Frequently Asked Questions
For each of three elections (Junior 24, Senior 48, and Final Senior), students who are eligible will be automatically considered for election. Students will not be notified of their eligibility, and students will not need to apply for consideration. This is a change to recent processes, as prior to AY25, students were invited to apply for the Junior 24 and Senior 48. Please review the Election and Eligibility webpage for more information.
As of AY25, we have eliminated the application process for the Junior 24 and Senior 48 elections. Students no longer need to submit applications via CARAT with letters of recommendations. Eligible students are automatically considered.
Election to Phi Beta Kappa is not generally influenced by extracurricular or volunteer activities, though information on a candidate's character and intellectual integrity may be considered. A candidate's academic record is the main focus of the election.
No, the chapter will work the Registrar to review the most up-to-date transcripts of students who are eligible.
Only students who are elected will be notified. Senior 48 notifications are usually sent in mid- to late November. Junior 24 notifications in late March or early April. Final Senior notifications are sent about a week before Commencement.
Your eligibility for each election will be determined by the number of terms you have completed. Please see the Eligibility and Election webpage for more details. You may direct any questions to the chapter at oue@fas.harvard.edu.