Forgot to add Phi Beta Kappa on my Primary

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

ana.stomosis

New Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2025
Messages
7
Reaction score
2
I am back with what I assume will be a silly question to those better versed in/with more guidance on this process.
I realized today that I didn't mention my Phi Beta Kappa membership, Cum Laude, Dean's List or Honor Roll recognition on my application. I am a very non-traditional student, and truthfully I didn't realize PBK was as prestigious as it is (or at least once was), so I am feeling remiss for not putting it on my primary. The other awards seem fairly par-for-the-course, as far as pre-meds go, but is PBK really viewed differently?

At the time of submission, I could not think of any honors worth mentioning, and I felt "late" in the application cycle so I just wanted to ensure I submitted as soon as I could. I am still not verified, but I was wondering if there is an appropriate place to mention any of this in my secondaries, if it is even worth mentioning? I'm still unsure, but my mother's new husband, a retired academic psychologist, saw my transcript and mentioned to me that it was a "big deal," insisting that I try to fit it in somewhere.

What is the feeling about this for AdComs? Will anyone care? It certainly does not seem relevant enough to submit a letter of update for, particularly because it was my mistake not mentioning it. These awards are listed on my transcripts, obviously, but I have the feeling my actual transcripts are not reviewed by AdComs. Any perspectives from those in the know are welcome.
 
I am back with what I assume will be a silly question to those better versed in/with more guidance on this process.
I realized today that I didn't mention my Phi Beta Kappa membership, Cum Laude, Dean's List or Honor Roll recognition on my application. I am a very non-traditional student, and truthfully I didn't realize PBK was as prestigious as it is (or at least once was), so I am feeling remiss for not putting it on my primary. The other awards seem fairly par-for-the-course, as far as pre-meds go, but is PBK really viewed differently?

At the time of submission, I could not think of any honors worth mentioning, and I felt "late" in the application cycle so I just wanted to ensure I submitted as soon as I could. I am still not verified, but I was wondering if there is an appropriate place to mention any of this in my secondaries, if it is even worth mentioning? I'm still unsure, but my mother's new husband, a retired academic psychologist, saw my transcript and mentioned to me that it was a "big deal," insisting that I try to fit it in somewhere.

What is the feeling about this for AdComs? Will anyone care? It certainly does not seem relevant enough to submit a letter of update for, particularly because it was my mistake not mentioning it. These awards are listed on my transcripts, obviously, but I have the feeling my actual transcripts are not reviewed by AdComs. Any perspectives from those in the know are welcome.
Not an adcom, but they literally see your GPA unlike employers. It’s a GPA award that requires a fee. They see your gpa so don’t stress it.

I never joined the honors society because I didn’t want to pay the fee. I’m sure they’ll just assume you were the same if that even crosses their mind.
 
If you had a time machine, I would tell you to go back and include these honors. As things stand, I would leave it alone. It's certainly not worthy of an update, as your GPA already speaks for itself. Good luck!
 
I appreciate all the feedback!
More generally, thank you all for being here to guide applicants as we struggle to figure out what is and is not worth worrying about. It's seriously helpful to hear the perspectives of professionals in the field and who help make admissions decisions. It's not lost on me that none of you *have* to do this extra work. So I offer sincere thanks.
 
Top