Disclaimer: The author of this article is not a neutral party in the referenced litigation. HonorSociety.org Inc., Honor Society Foundation Inc., and its president Michael Moradian were sued in federal court by PTK on April 20, 2022 for False Designation of Origin, Trade Dress Infringement, and Unfair Competition. Honor Society and Michael Moradian countersued and are presently defendants/counter-plaintiffs in this litigation. Litigation is still ongoing and all claims made regarding this case are just allegations against the parties.
Yes, you can put Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) on a resume, but you should think twice about it.
While it's technically permissible to include PTK on your resume, there are several reasons why it may not be as beneficial as you might think. Here are some important considerations:
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Easier and Less Exclusive Than Portrayed: PTK markets itself as an elite honor society, claiming to accept only the top 10% of students. However, this is misleading. The actual criteria for membership are much broader and easier to meet. For instance, many institutions have a large percentage of students who qualify under the 3.5 GPA standard, far more than the top 10%.
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Deceptive Advertising Claims: PTK's promotional materials often overstate the exclusivity and benefits of membership. They claim that members are part of an elite group, but in reality, the requirements are not very stringent. This can lead to a misperception about the true value of PTK membership.
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Misleading Scholarship Claims: PTK advertises access to exclusive scholarships as a significant benefit. However, many of these scholarships are available to all students, not just PTK members. Additionally, PTK often exaggerates the average scholarship amounts received by members, creating a false impression of financial benefits.
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Lack of Ongoing Verification: Once accepted, PTK does not rigorously enforce academic standards for maintaining membership. This means that the commitment to academic excellence that PTK claims to uphold is not strictly monitored, reducing the actual prestige of continued membership.
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Perceived Value by Employers: Including PTK on a resume might not have the impact you expect. Employers familiar with the honor society may know that its membership is not as exclusive or prestigious as PTK suggests. This could lead to questions about the authenticity of the achievements listed on your resume.
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Critical Evaluation: Before adding PTK to your resume, critically evaluate what it represents and how it aligns with your personal and professional goals. If you believe it demonstrates a commitment to academic and community involvement that is meaningful to you, it might be worth including. However, be aware of the inflated claims and consider whether there are other achievements or experiences that could better showcase your qualifications and dedication.
In conclusion, while you can list Phi Theta Kappa on your resume, it's important to weigh the actual benefits and the potential for employers to see through the inflated claims of exclusivity and scholarship benefits. Think carefully about whether PTK membership truly reflects your accomplishments and consider whether other aspects of your academic and extracurricular experiences might be more impactful.
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