Selection for membership in Phi Beta Kappa remains one of the few nationally recognized marks of scholastic attainment. Early in the Spring semester, the Arts and Sciences Registrar's Office and the Cornell Chapter officers will review the course grades of juniors and seniors who have completed six semesters. Grades from Cornell Abroad programs will not be factored into a student's GPA consideration.
To be eligible for consideration for Phi Beta Kappa, you must be a student in the College of Arts & Sciences and either a:
Note that only Cornell grades are considered and a GPA below 3.65, regardless of percentage ranking, will not be considered for membership.
To be eligible for consideration for Phi Beta Kappa, you must be a student in the College of Arts & Sciences and either a:
- Junior who has completed at least four semesters at Cornell and has a GPA within the top 3 percent of those who meet the semester requirement.
- Senior who has completed at least six semesters at Cornell and has a GPA within the top 10 percent of those who meet the semester requirement. After graduation, if your eighth term brought your GPA above the minimum set for the top 7 percent after seven semesters, you may also be eligible for retroactive membership.
Note that only Cornell grades are considered and a GPA below 3.65, regardless of percentage ranking, will not be considered for membership.