Posted by Racer on March 21, 2006, at 17:40:53
In reply to Re: Did you know that GWB failed to join PBK?, posted by special_k on March 21, 2006, at 17:19:08
Phi Beta Kappa Society is a very exclusive academic club. Club doens't quite make it clear what they are -- I think it's 1% of college or university students are invited to join. The requirements for membership are not quite identical across the various chapters, but they all require very high standards -- high Grade Point Average in advanced subjects. It's a bit like MENSA, only based on achievement, not potential for achievement.
Sororities are "sisterhoods" -- they're a sort of club for women, which one joins while at college/uni. I don't know all the reasons for joining, but I can tell you that I never did. The equivalent for men is a fraternity. When you hear about "frat boys" that's what they're referring to: members of a fraternity. As you'll know if you've ever heard the phrase, there are negative connotations. Think "binge drinking adolescent on the verge of going on academic probation." Obviously, that's not an accurate picture, but that's how the phrase is used.
And while some people do opt not to accept an invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa, it's quite rare, and usually means the person doesn't know what PBK is. Personally, I'd love to be PBK...
poster:Racer
thread:622738
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060304/msgs/623032.html