What is the origin of 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."

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.

Does Phi Beta Kappa mean anything?

Phi Beta Kappa (ΦΒΚ) stands for Φιλοσοφία Βίου Κυβερνήτης (Philosophia Biou Kybernētēs), which means "Wisdom [lit. love of knowledge] is the guide [lit. helmsman] of life".

What does the Phi Beta Kappa symbol mean?

The key is engraved on one side with the letters S P, the initials of the Latin words Societas Philosophiae and on the other with the Greek Letters of Phi Beta Kappa, meaning “Love of wisdom, the guide of life.” A pointing finger symbolizes the ambition of the members to attain the principles of friendship, morality ...

What is the secret society of Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa began as a secret society to provide students with the freedom to discuss and debate any topic. Ever since then, freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression have served as hallmarks of ΦBK.

How is Phi Beta Kappa and Skull and Bones historically | What Skull and Bones symbolize?

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.

Is Phi Beta Kappa still prestigious?

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

What famous people are Phi Beta Kappa?

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 prestigious honor society in the world?

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

What's the most prestigious honor society?

Widely considered to be the nation's most prestigious honor society, Phi Beta Kappa aims to promote and advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and to induct the most outstanding students of arts and sciences at American colleges and universities.

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 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.

What GPA does Phi Beta Kappa require?

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.

Is Jeff Bezos in Phi Beta Kappa?

Jeff graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University, and he was named TIME's 1999 Person of the Year.

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.

How do you put Phi Beta Kappa on a resume?

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.

Who gets invited to Phi Beta Kappa?

An invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa recognizes and honors exceptional academic achievement in the arts and sciences. 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.

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.