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What are the requirements for membership?

(1) You must be a graduate of an accredited university, college, or high school who graduated with one of the following honors: Summa cum Laude (Highest Honors), Magna cum Laude (High Honors), Cum Laude (Honors), Valedictorian, Salutatorian, or Top One Percent of your high school graduating class.

Note: Applicants with a Master’s or earned Doctorate degrees must have a GPA in the 95th percentile or a minimum 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

(2) You must complete and submit the online APPLICATION FORM, including your Biographical Sketch.

(3) We must receive your completed ACADEMIC HONORS VERIFICATION FORM, duly signed and verified by the appropriate official of your school.

(4) We must receive your Final Official Transcript.

(5) We must receive your Passport-size photo in pdf.

What are the classes of memberships?
There are five classes of membership: (1) Doctoral degree members, (2) Master’s degree members, (3) Bachelor’s degree members, (4) Associate’s degree members, and (5) High School diploma/certificate members.
Who is a Member?
A Member is a Graduate with honors who has submitted the online APPLICATION FORM, a completed ACADEMIC HONOR VERIFICATION FORM, and has received an official letter and Certificate from Gamma Honors confirming membership.
How do I know if I am a Member?
You will receive an official letter and a CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP to use as proof. Your name will also appear in the online Membership Directory.
Who is an Aspiring Candidate?

An Aspiring Candidate is a Doctoral candidate in ABD stage, a final-year Master’s degree candidate, or a senior/final-year student in a university, college, or high school whose overall cumulative GPA at the beginning of the senior/final year would ordinarily qualify for membership had he/she graduated; that is, a student who at the beginning of the senior/final year has earned an overall cumulative GPA if based on his/her school or college catalog or requirements would have been considered as having a GPA deserving of honor status.

Note: Aspiring Candidates are not official members and would not be considered official members until they graduate and meet all the requirements for membership. Completing the Aspiring Candidates Contact Form will provide limited exposure and, importantly, will allow us to send you a reminder to apply for membership upon graduation. Being an Aspiring Candidate is an accomplishment, but not one we can recognize, vouch for, or certify until you graduate and meet the requirements for membership.

How do I apply as an Aspiring Candidate?
Visit our website and complete the ASPIRING CANDIDATE CONTACT FORM.
Can I state in my resume that I am an Aspiring Candidate of Gamma Honors?
No.
I am unable to transmit my application form online. Why?
The most likely reason is that you failed to complete all “required fields”, including any documents you may be asked to attach/upload. You may have also failed to process or pay the submission fee. To resolve this problem, please pay attention to the above pointers.
How much does it cost to become a member of Gamma Honors?
Absolutely nothing! Membership is free. However, a one-time, lifetime Processing fee may be charged to defray administrative expenses.
What are the benefits or potential benefits and advantages of membership?

As a member, you are entitled to several benefits:

Exclusive Recognition: You will receive recognition for your outstanding and distinguished academic performance. As a member of Gamma Honors, you will have the opportunity to be recognized locally, nationwide, and internationally, far beyond your particular school.

Visibility: You will stand out among your peers, employers, higher education institutions, and scholarship committees.

Membership: Membership in Gamma Honors is one of the highest academic honors and recognitions a graduate can receive.

Lifetime Membership: Your membership in Gamma Honors is lifetime, so you will enjoy a lifetime of recognition and benefits.

Prestige & Community: Connect with a national and international network of exceptional scholars who share your commitment to excellence.

Leadership & Growth: Access special opportunities to lead, contribute, and build your legacy through scholarships, events, and programs.

Career Resources: As a member, you will have access to Career Resources & opportunities available only to members.

Resume Boost: As a member, you will have the right to include and/or mention your membership on your resume for prospective employers to see.

Employment: Your new honor society membership will be visible in your resume and to potential employers who will look-out for Gamma Honors members.

Certification: As a member, you will receive a Certificate of Recognition that you may proudly mount in your home or office for all to see.

Discounts: As a member, you qualify to receive discounts on products and services negotiated by the Society.

Archive: As a member, your name will be archived in our database for public reference.

Registration: As a member, your name will be published on the GAMMA HONORS website and will also qualify for inclusion (according to your membership category).

