How prestigious is Phi Beta Kappa?

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 hard to get?

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.

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.

Is Phi Beta Kappa the most prestigious?

Although no longer shrouded in mystery, PBK remains the United States' oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. It champions education in the arts and sciences, fosters freedom of thought and recognizes academic excellence.

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.

5 Reasons Why A Phi Beta Kappa Membership Matters

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 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.

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.

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.

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 famous people are Phi Beta Kappa?

Who gets invited to 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 is Phi Beta Kappa chosen?

Students are elected on the basis of excellence of study across the liberal arts and sciences, as exhibited by grade point average and breadth of completed coursework.

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.

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.

What is the most elite honor society?

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Fewer than 300 colleges or universities in the world have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

What is the most elite academic 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.

What is the most prestigious honor society in the world?

Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor society.

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 describe Phi Beta Kappa on a resume?

Another way to go is to include your Phi Beta Kappa in your Honors and Awards Section. That's where you should also list all your honors, including Dean's list and any academic achievements. Another place where you can mention your Phi Beta Kappa is in your Resume Objective.

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.

How many Phi Beta Kappa members are there a year?

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.

What percentage of students graduate Phi Beta Kappa?

Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa is an honor conferred upon fewer than ten percent of each graduating class.

What does graduating Phi Beta Kappa mean?

Phi Be·​ta Kap·​pa ˌfī-ˌbā-tə-ˈka-pə : a person winning high scholastic distinction in an American college or university and being elected to membership in a national honor society founded in 1776.