Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society. It is the largest honor society in U.S higher education. It recognizes honor students at two-year colleges. There are many benefits to being in the honor society, among them, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships.
Membership to the honor society is by invitation only. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and have completed 12 college credits to join. They also must be students at an institution with a Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Individual chapters may have their own requirements for joining the society.
Is There a Fee to Join Phi Theta Kappa?
Students invited to join the society must pay an international membership fee of $60. They may also have to pay a regional or local fee.
Over 300 students receive the “Golden Opportunity” fee waiver. This waives the international fee. Some colleges have funds set aside to help students with a financial need to pay for the fee.
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Check for scholarshipsWhat GPA Do You Need to Stay in Phi Theta Kappa?
Students must keep a 3.0 GPA to stay in the Phi Theta Kappa society. Individual chapters may decide on their own GPA requirements. Make sure you clarify with your chapter regarding their requirements.
Don’t stress out about the GPA requirements. As a member of society, you will have access to a support system that will help you succeed. Members of the society are more likely to graduate. They are also more likely to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Does Phi Theta Kappa Give Scholarships?
One of the biggest advantages of being a part of the honor society is Phi Theta Kappa scholarships. Members of the honor society have special access to many different scholarships.
PTK members fill out one scholarship application that applies them for many scholarships. The application is available year-round. Students need to provide letters of recommendation and proof of citizenship.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
The Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship awards Phi Theta Kappa members $1,000. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. They also must have 15 credits remaining until they finish their Associate’s degree. Students must show financial need.
Nota Bene is Phi Theta Kappa’s anthology. It recognizes the excellent writing of members. Students may submit research papers, poetry, short stories, essays, and dramas. The Ewing Citation Scholarship awards one student with $1,000. Four other students win the Reynolds Scholarship, an award of $500 each.
Students in Phi Theta Kappa can get nominated to the All-State Academic Teams. All members receive special recognition which can include medallions, stipends, and scholarships.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards the Coca-Cola Academic Scholarship. 200 members can receive stipends between $1,000-$1,500.
The Hites Transfer Scholarship awards students planning to transfer to a four-year college. Students must show academic achievement and leadership. They must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. There are 10 awards worth $7,500 each.
Schools That Award the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Many four-year colleges help PTK students transfer to their school by awarding scholarships. Over 750 colleges across the U.S offer scholarships for transfer students.
Here are some of many schools awarding scholarship:
Illinois State University offers the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship to transfer students. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and have completed 24 college credits.
Hawaii Pacific University also awards transfer scholarships to members. Applicants must submit a PTK verification form. They can win a $5,000 scholarship.
Is Phi Theta Kappa Society Legitimate?
Phi Theta Kappa is a legitimate and very respected society. It has been helping millions of college students for over 100 years. It is a huge honor for a community college student, similar to Phi Beta Kappa at four-year colleges.
Is Phi Theta Kappa an Honor or an Award?
Phi Theta Kappa is an honor. Students invited into the honor society aren’t guaranteed scholarship money.
Other than scholarships, society offers many benefits. Students get recognition for their academic achievements and learn leadership skills. Members develop important job skills, teamwork skills, and communication skills. The honor society also gives them a chance to meet other like-minded individuals. Finally, membership enhances your resume. It makes you a good candidate for scholarships and future jobs.
Final Thoughts
If you are invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa society, it can be a great opportunity for your future. This is especially the case if you are planning to transfer to a four-year college. If you think that you are eligible for the society but didn’t receive an invitation, contact the advisor of your college’s chapter.