Why is Phi Beta Kappa important?

As America's most prestigious. academic honor society, we: Honor the best and brightest liberal arts and sciences undergraduates from 293 top schools across the nation through a highly selective, merit-based invitation process.

Why is Phi Beta Kappa a big deal?

Many influential people in American history distinguished themselves academically during college when they were elected and inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, a national academic honor society commonly known as PBK. Seventeen U.S. presidents and more than 150 Nobel laureates have been Phi Beta Kappa members.

Is there any benefit to joining Phi Beta Kappa?

Since your membership in Phi Beta Kappa is for life, the advantages go well beyond your college years. You will have a competitive edge in the graduate school or job market, access to scholarships and lifelong access to a network of alumni across the country.

What is Phi Beta Kappa known for?

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 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.

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 most prestigious honor society?

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

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.

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.

How hard is Phi Beta Kappa?

Phi Beta Kappa is still very difficult to get into. You not only have to have top grades, but you have to show yourself interested in a broad curriculum in the liberal arts and beyond. You have to have courses in math and master a foreign language.

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.

How is Phi Beta Kappa chosen?

Election to Phi Beta Kappa

Elections are guided by stipulations set forth by the national office of the Phi Beta Kappa Society . Ten percent of the members of each graduating class are elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Among these, up to one fifth are chosen in their junior year and the remainder in their senior year.

What is the average GPA for Phi Beta Kappa?

High scholarship: Graduating seniors elected to Phi Beta Kappa on average have a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher, and juniors have a GPA of 3.75. However, no one is elected to Phi Beta Kappa solely on the basis of GPA.

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 a secret society?

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.

What is the motto of Phi Beta Kappa?

The Greek initials for the society's motto, "Love of learning is the guide of life," form the name Phi Beta Kappa.

Does Phi Beta Kappa look good 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 famous people are Phi Beta Kappa?

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 is the lowest GPA for Phi Beta Kappa?

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.

Does Phi Beta Kappa look good for law school?

It will not affect your grades or anything that has to do with law school. It just simply looks nice on the CV and quite a nice humble brag to give during interviews to law firms. But in short, you do not HAVE to join the society for applying to law school. How does one join Phi Beta Kappa?

Is Phi Beta Kappa at Harvard?

Undergraduates are elected to the Harvard College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa three times a year.

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.

How do you wear a Phi Beta Kappa key?

If your key is a pin, wearing it on the lapel of your suit jacket is appropriate. The key can also be worn on a necklace or a tie tack.

How many people are inducted into 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.