get into?

The hardest honor society to get into generally depends on your field and university, but Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) is widely considered the most prestigious and selective due to its strict liberal arts focus, while Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) is known as the most selective all-discipline society, inviting only the top 7.5-10% of students across all fields. Other highly selective societies include discipline-specific ones or those requiring exceptional achievement in character, leadership, and service, like Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), but PBK and PKP usually stand out for sheer academic difficulty. 

Do Ivy Leagues care about NHS?

Congratulations! It's an honor that adds no flavor to an application, and we at Ivy Coach would even prefer students leave a slot in the honors section empty than fill it with membership in NHS.

How many people get chosen for NHS?

This year, we are awarding $2 million in scholarships to 600 students. Each year, scholarship recipients are selected based on their demonstration of the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.