Is membership lifetime?
Yes. Once a member, always a member unless your membership is canceled due to fraud or submission of inaccurate personal and/or academic information.
Can I be a member in more than one Category in the same year?
No.
If I became a member upon graduation from High school (High School Diploma Category), can I qualify in another category if I subsequently attended and graduated from a two-year or four-year college/university?
Yes.
If I am in the “honors program” or took “honors classes” at my school, will I qualify for membership?
No. You must graduate with honors.
What do the symbols “PGD,” “PGM,” “CU,, “JC,” “HS” represent?

These symbols are used from time to time by Gamma Honors to distinguish member categories.

“PGD” is used to identify members in the Postgraduate Category with earned Doctorates.

“PGM” is used to identify members in the Postgraduate Category with earned Master’s degrees.

“CU” is used to identify members in the Four-Year Colleges & Universities Category; with earned Bachelor’s degree.

“JC” is used to identify members in the Two-Year Junior & Community Colleges Category with an earned Associate’s degree.

“HS” is used to identify members in the High School Category who have earned High School Diplomas or Certificates.

What is the Gamma Honors Symbol/logo?
GHS Logo
What is the Gamma Honors motto?

“Knowledge, Character, Excellence and Hope.” Our motto is reflected in our unique name and symbol. – Gamma Honors.

Gamma is the initial letter of the Greek word GNOSIS, which means Wisdom/Education/Knowledge. As a Gamma Honors member, you stand for Knowledge, Character, Excellence, and Hope. You embody the pursuit of wisdom. We believe that from great wisdom comes the great virtues of good character, hard work, determination, excellence, discipline, respect, consistency, and optimism that Gamma Honors members embody.

How do I apply?
Visit our website and complete the Online APPLICATION FORM, making sure you check off the appropriate membership category.
What information about me will be published?

The type and scope of information published about you depend on whether you are applying as a university, college, or high school graduate.

We will list your name and category, and other information pertinent to your academic accomplishments, including but not limited to the following:

  • College/University graduates: Name, hometown/city, state, and country, if not from the U.S.; your university or college and its city, state, and country; degree earned and major or field of specialization/concentration, e.g. A.S. Accounting, BA English, BSC Nursing, etc; graduation year, Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • High School graduates: Name, hometown/city, state, country if not U.S.; your high school and its city, state, and country; diploma or certificate earned; graduation year, Grade Point Average (GPA)

Note: We may also include your photograph.

Will my GPA be included or mentioned in your directories, publications?
Yes. Gamma Honors reserves the right, however, to include or exclude it, and/or provide this information when requested by law, or when requested, for example, by a potential employer or another organization attempting to verify your membership and/or the GPA you reported.
Can I see a Sample of the Directory Listing?

SAMPLE OF A COMPLETED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (Colleges and Universities)

KENEDY, JOHN KINLOCH; ht: Newark, NJ, USA; sch: The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; ed: BSC Nursing; g: 2013; gpa: 3.5/4.0; h: swimming; pa: Joseph Doe and Mary Doe.

SAMPLE OF A COMPLETED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (High Schools)

WATT, JAMES TATE; ht: Towson, MD, USA; sch: Central High School, Towson, MD, USA; ed: High School Diploma; g: 2013; gpa: 3.5/4.0; h: traveling; pa: Peter King Doe and Rose Stewart.

If I am a Valedictorian or Salutatorian and have applied as a Valedictorian or Salutatorian, do I need to complete the form again or also check-off the Category labeled “Top One percent of My Graduating Class”?
No. That would be duplication. As a Valedictorian or Salutatorian, it is well-known that you graduated in the Top One Percent of your high school graduating class.
Will my Honor (e.g., Summa cum Laude, Valedictorian, etc.) be included in the book Best in Academics among Graduates…?
No.
If I graduated several years ago before the formation of Gamma Honors, can I become a member?
Yes.
If I attended only part-time and graduated in a longer time than normally required for a full-time student, do I still qualify for membership?
Yes. The length of time it takes a student to complete his/her program is not a membership requirement.
If I completed my program in a shorter time than other students in my program, will I still qualify for membership?
Yes. The length of time it takes a student to complete his/her program is not a membership requirement.
Who are Campus Reps?
These are students who help disseminate Society news and promote its activities at their institutions and campuses. Their tasks include placing posters or passing-on information from the Society to campus honor clubs, fraternities and sororities, and school staff and administrators. To apply, click here.
What are the advantages/benefits of being a Campus Rep.?
As a Campus Representative, you may include the title (“Campus Representative, Gamma Honors”, followed by the beginning and ending dates of your service) in your resume. Your association with Gamma Honors by itself is one that others will envy.
Can I still apply as a Campus Rep. even if I may not qualify as a future member?
No. A Campus Rep must have a 3.5 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale or be considered an honor student based on the scale or qualification(s) used by the applicant’s school.
Any induction or pledging ceremony?
Not at this time. In the future, however, the society plans to institute some type of induction/pledging. When that process is in place, members and prospective members will be notified.
What is the Gamma Honors Pledge?

