How is Phi Beta Kappa selected?

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 do you get chosen for Phi Beta Kappa?

Is Phi Beta Kappa hard to get into?

The standard pathway into this group is through stellar college grades in a wide range of challenging classes at an approved college or university. Only about 10% of U.S. undergraduate institutions have PBK chapters that induct students.

What are the criteria for Phi Beta Kappa election?

Election is based upon the evidence of broad cultural interests, scholarly achievement, and good character. Candidates for membership in course should have a distinguished record of performance in liberal arts courses, exclusive of professional and vocational training, internships, and practica.

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.

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.

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.

Who selects Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff members lead chapters and oversee student selection and induction, conferring lifelong membership in the Society.

Is Phi Beta Kappa selective?

Each year, about one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join, making Phi Beta Kappa one of the most selective associations in the nation. Fewer than 15% of U.S. colleges and universities have been granted a chapter.

Is Phi Beta Kappa invitation only?

Only students at a college or university may be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. 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.

Is Phi Beta Kappa worth putting on resume?

As your experience grows, your professional achievements will matter more than academic accomplishments. However, that does not mean you should leave Phi Beta Kappa. It is a significant honor and you should add it to the resume if you can.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Is Phi Beta Kappa rare?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are honor societies worth it?

Honor societies offer several benefits, including members-only scholarships, chances to gain leadership and academic experience, and mentorship and networking opportunities.

Is Phi Beta Kappa a secret society?

Phi Beta Kappa originated as a secret society at the College of William and Mary in Willamsburg, Virginia.

Why is it called Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest undergraduate honor society, was founded at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1776. The name of the society abbreviates the phrase "Philosophia Biou Kurbernetes," which means "Philosophy (wisdom) is the Guide of Life."

How do you wear a Phi Beta Kappa key?

The insignia of Phi Beta Kappa is a gold key with the member's name, college, and year of election inscribed. For women, there are numerous ways to wear the key, such as on a necklace or bracelet. For men, the traditional – and I do mean traditional – way to wear it is attached to a watch-fob.