Phi Beta Kappa is by invitation only. Don't worry, if your grades are good enough and you meet all the other requirements, you will get invited. They must have access to go through the schools databases or something. anyway, what ahppened for me is that I got invited as a junior because I had over a 3.8 GPA, plus the other qualifiers such as a chapter on my campus, a foreign language, and other stuff I can't remember like humanities classes, a certian amount of science, etc. If you get invited as a senior, you only have to have a 3.65, I think.
as for their programs, I think it varies widely on different campuses. On mine, they had the "initiation" which was just an induction with certificates and gave away some scholarships and had cake. I heard that at some campuses they do an initiation with ritual and a secret grip, but we did not have this. I don't think there is a pledge period anywhere. it's not really like that. you just get initiated right away. I don't think there are lots of activities, ever, aside form lectures and symposia being held because mostly, as soon as people get in, they graduate. You can order a pin and plaque and stuff, plus you get this magazine: the key of Phi Beta Kappa, i think, for life. and as an alum, there are associations all over that hold little events, usually having to do with lectures and book readings. I don't get the feeling that people really meet lots of friends, much less the best friends of their lives, through this group. But it is prestigious, you can learn through it, and maybe establish some connections and acquaintances. Hope that helps!
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