Common Questions
What is PBK? How is it different from other honors societies?
PBK is the oldest and most prestigious collegiate honor society in the U.S. Originally founded in 1776, at the College of William and Mary as a society of scholars and letters, it focuses on honoring students with a traditional liberal educationÑa broad core curriculum in the arts and sciences. PBK is among the most competitive honor societies in that it has some of the highest academic standards.
What does the society do?
At the national level, PBK supports activities promoting the value of a liberal education. The national society has a partnership with the National Honor Society to encourage student achievement in high school. Also, the national PBK distributes quarterly The American Scholar, an award-winning publication of essays. The Alumni chapters of the association are active in raising money for scholarships and fellowships. Locally, the Alpha of Texas chapter sponsors annual awards for outstanding students and teachers.
What is the Alpha of Texas?
Every state has an original chapter, an "alpha chapter." In order to be the Alpha, in our case of Texas, UT Austin applied to the national organization in Washington, D.C. After a thorough evaluation of the academic rigor and achievements of the university and its students in the liberal arts and sciences, in February of 1905 the University of Texas was granted a chapter and given the right to elect its best students to membership. There are ten chapters in the state of Texas of which the Kappa of Texas at Texas A&M University (granted in 2004) is the most recent.
What is the Alumni Association of Greater Austin?
The Association was formed by members of PBK, those elected at the Alpha of Texas and throughout the country, to promote the academic values of the society in Austin and the surrounding region. In addition to organizing social and intellectual events, including a lecture and reception twice a year, the Alumni Association has created endowments to fund scholarships for juniors at UT Austin who are writing an honors thesis, for local high school students who will soon enter college, and for adult students who are returning to college to complete their B.A. or B.S. degrees. The Association welcomes any PBK member living in Austin to join and their link can be found on the front page of the Alpha of Texas webpage.
How can I apply?
There is no application, only an election process. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be contacted after the election.
What are the criteria for selection? Is there a minimum GPA?
There is no minimum GPA requirement. However, the GPA correlates to the election requirement, which is based on a "free A" system. For criteria, see below.
What is a "free A"?
It is an 'A' unencumbered by a 'C' or 'D.' One hour during which you earned a 'C' cancels out one hour of an 'A,' while one hour of a 'D' cancels out 2 hours of an 'A.' Free 'A's can be totaled by adding up the number of 'A's on your transcript, multiplying that by the number of credit hours associated with each 'A,' then subtracting 1 for each hour with a 'C' or 2 for each hour with a 'D.'
Why are the "free 'A's" among my transfer/ advanced placement credits not counted toward my eligibility?
While we admire work done at other institutions of higher education and are impressed by advanced placement credit; election to the Alpha of Texas chapter of PBK is based the coursework done in residence at UT Austin. Many students will achieve the number of in-residence hours to qualify for election by the semester of their graduation.
I'm listed as a student in the McCombs School but I'm also in Plan II. Will your election process be able to identify me?
YesÑour election process is thorough and eligible students are identified regardless of classification as students in a college other than Liberal Arts or Natural Sciences. If any of your declared majors are eligible, you will be considered.
What can I do to improve my chances of election?
Simply stated, you can perform to the best of your academic ability. In addition, be certain you will graduate from the College of Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, or one of the specific degrees from the College of Fine Arts from which the chapter elects.
What majors are eligible?
The Alpha of Texas Chapter elects students pursuing the B.A. degree granted by the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences, and by the College of Fine Arts in Art History, Dance, Drama, and Music; and B.S. degrees in Psychology, Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology.
When/How will I know if I am elected?
Elections are scheduled during the months of January, April, June and November. If you are elected, you will be contacted via U.S. mail with a formal invitation in the days following the election and sent an email at the email address that you have on record in the UT directory.
How often do you have to pay dues? Are there any other required fees?
Your initial payment of $95 is the one and only time you will ever have to pay dues. After the dues payment, there are no further financial obligations.
What does the $95 in dues cover?
It covers all local and national membership expenses and a lifetime subscription to The Key Reporter. There are a number of things which we must pay for locally, including the running of our office, but the main use of the dues is to support local initiatives at the University of Texas such as scholarships for outstanding students, awards ceremonies and events like the Centennial Celebration in 2005 and the funding of visiting scholars at the university.
When/How often are meetings?
The Alpha of Texas chapter meets four times a year, to elect new members. Election meetings are open to students, who are invited to attend and participate in the meetings, with the exception of the actual elections when other students' academic records are being discussed. In addition, there are special events throughout the year that are meant for students to attendÑinitiation ceremonies in the spring and fall, special lectures and events with Austin area alumni. The chapter has formed a steering committee of junior electees and graduate students at UT who are Phi Beta Kappa and welcome others to join them in planning events for the coming year.
Will being a member of PBK "help me get into law school"?
Election to PBK recognizes outstanding undergraduate academic achievement, and will be recognized in any competitive admission process for post-graduate studyÑlaw, medicine, and graduate school.
What is a Phi Beta Kappa Key?
It is the exclusive insignia jewelry of PBK members. This symbol was originally a watch key but is now available from Hand & Hammer Silversmiths in forms that include pendants, rings, tie tacks, brooches, etc. The Key remains exclusive to PBK members.
