Comments on: How to Graduate Phi Beta Kappa

on 11/22/2005 Of course getting good grades is the most important, but I know it helped my being on the Division I swim team, being a judiciary member and other clubs, and doing independent research projects with a professor. It had to have helped, since I was doing way too many unhealthy extracurricular activities (killing brain cells).

on 11/22/2005 Perhaps the above "brown-nosing" tips will give you an edge, but the only real way to become a Phi Beta Kappa is to rack up a high GPA (at least a 3.75) and lots of credit units. The key to getting A's in most liberal arts courses is to write well. So, pore over books on grammar, logic, rhetoric, and argumentation before you even start college, and practice your essay-writing skills.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you volunteer and are involved in community service and school groups/activities.

on 11/22/2005 Become a fixture in your major's department -- visit your professors office hours often and you will become well known among them for being a good student (especially ones that are PBK members). This will really help when they are prompted for nomination.

on 11/22/2005 The selection process requires that you have a letter of recommendation from one of your college professors. Get to know at least one of your professors well enough that you can ask him or her to write you a letter, should you be nominated for membership.