Phi Beta Kappa

CutiePie2000 · #1 02-09-2001, 02:09 PM

As you all likely know, Phi Beta Kappa was the first Greek letter society founded (men only, of course) and now it is an Honorary Society for men & women.

I just have some general questions about Phi Beta Kappa? How do you get invited to join? Do you apply and hope to get accepted, or is it more a case of 'get good marks, and hope that someone notices'?

Do they have "pledging"? And also, do they have activities like charity car washes, that kind of thing?

Generally, I am just wondering what happens if you get picked to be in Phi Beta Kappa?

SuperXO · #2 02-09-2001, 02:37 PM

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!

ZetaAce · #3 02-09-2001, 03:35 PM

Howdy,

Wow, someone asking questions about Phi Beta Kappa! I'm a member and it's rare that anyone asks questions!

PBK does not have pledging activities. We do have an initiation ceremony but the information about it is for members only (of course.

Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is by election only. You can inquire about becoming a member with members of the local chapter or the advisor but generally if you meet the requirements you will be invited to become a member. Election is up to the chapter only.

Being elected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa is in my (maybe somewhat biased) opinion an honor. There are Associations of Phi Beta Kappa around the country. If you are elected to become a member you can join one after you graduate.

Phi Beta Kappa also give awards, scholarships/fellowships, and has a visiting scholars program.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me if you have any other questions!
You can also check out our website at http://www.pbk.org

ZetaAce

PS-Technically, Phi Beta Kappa is no longer a fraternity. The official name is The Phi Beta Kappa Society.

ZetaAce · #4 02-09-2001, 03:38 PM

SuperXO- I think you may be mixing up Phi Beta Kappa with the Golden Key Society. It's an honor organization too, but it's different. The official publication of The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the American Scholar. The online newsletter is the Key Reporter.

ZetaAce

CutiePie2000 · #5 02-09-2001, 03:47 PM

Just to let everyone know, I'm not interested in being a Phi Beta Kappa for these reasons:
a) I'm finished school
b) my grades weren't that fantastic and
c) I live in Canada, where there is no Phi Beta Kappa

Thanks for all of the informative replies!

Finer Woman10-A-91 · #6 02-09-2001, 03:56 PM

Hey Soror ZetaAce!
I was in Golden Key. Thanks for the reminder. Hee hee Its been a minute since I have been involved in the organization.
http://gknhs.gsu.edu/index.html

Quote:

Originally posted by ZetaAce:
SuperXO- I think you may be mixing up Phi Beta Kappa with the Golden Key Society. It's an honor organization too, but it's different. The official publication of The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the American Scholar. The online newsletter is the Key Reporter.

ZetaAce

------------------
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

SuperXO · #7 02-09-2001, 04:17 PM

ZetaAce,
Actually, I was not confusing the two, although they do have similar election and invitation processes. I am a member of both. The newsletter I am speaking of is the key reporter. I knew I didn't have the full name right, but I also knew it had something to do with key, the key of phi beta kappa being important to the group historically. however, it is not just an online newsletter, either. i receive it quarterly at my home through the mail!

ZetaAce · #8 02-09-2001, 04:46 PM

SuperXO- The print version of the Key Reporter has been discontinued now (as of Summer).

What chapter were you elected to? I was elected to Mu of Virginia in 1998. Did you go to the National Conference in Philadelphia in November 00?

ZetaAce

[This message has been edited by ZetaAce (edited February 09, 2001).]

SuperXO · #9 02-09-2001, 10:51 PM

It's only online now? How did I not know this? I swear I got one just a few months ago. Anyway, no I am not that active on the national level, although I enjoy meeting with the association here and going to some of the book readings and luncheons. What made you decide to become so active nationally and what to you get out of it? It sounds like you are one of the rare exceptions that really make strong bonds within the group. My impression has always been, as I mentioned in a previous post, that it's not the place you'll find your best friends ever.