<p>I got a letter inviting me to both The National Honor Society (which I know is real) and NSHSS. Is the latter a scam? I mean, my parents have no issue shelling out the $60 membership fee, but how does it look on college applications? I've been reading that it may make me look egotistical, but at the same time I'm seeing chances for scholarships, something I direly need.</p>
<p>Your opinion?</p>
<p>Well, if your parents are willing to pay the money and you’re interested in the membership, then I think that you should join it.</p>
<p>NSHSS is a scam. Anyone can get into it and they just want your money.</p>
<p>Like I’ve said on another thread, you don’t need NSHSS to get into college. Instead of wasting the money, pursue another activity/honor that you don’t have to pay a flat fee for. It’ll look much more impressive on your apps.</p>
<p>I agree. Both my brother and I have received these offers. Simply ignore them and save your money.</p>
<p>These programs are designed to feed on your and your parent’s pride in your education. It’s similar to the “Who’s Who” program where you had to pay money to put your name in a book.</p>
<p>I heard that it is sponsored by Abercrombie and Fitch. So, no point in applying for membership.</p>
<p>Are the scholarship opportunities not realistic then?</p>
<p>I’m sure they are, but there are soooo many other places to look for scholarships that it wouldn’t make a difference, anyway. Plus I think the scholarships are in relatively small amounts too (like around ~$1000). Not completely sure though, I could be wrong.</p>
<p>The Abercrombie and Fitch scholarship ranges from $25 to $10k, but of course you have to join NSHSS to get it. It’s actually legit, but say most people who apply get the $25 dollar one, they actually wind up getting nothing since they spend $60 or whatever just to join NSHSS.</p>
<p>They’re tricky folks.</p>
<p>I don’t think that I’ll join then. Thanks for the clarification.</p>
<p>Member here. It is definitely a scam. I posted some of the E-Mails they sent me in another thread.</p>
<p>This Pete Nobel guy has some guts. He makes it sound like a legit organization, and then all he does is notify me of events at far-away universities that I can feel free to attend, as well as sending me some stupid Abercombie and Finch surveys. I feel like demanding my money back, just to get back at them. What a D-Bag.</p>
<p>It’s definitely a scam. Even if it wasn’t, it would probably not help you out that much.</p>
<p>Paying to put something small on your app? No thank you.</p>
<p>It’s a scam. I fell for it when I was a freshman. I have yet to receive ONE actual benefit from this organization.</p>
<p>It’s complete BS. Colleges know this.</p>
<p>It’s not a scam</p>
<p>I bought 8 memberships.</p>
<p>That makes me 8 times more the High school Scholar than any of you.</p>
<p>^But the point is you’re not nominated based on your achievement or your GPA…They essentially want your money. The whole idea of an honors society is bull **** anyway. Outstanding applications speak for themselves…</p>
<p>P.S. Yea*</p>
<p>You forgot the note right after that: “NOTE: receiving an invitation may not verify meeting this criteria.”</p>
<p>Testimonials here, including a link to another CC thread on the very same topic: [“National</a> Society of High School Scholars” Anyone ever heard of this org.? - The Well-Trained Mind Forums (aka Hive Mind)](<a href=“http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16366]"National”>http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16366)</p>
<p>Also, what kind of honor society offers merchandise to buy?</p>
<p>And just like buying sports merchandise straight from the team it represents, it’s a big scam to get your money!</p>
<p>Pretty much a scam. My twin and I both fell for it several months ago (Freshman year). It doesn’t do much. I may cancel membership if possible someday, or maybe I’ll just let it be. I really don’t care. Thankfully my family is in good financial standing at the moment, so we’ve already made up for whatever money we wasted with them, though if you are in a low-income family or are just having a hard time when you get the letter, don’t waste it on them. In the end, organizations and clubs don’t earn your scholarships, YOU DO.</p>