College Honors Society

April 20, 2006 5:47 PM

Is it beneficial to join a college honors society?

Based on my gpa I received an invitation to join the national society of collegiate scholars. is it worth it to join? I don't plan on being active in the organization, more just for possible scholarships and to add to my resume. For future applications to graduate school and jobs do you think this will help me at all? I know that previously Phi Kappa Phi was discussed but I'm looking for more general advice on joining honor societies within the college setting.

posted by vionnett to Education (16 answers total)

I'd say that Phi Beta Kappa is about the only "honor society" that might actually mean anything on a resume. Some of the major-specific organizations might mean something on a grad school application.
posted by mbd1mbd1 at 5:54 PM on April 20, 2006

I second that point. Other than PBK, I'd pass. NCSC is very much worthless.
posted by allen.spaulding at 6:01 PM on April 20, 2006

er, NSCS
posted by allen.spaulding at 6:01 PM on April 20, 2006

There was an article in the WSJ in the past 6-8 months about how even Phi was having to do some PR since nobody really cared anymore ... and especially with the proliferations of 'honors.'
posted by jbelkin at 4:20 PM on April 20, 2006

Thirded. PBK is actually something; most of them just want your money.
posted by musicinmybrain at 4:21 PM on April 20, 2006

You'll probably be eligible to wear something extra (ribbon, necklace, stripes, &c) with your graduation gown.

I haven't really benefitted from mine.
posted by PurplePorpoise at 5:07 PM on April 20, 2006

No. It's just buying a line for your resume. Get some beer and pizza instead.
posted by jaysus chris at 5:36 PM on April 20, 2006

NSCS and its ilk are a waste of money. I was invited to NSCS and a couple others and turned 'em all down.

Phi Beta Kappa and departmental honor societies are the only ones worth joining.
posted by limeonaire at 5:43 PM on April 20, 2006

(I was referring to departmental honor societies - so, yeah, those aren't really worth much, either)
posted by PurplePorpoise at 6:13 PM on April 20, 2006

I tend to think all these honor societies are baloney but my experience may nonetheless be instructive. My school was too lame to have Phi Beta Kappa so we had Phi Kappa Phi instead (I honestly know nothing about either organization except that Phi Beta Kappa is the one people have heard of). I was invited to join PKP for free and wound up with about $12k in scholarship money so, for me it was a no-lose situation that turned into a rather large windfall. I know nothing about the group you're considering but it's worth seeing what they offer for scholarships, how you get them, whether they're particularly competitive (I did well in college but did no extra-curricular hoop-jumping-through-type-stuff to separate myself from the pack - I just don't think there was a ton of competition) and whether you have to pay dues. Can't hurt, right?
posted by leecifer at 6:57 PM on April 20, 2006

Tau Beta Pi (the engineering honor society) is also worthwhile. Mainly, though, I'd say that and PBK are the winners. Either way, it's mostly just a line on your resume.
posted by JMOZ at 9:06 PM on April 20, 2006

I recieved an invatition to NSCS a while back but declined. It looked kind of lame and, as others have mentioned, Phi Beta Kappa/Tau Beta Pi/departmental honors societies, I think, mean more.
posted by scalespace at 9:33 PM on April 20, 2006

My school was too lame to have Phi Beta Kappa so we had Phi Kappa Phi instead (I honestly know nothing about either organization except that Phi Beta Kappa is the one people have heard of). I was invited to join PKP for free and wound up with about $12k in scholarship money so, for me it was a no-lose situation that turned into a rather large windfall.

My experience exactly (although I can't remember the exact figure for the scholarship, I think it was lower than $12K -- it was 15 or so years ago). I would give Phi Kappa Phi some serious consideration.
posted by pardonyou? at 7:02 AM on April 21, 2006

Nine times out of ten, with these things, no one will care except your mom.
posted by lampoil at 7:15 AM on April 21, 2006

I sort of second lampoil.... my mom was totally stoked that I got into Mortar Board. Apparently when she was in college 25-odd years before, that was THE group to be in.
You should join if you want to. Have fun. College is awesome and it'll be over before you know it. Enjoy it!
posted by FergieBelle at 5:48 PM on April 21, 2006

Nine times out of ten, with these things, no one will care except your mom.

Yep. But making your mom happy might be worth $10, or it might get you a nice dinner.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 6:55 PM on April 21, 2006