Q&A for How to Become a Phi Beta Kappa in College

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the cost of membership?
    Top Answerer
    There is an initiation fee of between $50 and $90, depending on the college.
  • Question
    When do the invitations go out?
    Community Answer
    Since you need at least three years to even qualify, the earliest you can get an invitation is senior year, most likely the later half of that year.
  • Question
    My daughter's school doesn't have a chapter, but she would qualify. Can she obtain a membership?
    Community Answer
    No. Only schools with chapters are eligible to nominate students for membership, because Phi Beta Kappa is selective in their membership offers.
  • Question
    Can I still get in if I'm not nominated?
    Community Answer
    No. Phi Beta Kappa is an invitation-only honors society, and the invitation is only sent out after a recommendation.
  • Question
    What is Phi Theta Kappa?
    Top Answerer
    It is an international honor society for students attending two-year colleges.
  • Question
    Do I have to write a dissertation to do this?
    Community Answer
    No. If you have questions about eligibility, contact the chapter officer at your school.
  • Question
    I can't find my letter with the invitation code. Is it still possible to join?
    Community Answer
    You will need to contact your chapter officer. If you don't know who that is, look on your school's website, or check Phi Beta Kappa's website and their national chapter directory.
  • Question
    How can I confirm if I'm currently a member?
    Community Answer
    Send and email to Phi Beta Kappa's national office with the name you would have been inducted under, your year(s) of possible induction, and your school. If you are a member, they should be able to find a record for you with that information.
  • Question
    What do I do if I met the requirements for Phi Beta Kappa in college but I was never invited?
    Community Answer
    Nothing, unfortunately. You have to be nominated by a faculty member to be invited to join. The faculty in some departments (e.g. fine arts) at some universities don’t seem to focus on the academic success of their students and thus fail to nominate them for PBK.
  • Question
    Can High School students be considered for Phi Beta Kappa membership?
    Community Answer
    No, they must be college students. You need to have 90/120 credit hours in order to join.
  • Question
    Can I be nominated for Phi Beta Kappa after my senior year in high school?
    Community Answer
    No, high school students are not eligible. You must be a college student in your junior or senior year.
  • Question
    Can I still accept my invitation a week after the code expires?
    Community Answer
    You likely can but you'll need to reach out to your chapter and ask them for a new code. Explain why you needed an extension on accepting your membership and that it still would mean a great deal to you to join.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article