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Torch & Laurel

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Society of Torch & Laurel is a student success program developed by The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) for high-achieving high school students who are ready to make the most of their high school experience and start preparing for what comes next.

Torch & Laurel gives students access to a national community, personalized support, scholarships, mentorship, leadership and career development, and resources that help them turn their academic achievement into opportunities.

Whether a student is exploring colleges, applying for scholarships, building their first resume, preparing for a future career, developing their leadership skills, or simply figuring out what they want their next step to look like, Torch & Laurel gives them resources and real people to turn to along the way.

For students who want additional support, Premium Membership includes college student mentorship, personalized essay and resume reviews from real people, letters of recommendation, and other resources designed to help students tell their story, recognize their strengths, and confidently pursue their goals.

More than recognition for what students have already accomplished, Torch & Laurel is about helping them use that achievement to take the next step.

The Society of Torch & Laurel provides high school scholars who qualify for membership with access to exclusive scholarships and numerous education resources. Scholars also receive exclusive benefits and discounts through our partners, and access to online and in-person experiences and opportunities specifically designed for high-achieving high school students.

A few benefit examples:

  • Torch & Laurel members get exclusive access to thousands of college mentors to answer questions about applying to college, making college choices, how to navigate college successfully, choosing a major, etc. These are current high achieving college students (even at your top choice school whenever possible) who can tell you exactly what they have experienced to help you be more successful.
  • Access to Scholar Central (our online community portal) to meet other Torch & Laurel members to share what they are doing to prepare for college or other opportunities after high school.
  • Early access to The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Get a head start when you arrive to campus with a place to belong. Based on your T&L membership, you will get information on how to get involved with Torch & Laurel when you arrive to start your first year of college.
  • Regularly scheduled ScholarCasts (online webinars) which provide you with learning opportunities to help you plan and be prepared for your future.

Joining Torch & Laurel only takes a few minutes! All high school students can join for free as a Complimentary Member, with the option to upgrade to a Classic or Premium membership for additional benefits and resources.

Simply complete the online membership form and choose the membership level that works best for you. Once you submit your application, keep an eye on your inbox for a welcome email with everything you need to get started.

Join Torch & Laurel

You can join Torch & Laurel for free! Our Complimentary Membership gives high school students access to the Torch & Laurel community and select resources at no cost.

Students ready to invest in their future and make the most of high school can upgrade to a Classic or Premium Membership. Classic Membership is available for a one-time fee of $79, while Premium Membership is available for a one-time fee of $149. There are no annual dues.

For students preparing for college, Premium Membership offers our highest level of personalized support. Premium members can receive personalized feedback on resumes, scholarship essays, and college application essays, connect with a college student mentor who can offer guidance from someone who has recently been through the college transition, and request letters of recommendation to help strengthen college and scholarship applications.

Students can choose the membership level that works best for them and upgrade when they're ready for more support.

Torch & Laurel certificates are custom printed, and can take up to 2-3 weeks to be printed and shipped. Once your order has shipped, you should receive a shipping confirmation and tracking number via email. If you did not receive a tracking number, please reach out to us at info@torchandlaurel.org so we can follow up on your order.

Premium Membership gives students access to personalized support from real people who take the time to learn about their goals, experiences, and accomplishments.

Premium Members can submit their college application and scholarship essays for personalized review and feedback from a real person. This goes beyond grammar or automated suggestions. Our reviewers help students strengthen how they tell their story, communicate their experiences, and show colleges and scholarship committees what makes them stand out.

Premium Members can also request personalized letters of recommendation written by a real member of the Torch & Laurel team. These letters highlight students as high achievers who are doing more than earning good grades. They’re taking initiative, seeking out opportunities, getting connected, and actively preparing for their future.

It’s real, personalized support to help students put their best foot forward when it matters most.

Torch & Laurel gives students access to programs, resources, and personalized support designed to make preparing for college a little less overwhelming. Depending on membership level, students can take advantage of resources like:

  • College Student Mentorship – Connect with a current college student who can answer questions and share advice about the transition from high school to college.
  • College Application Essay Review – Receive personalized feedback to help strengthen your college essay before you submit it.
  • Scholarship Essay Review – Get feedback on scholarship essays and learn how to better communicate your experiences and goals.
  • Professional Resume Review – Start building a strong resume for college applications, scholarships, jobs, and internships.
  • Letters of Recommendation – Premium Members can request personalized letters to support college and scholarship applications.
  • Scholar Strength Assessment – Learn more about your strengths and how you can use them as you prepare for college.
  • College Prep Webinars & Virtual Programs – Hear from college students, professionals, and experts on topics that can help you prepare for college and what comes next.

Whether college is still a few years away or applications are right around the corner, Torch & Laurel gives students opportunities to start preparing now instead of waiting until senior year.

Torch & Laurel was developed by The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) to bring its community and student success resources to students earlier in their academic journey.

NSCS serves high-achieving college students at colleges and universities across the country. Through this relationship, Torch & Laurel members have opportunities to connect with current college students, learn from their experiences, and begin building a community that can continue into college.

National Honor Society (NHS) and Torch & Laurel both support students during high school, but they do so in different ways. And you can absolutely be a member of both!

NHS membership is based on specific academic and school-based eligibility requirements. Torch & Laurel takes a broader approach. Our resources, programs, and opportunities are available to all high school students, so more students can access support as they prepare for college and what comes next.

Torch & Laurel also connects students beyond their individual high school. Members can meet students from across the country, access college and career preparation resources, explore scholarships, and connect with college student mentors.

Through our relationship with The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), Torch & Laurel also creates a unique connection between high school and college, giving students access to resources and a community that can support them through their transition to higher education.

NHS is a great way to be recognized and involved at your high school. Torch & Laurel gives you another way to access resources, make connections, and start preparing for college, whether you're an NHS member or not.

The Society of Torch & Laurel is a program offered by The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You can view the Torch & Laurel privacy policy here.