How many people get invited to Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa chapters are the heart of our Society, inducting over 10,000 new members each year. Every year, Phi Beta Kappa's 293 chapters at U.S. undergraduate institutions induct exemplary juniors and seniors who excelled in a rigorous arts and sciences education.

How many people get into Phi Beta Kappa?

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.

How hard is it to get into 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 are you invited to Phi Beta Kappa?

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.

Is PBK a big deal?

PBK is the oldest and most prestigious honor society in the US and is pretty selective. Many presidents and other important US figures are Phi Beta Kappa.

5 Reasons Why A Phi Beta Kappa Membership Matters

How impressive is Phi Beta Kappa?

The Phi Beta Kappa website notes that 17 U.S. Presidents, 40 Supreme Court Justices, and over 140 Nobel Laureates have been members of Phi Beta Kappa. The history is deep—Mark Twain, Helen Keller, and Franklin D. Roosevelt were also members.

How rare 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.

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 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.

Who gets invited to Phi Beta Kappa?

While you don't apply for membership, there are things you can do to become eligible for an invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa. Here is what you'll need to be eligible: Junior or senior standing. GPA of at least 3.7 for seniors or 3.9 for juniors.

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.

Is Phi Beta Kappa for life?

When you are inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, you become a member for life. This honor, earned through a well-rounded education, exemplifies your academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and leadership capacity.

What famous people are Phi Beta Kappa?

What percentage of students get Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa is both the oldest and the most exclusive honor society in the country. Only 10 percent of colleges have chapters, and just over 1 percent of college seniors are elected each year.

Is Phi Beta Kappa at Harvard?

132d995463cb40676c5314b8b34649f4. Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha of Massachusetts at Harvard College was established under a charter dated December 4, 1779.

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.

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 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.

Who is eligible for PBK at Harvard?

Members of the Senior Class (either students in their final year or advanced standing seniors) who have completed two years of undergraduate study at Harvard College. Transfer students who came to Harvard in their second year are thus eligible, but not those who came in their third year.

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.

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.

Are honor societies a big deal?

NHS is not only a valuable addition to a college application, but gives you many leadership opportunities which is great for both college and life in general.

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.

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.

Why join 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.