How is Phi Beta Kappa chosen?

Students do not apply for membership but are selected during the spring semester each year by the Phi Beta Kappa chapter as a whole, after a careful review of the academic records of each eligible candidate.

How are Phi Beta Kappa members selected?

Membership is invitation-only and contingent upon fulfillment of minimum requirements. Chapters are expected to determine the specific application of standards stated in these stipulations. If you have questions on your eligibility, please contact your chapter officer. Received your invitation?

How do you get nominated for Phi Beta Kappa?

To become a member of Phi Beta Kappa, students must meet a rigorous set of requirements. These requirements include a high GPA, a strong record of academic achievement, and a demonstrated commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.

How many people get invited to Phi Beta Kappa?

These chapters select only the top 10 percent of their arts and sciences graduates to join Phi Beta Kappa – making Phi Beta Kappa membership one of the most prestigious honors a student can receive.

How does a college get a Phi Beta Kappa chapter?

Those seeking a chapter will be expected to produce both qualitative and quantitative evidence demonstrating that their institution has standards that encourage excellence, a system of governance that promotes academic freedom and vigor, a scholarly faculty, a promising student body, a library and other educational ...

5 Reasons Why A Phi Beta Kappa Membership Matters

Is Phi Beta Kappa a big deal?

The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States, and the most prestigious, due in part to its long history and academic selectivity.

Who nominates you for Phi Beta Kappa?

Students do not apply for membership but are selected during the spring semester each year by the Phi Beta Kappa chapter as a whole, after a careful review of the academic records of each eligible candidate.

How hard is it to be a Phi Beta Kappa?

Membership is Highly Selective

At colleges with a chapter, roughly 10% of students (sometimes far fewer) join Phi Beta Kappa. An invitation is extended only if a student has a high GPA and proven depth and breadth of study in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

What is the hardest honor society to get into?

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is one of the best honor societies, and is also the most selective honor society for all academic disciplines, accepting only members in the top 7.5% of their second semester. For graduate students, they accept only the top 10 percent of students.

Do employers care about Phi Beta Kappa?

For those pursuing higher education before entering into a career, Phi Beta Kappa membership becomes even more relevant to include in your CV, as it directly reflects excellence in scholarship in your undergraduate studies. Another advantage of Phi Beta Kappa membership is access to networking opportunities.

What famous people are Phi Beta Kappa?

Do you need to pay for Phi Beta Kappa?

There is a one-time, national membership fee of $85 to join The Phi Beta Kappa Society for life. Many chapters also charge a small chapter fee to cover costs associated with running the chapter.

What is the lowest GPA for Phi Beta Kappa?

Juniors with a GPA of 3.75 or higher and seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are automatically considered as candidates for the selection process (see below). Students must have completed no fewer than 90 credits in order to be eligible.

What is the most prestigious honor society?

Since our founding in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has celebrated excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and championed freedom of thought. As America's most prestigious academic honor society, we are uniquely equipped to advocate for the value and benefits of liberal arts and sciences education.

Does Harvard have Phi Beta Kappa?

Forty-eight Harvard College seniors received invitations Monday to join Harvard's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most esteemed academic honor society in the country. The new “Senior 48” includes students from the Class of 2024 across all 12 undergraduate houses and a wide array of academic concentrations.

Which honor societies are worth joining?

The best honor societies in the US include Phi Beta Kappa, Honorsociety.org, Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Beta Phi Society, Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

What honor societies are legit?

National Honour Society, Phi Theta Kappa, or Phi Beta Kappa? These are NOT scams. PBK is for 4 year colleges. It's the oldest and most prestigious.

Can you be in multiple honor societies?

Can Students Join More Than One Honor Society? Yes, students who may be invited to join more than one honor society can choose more than one. However, costs associated with membership can add up and include time obligations.

How special is Phi Beta Kappa?

A Rare Honor

10% of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. These chapters select only about 10 percent of their arts and sciences graduates to join. Represented by a signature gold key and three Greek letters, Phi Beta Kappa offers a credential that has national recognition.

Is Phi Beta Kappa an award or honor?

Founded in 1776, the same year as this country, it is the oldest honor society in the United States. Its members continue to be recognized as leaders in their disciplines and professions.

What are the benefits of being in Phi Beta Kappa?

connects you with a diverse network of accomplished members. links you to your local communities of fellow Phi Beta Kappa members. provides you with resources for every stage of your career. gives you tools to advocate for the arts and sciences.

What is the motto of Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa's name originated from the motto "Love of learning is the guide of life," a phrase the founders derived from the Greek Φιλοσοφία Βίου Κυβερνήτης. The three Greek letters ΦΒΚ are inscribed on the signature gold key that is today a nationally recognized credential signifying academic achievement.

Does Phi Beta Kappa have a secret handshake?

Our founders, five William & Mary students, envisioned a secret society to discuss important issues of the day. Phi Beta Kappa was the first collegiate society with a Greek letter name and introduced an oath of secrecy, a badge, Greek and Latin mottoes, and a special handshake.

Should I include Phi Beta Kappa on resume?

If you are in Phi Beta Kappa, you are a part of one of the most exclusive societies in the USA. Whether you are applying for a scholarship, or looking for a job, an achievement like this should definitely get a place on your resume.