“Be honored. Be more.” 

Founded in 2002, this is the slogan of the infamous National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). This organization of over two million members promises to provide high-achieving scholars with various resources such as scholarships, internships, networking opportunities, and leadership development programs.

Despite NSHSS’ seemingly positive mission, this organization has been the target of various scam allegations and online complaints over the years. 

Some of the biggest causes of speculation include NSHSS’ aggressive marketing tactics, high fees, and lack of transparency. 

The NSHSS invitation packet is well-known for its extravagant and personalized packaging. The main letter includes an intro that is addressed to a specific student, and goes on to state: “Congratulations! Based on your outstanding academic achievement at [student’s high school], you have been selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars.”

Due to the letters’ acknowledgment of a student’s high school, many parents mistake NSHSS for a school-affiliated organization — which it is not. 

Although this packet may add to the illusion that NSHSS is an incredibly selective and prestigious organization, the shockingly high number of students who receive this packet quickly shatters that illusion. 

In a poll asking SJHHS students if they have ever received an NSHSS invitation in the mail, 69% stated that they have. 

One of the biggest complaints regarding this organization is its incredibly high membership fee of $90 for members in the U.S. and Canada. 

The organization promises this is a one-time fee that guarantees a “lifetime membership” — but what exactly does a “lifetime membership” in NSHSS entail?

Should you spend the $90, members are promised chances to network at special member events, regular emails and newsletters, service and leadership opportunities, and unique offerings through certain partnerships according to the NSHSS website. 

“When you get inducted, you get signed up for the newsletter and the newsletter has a lot of opportunities. I will admit, some are a bit unfair; some are where you have to pay to participate,” said 2020 NSHSS ambassador Tessa Aguilar. 

Despite the various “perks” you get from becoming a member, the biggest selling point of NSHSS is undoubtedly the $2.5 million worth of scholarships awarded annually. 

However, due to the incredibly high number of members, being awarded these scholarships is much like entering the lottery — trivial, and oftentimes a waste of money. 

“Of course, getting any scholarship is very hard, but there are more trusted sites that have all different scholarships free of charge. For instance, BigFuture is a legitimate site,” said college and career counselor Mayra Luna. 

Although this organization has been the target of several scam allegations, it still has an A+ rating according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This website provides users with a forum to voice their complaints. In the past four years, NSHSS has received over 35 complaints. 

“This organization exists to create confusion. I thought it was the National Honors Society, which is a reputable organization that is useful for students. They exist to prey upon the parents of students preparing to enter college,” said a BBB user on March 14, 2024. 

“I asked for a refund because the school advised me they don’t honor this program nor will my child be able to wear the medallion I purchased. I was told yesterday a refund of $90 was sent to my account. I was not refunded. WHAT A SCAM,” said another BBB user on August 6, 2024. 

Most complaints discuss similar topics such as: Parents confusing NSHSS for NHS, parents not receiving refunds, and their child not being able to wear purchased merchandise at graduation because it is not a school-affiliated organization. 

These various complaints should serve as a warning to do your research before joining a seemingly prestigious organization. Although there is always the possibility of being awarded a scholarship or receiving meaningful resources from NSHSS, at some point you have to ask yourself if there are other organizations that are more worthy of your time, trust, and money.

“The money is there. That’s the key point. But, I think what needs to happen is a better strategy on the organization’s end,” said Aguilar.