Are there any downsides to declining Phi Beta Kappa?

[cookiez]

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I was invited to join PBK for the second time at my university recently, but since I'd have to pay money I'm probably not going to sign up. Are there any things I might miss out on from declining PBK? I've already read how little it matters to adcoms, so I'm even less inclined to consider it at this point.

 

[LizzyM]

I've noticed that it is the one academic honor that adcoms recognize and some do think highly of it. It is also recognized more widely. How much are they charging you for it?

 

[Rachapkis]

I would sign up for PBK and pay the fee. It is a notable accomplishment that will pay dividends on your resume for life.

 

[pmcojm]

PBK is an honor that will follow you for life and that everyone recognizes. Don't pass it up.

 

[efle]

PBK has national rules restricting it to the top 10% of students or less, IIRC. It's the oldest and biggest honor society and by keeping that cutoff, it's protected its meaning from grade inflation. It's unique that it's so rare and so standardized. Even things like cum laude have variable definitions between universities, and sometimes don't even represent that you were top of class, just that you did a thesis. PBK universally represents that you were top end of the class at any university. I'd pay up, it's not that expensive.

 

[camnewton1]

Also if I remember correctly, it's a one time life time fee less around $100? Definitely worth it.

 

[meronebib]

.

 

[cookiez]

I've noticed that it is the one academic honor that adcoms recognize and some do think highly of it. It is also recognized more widely. How much are they charging you for it?

I guess I must have not done enough research! It's $85 for lifetime enrollment, and everyone brought up good points, so I think I'll go for it. Thank you!

 

[deleted940229]

I strongly concur, get PBK. Unlike other honors, this is worth it.

How about for Phi kappa Phi as a grad student?

 

[sweatytshirt]

Is it too late to join if I already graduated? I always ignored honor society emails, but I know I got a couple emails from PBK. Could I still join retroactively?

 

[Kodite]

Is it too late to join if I already graduated? I always ignored honor society emails, but I know I got a couple emails from PBK. Could I still join retroactively?

I don’t think this is normally allowed. Contact your chapter and find out. The worst they can do is say no.