Is NSLS a Scam?

If you’re thinking of joining the NSLS, you need to know: Is NSLS a scam? 

Below, we explain whether NSLS is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety with this society. 

What Is NSLS?

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is a leadership honor society in the US.

The NSLS offers benefits such as scholarships, professional coaching, speaker series, and discounts for a one-time registration fee of $95. 

Membership involves completing an induction process that includes orientations, interactive videos, speaker broadcasts, and peer coaching sessions, with additional costs for membership kits.

It was founded in 2001 and has more than 1.7 million members across 751 chapters. 

Is NSLS a Scam?

Depends on who you ask. 

Looking at online forums, user experiences seem to vary. 

A small minority say that NSLS is worth it as long as you actively engage and utilize available resources, such as scholarships and networking events.

The vast majority say that even though it may not technically be a scam, joining the NSLS brings negligible benefits. 

Generally, the reputation of NSLS as a reputable honor society is questioned because the NSLS: 

• Is not recognized by the Association of College and Honor Societies (ACHS), the primary accrediting agency for honor societies in the United States. However, the NSLS is accredited by Cognia, a nonprofit that accredits primary and secondary public and private schools in the US and elsewhere in the world. 
• Operates as a for-profit organization, contrasting with the nonprofit status of traditional honor societies.
• Does not clearly define its membership criteria, relying instead on local chapter leaders to determine eligibility based on GPA and leadership potential. This is in contrast to established societies like Phi Beta Kappa. 

According to online reviews and comments, the NSLS extends its invitations to pretty much anyone, including students with relatively poor grades.

NSLS includes a limitation of liability in its terms and conditions, which prevents members from holding the organization responsible for issues such as the inability to provide the website’s services and promised benefits, even after paying the $95 registration fee. 

NSLS also says it can modify the services and benefits offered to members without prior notice.

NSLS is BBB accredited (and has an A+ rating). 

Security 

In its privacy policy, NSLS lists some of the security measures it uses to keep its members’ data safe, including the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to protect data transmitted between the user’s browser and the NSLS servers. 

Beyond that, it says it uses “commercially reasonable measures” but does not detail what these measures are. 

Privacy

The NSLS adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). It says that its compliance with FERPA has been verified by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). 

In its privacy policy, NSLS outlines what data it collects, why, and with whom it shares it. 

It collects data like your name, email address, phone number, date of birth, educational information, billing information, IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and social media account data (if you interact with the NSLS using your Facebook account, for example). 

The NSLS collects this data to provide you with its services, prevent potentially illegal activities, etc. 

It may share your data with third parties like service providers and others (but only as anonymous, aggregate information). 

The NSLS partners with companies like Hello Fresh, Adobe, AMC, and others. 

NSLS’ partnership opportunities document mentions the ability to “segment this audience based on gender or age or your specific needs.” This implies that NSLS collects and maintains detailed demographic data about its members. 

NSLS also offers partners opportunities like email marketing outreach and social media engagement. 

The ability to “customize how to deliver your message to our audience” suggests the use of behavioral tracking and personalized advertising. 

So, Should You Join NSLS?

That depends on you (and how you interpret NSLS reviews). 

While joining and utilizing the NSLS can potentially come with some advantages, like recommendation letters and opportunities for work-study jobs (according to some users), specific honor societies related to one’s major or professional interests might offer more tangible benefits.

How to Join and Utilize NSLS Safely

Here are some tips for a safer experience with NSLS.

• Compare the NSLS with other organizations. Research other honor societies or leadership organizations related to your field of study. Compare benefits, costs, and member feedback to determine the best fit for you and your goals. 
• Evaluate membership costs. Be aware of the one-time registration fee (e.g., $95) and any additional costs for membership kits or events.
• Assess chapter activity. Ask about the level of activity and support your local chapter provides before joining. If possible, speak with current and former members of your chapter to understand their experiences. 
• Read the NSLS’s privacy policy. Doing so will allow you to better understand how your personal information will be used, shared, and protected.
• Read the terms and conditions. Read and understand the membership agreement, including limitations of liability and your rights regarding data and services.
• Limit personal information sharing. Provide only the necessary information required for NSLS membership and avoid oversharing personal data.
• Create a strong password. Combine letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Stay vigilant. Ensure that communications and emails you receive are from official NSLS channels to avoid phishing scams. Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited requests.