Below is a list of frequently asked questions about NSCS.
Click on a question to see the answer.
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What does NSCS do and why should I join?
How is NSCS different from other honor societies?
What are some specific benefits?
Is this a legitimate organization?
What are the criteria for admittance?
Why the top 20 percent?
How do I join?
How was I nominated? How many others from my school were invited?
What is the membership fee?
How is the membership fee used?
What kinds of scholarships does NSCS have?
Is NSCS only for first and second year students? Is it just for undergrads?
How many chapters are there?
What happens when I join?
What is the press release I received (or will be receiving)?
What is the Induction Convocation?
Do I have to attend the Induction Convocation?
How involved do I have to be?
How is NSCS governed?
Who's on the NSCS Board?
Should I put my NSCS membership on a resume? Is it something people are going to
recognize?
What is the NSCS Leadership Summit?
Why are all the contacts in the invitation letter students?
What does the Chapter Advisor do?
I’m interested in starting a chapter at my college or university. How do I do that?
Can I join NSCS even if there isn’t a chapter at my school?
What if my GPA drops below a 3.4?
I’m planning to transfer to a different school. What will happen with my membership?
What support is available from the NSCS office?
How do I get in touch with someone at NSCS?
What does NSCS do and why should I join?
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is not your average honors organization. We
encourage academic achievement, but also provide opportunities for members to develop
leadership skills, positively change their campuses and communities, as well as prepare for
future endeavors (internship, grad school, career). Along the way, members often make valuable
connections that can last a lifetime and make college a more rewarding experience.
How is NSCS different from other honor societies?
NSCS offers nearly half a million dollars in scholarships every year. So, your membership is
more than just academic achievement. NSCS gives you the opportunity to develop a well-
rounded personality and, as a result, a well-rounded life. We do this by encouraging members to
participate in community service and by providing them with professional and personal
development opportunities.
What are some specific benefits?
In addition to recognition, networking, career resources, leadership development, and
guidance/support relating to social service – members can apply for exclusive scholarships and
awards, attend special NSCS programs throughout the country, have access to a variety of career
development tools others must pay for, and are often courted by recruiters for major employers.
In addition, NSCS works to get its members discounts and deals on the things they'll need most,
like car insurance, textbooks, and more.
Is this a legitimate organization?
Absolutely. NSCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1994 on the campus of The
George Washington University in Washington, D.C. NSCS is a member of the Association of
College Honor Societies and is a recognized organization at 300 campuses across the country.
What are the criteria for admittance?
You must be a first or second year college student in the top 20 percent of your class with a GPA
of 3.4 or above.
Why the top 20 percent?
This is the standard set by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). NSCS' Board of
Directors and staff believe these to be good predictors of future achievement.
How do I join?
If you meet the GPA, class and ranking requirements, and you attend one of the 300 colleges and
universities at which NSCS is registered, you'll automatically receive an invitation to join.
How was I nominated? How many others from my school were invited?
NSCS works with the appropriate office at each school to identify eligible students for NSCS
membership. Because populations vary from school to school, the number of invited students
from each varies.
What is the membership fee?
This is a one-time, $95 fee entitling members access to NSCS resources and services. There are
no annual dues on the national or chapter levels.
How is the membership fee used?
Membership fees are used to provide a variety of benefits and services to members. These
include funding to the chapter for activities, a personalized diploma and Induction Convocation,
networking and career resources, scholarships, awards, and events (e.g., the annual Leadership
Summit and National Convention). The fee also helps offset NSCS' administrative costs. NSCS
is a 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization, so all income is used for the development and operation
of the Society.
What kinds of scholarships does NSCS have?
NSCS understands how difficult it can be to fund an education, so we've made offering
scholarships to our members a high priority. These include a $1,000 Merit Award, Study Abroad
scholarships, four graduate-study scholarships, several program-specific scholarships and much
more. New scholarships are always opening throughout the year so members are encouraged to
read their weekly enewsletter and check back regularly for updates.
Is NSCS only for first and year students? Is it just for undergrads?
Students are only able to join in their first- or second-year of college. However, you can use your
NSCS benefits throughout your time in college and after.
How many chapters are there?
We have chapters at 300 colleges and universities nationwide, in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, and Puerto Rico. They include The George Washington University, where NSCS was
chartered in 1994, Princeton University, Cornell University, the University of California (Los
Angeles and Berkeley), the University of Virginia, Howard University, Rice University and
Dartmouth College.
