Is it hard to get 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.

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.

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.

How competitive is Phi Beta Kappa?

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

Is Phi Beta Kappa still 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.

5 Reasons Why A Phi Beta Kappa Membership Matters

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.

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 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.

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.

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 good or bad?

In conclusion, Phi Beta Kappa is a prestigious honor society that recognizes academic excellence and encourages community service and leadership. While the society has made efforts to address issues of systemic bias and social injustice, it is not currently certified as an Inclusive Honor Society.

What famous people are Phi Beta Kappa?

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.

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 a secret society?

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

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 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.

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.

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 only for seniors?

Who is eligible for membership in Phi Beta Kappa? Juniors and graduating seniors who are majoring in a liberal arts and sciences area and who meet certain criteria are considered for membership in Phi Beta Kappa.

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.

Should I put Phi Beta Kappa on medical school application?

Past academic success usually predicts future academic success; applicants with outstanding academic credentials pose little risk to medical schools in terms of academic success. These schools also favor applicants who have won national awards/honors, such as Phi Beta Kappa, Truman/Goldwater/Rhodes Scholarships, etc.