Is it worth it to join Phi Theta Kappa?

im currently in my 2nd semester at a community college hoping to transfer to a UC. i’ve been invited to join PTK with a $100 membership fee and i was just wondering if it’s actually worth it to join. Initially i thought that it would look great on my resume but then realized i may not be that active since im busy taking up a LOT of classes for an engineering major.

though i landed a job in the chemistry department in my CC, im still low on extracurriculars so i plan on joining more clubs, etc. As for PTK, im not so sure. i’ve read of people saying that unless you’re an extremely active member, it doesn’t really do much to your resume, and the scholarships were not that much anyways (even with some members receiving no scholarships at all).

would you recommend spending the $100? or do i just join more clubs/extracurriculars/leadership roles offered here in CC instead? do you guys also have other suggestions on how i could improve my resume? I have this really smart friend/co-worker with a 4.0 GPA but was still rejected by our local cal state. i feel extremely bad for her and of course worried that even with my current 4.0 GPA, i’ll still get rejected by the universities i plan on applying to.

thank you very much.

PTK membership will not get you admitted anywhere that you wouldn’t already be admitted.

It is something that can be included permanently on your resume if you so choose - Just like with the 4 year honor society Phi Beta Kappa.

It may get you a small automatic scholarship depending on where you transfer, and it may put you into consideration for larger scholarships.

Many students who are active in PTK do enjoy that. Even if you aren’t super active, it is one more way to meet people and contribute to your community.

no long story short, no its not worth it

Nah, not really.