What happens when I join?
The national office, which processes registrations, will send you a confirmation e-mail after
you've registered. We will send you a membership diploma, information about benefits and a
press release to share with local media to your permanent address by U.S. mail. Additionally,
your NSCS chapter officers will contact you to let you know about NSCS activities and services
on your campus.
What is the press release I received (or will be receiving)?
A press release is a written, formal announcement of your membership. We encourage you to
distribute the release to your local newspapers. Included with the release are instructions for
distribution.
What is the Induction Convocation?
The Induction Convocation is a public ceremony that formally recognizes NSCS' newest
members. Members not only get their membership pins, but the event also provides a great
opportunity to learn more about NSCS and meet chapter leaders and, typically, a member of the
national staff. The chapter also arranges for a keynote speaker from campus or the local
community. Family and guests are welcome to attend the ceremony.
Do I have to attend the Induction Convocation?
It's not required, but highly recommended as a way for new NSCS members to familiarize
themselves with and begin taking advantage of the diverse benefits NSCS offers. NSCS
members who attend their Induction Convocation Ceremony are also eligible to apply for the
Induction Recognition Award.
How involved do I have to be?
The more you're involved with NSCS, the more fulfilling your college experience - and the years
beyond it - can be. However, there is no minimum time commitment.
How is NSCS governed?
The Society is governed by a Board of Directors that includes educators, business professionals,
and student representatives. The Board sets the policy direction for the Society and is responsible
for overseeing the fiscal and operational efficiency of NSCS. The day-to-day operations are
overseen by the executive director, who also serves as a member of the Board. Additional
information can be found in our Bylaws.
Who's on the NSCS Board?
The NSCS Board of Directors – which sets policy and is involved with creating the vision and
mission of the organization – includes business and education professionals and students from
around the country who represent a host of disciplines.
Should I put my NSCS membership on a resume? Is it something people are going to
recognize?
Yes, we encourage you to list your membership on your resume. NSCS has a nationwide
network of partners, including universities, corporations, associations, and nonprofits. NSCS is
well recognized among these and many other companies and institutions.
What is the NSCS Leadership Summit?
The Leadership Summit is a professional development and training conference for current and
prospective officers. Summit participants have the opportunity to meet NSCS leaders from other
chapters; exchange ideas about successful programs; develop personal, leadership, and careerbuilding skills; participate in a service project in the local community; hear motivational
speakers; gain experience by making a presentation to other NSCS members; and have fun.
Why are all the contacts in the invitation letter students?
NSCS is a student-run organization, so all NSCS officers are students. Each chapter has a
Chapter Advisor (an on-campus faculty member or administrator) who oversees the chapter.
What does the Chapter Advisor do?
He or she advises the officers on leadership and other matters and acts as the chapter's liaison
and advocate to the administration. He or she also plays an integral role in the annual
membership invitation season.
I’m interested in starting a chapter at my college or university. How do I do that?
NSCS has a team specifically for developing chapters at new schools. For information on
starting a chapter, you may contact Sherice Evans (evans@nscs.org ).
Can I join NSCS even if there isn’t a chapter at my school?
If you are interested in starting a chapter and becoming a founding member, you may contact
Sherice Evans (evans@nscs.org).
What if my GPA drops below a 3.4?
NSCS has lifetime membership so even if your GPA drops you are still considered a member.
However, you may not be eligible for some of the scholarships. Once your GPA is up to the 3.4
standard, you can then apply for scholarships.
I’m planning to transfer to a different school. What will happen with my membership?
If the school you are transferring to has an NSCS chapter your membership can easily be
transferred over to that school. If there isn’t a chapter at the school you are transferring to you
will still be considered an NSCS member at large or not associated with a chapter. You will still
be able to take advantage of all of the scholarship and career benefits as well as discounts. If you
are interested in starting a chapter at that school, you may contact Sherice Evans
(evans@nscs.org).
What support is available from the NSCS office?
NSCS has a small full-time staff based in Washington, D.C. that supports all of our chapters.
These individuals have significant experience in higher education and are committed to
promoting the overall development of students affiliated with NSCS.
How do I get in touch with someone at NSCS?
Our mailing address is:
2000 M Street, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202.265.9000
Fax: 202.265.9200
nscs@nscs.org
facebook.com/nscs94
twitter.com/NSCS
Contact information for your chapter can be found in your invitation letter, if you have received
one.