I, [state your name],
do solemnly pledge
to uphold the ideals and values
of Gamma Honors.

I commit to excellence in scholarship,
integrity in character,
and service to the community.

I will strive to inspire others,
pursue knowledge without compromise,
and carry the honor of this society
with pride, humility, and purpose.

This I pledge,
as a member of Gamma Honors—
where excellence is earned,
and excellence is recognized.

What is the approved format for citing or listing membership in a member’s resume?

The following are the only formats currently approved. It is important for members to adhere to these formats.

For postgraduates:

Lifetime Member, Gamma Honors (The International Society for Honor Graduates), Doctorate Category, Name of college or university, city, state, country. Class of (the year you graduated).

Lifetime Member, Gamma Honors (The International Society for Honor Graduates), Master’s Category, Name of college or university, city, state, country. Class of (the year you graduated).

Four-Year College and Universities Graduates: Lifetime Member, Gamma Honors (The International Society for Honor Graduates), Bachelor’s Category, Name of your college or university, city, state, country. Class of (the year you graduated).

Two-Year Community and Junior Colleges: Lifetime Member, Gamma Honors (The International Society for Honor Graduates), Associate’s Category, Name of your college, city, state, country. Class of (the year you graduated).

High Schools: Lifetime Member, Gamma Honors (The International Society for Honor Graduates), High School Diploma Category, Name of your high school, city, state, country. Class of (the year you graduated).

Example: Mr. John Johnson graduated with honor in 1960 from Harvard University before the founding of Gamma Honors. He earned a Bachelor’s degree. Mr. Johnson has been admitted to membership and is interested in including his membership information on his resume. Mr. Johnson’s resume will read as follows:

Lifetime Member, Gamma Honors (The International Society for Honor Graduates), Bachelor’s Category, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. Class of 1960.

Note: Any other listing format is disallowed!!

What are the Instructions for preparing my BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH?

Here are the Guidelines and Instructions for Preparing & Submitting your Biographical Sketch

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH INFORMATION (60-word limit)

Please note that you will not be allowed to update or edit your information once it is submitted. Therefore, we highly recommend that you edit and review your information before submitting. Your Biographical Sketch should be well-written and concise. All biographical information, including your photo submitted to Gamma Honors or of all Gamma Honors members may be made available to the public.

Remember, to qualify you must be a graduate of an accredited university, college, or high school who graduated with one of the following honors: Summa cum Laude (Highest Honors), Magna cum Laude (High Honors), Cum Laude (Honors), Valedictorian, Salutatorian, or Top One Percent of your high school graduating class.

Note: Applicants with a Master’s or earned Doctorate degrees must have a GPA in the 95th percentile or a minimum 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Note: To complete the Application Process:

  1. You must complete and submit the online MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
  2. You must prepare and submit your BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH with your online application.
  3. Two versions of the Biographical Sketch are requested: a PDF version and a Microsoft Word version (60-word limit).
  4. You will also mail your ACADEMICS HONORS VERIFICATION FORM
  5. You will also mail a copy of your FINAL OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT
  6. Upload a copy of your PASSPORT PHOTO as part of your Online Membership Application Form.

Guidelines and Instructions for Preparing and Submitting Your Biographical Sketch

  • Prepare your BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH following the example shown below. For the body of your Bio Sketch, use the following 1–3 letter abbreviated codes: ht: sch: ed: g: gpa: h: pa: A completed BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH sample is shown at the end of this section.
  • Bold and uppercase the name of the applicant. Please note that the numbers (e.g., [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]) shown in the KEY are only a guide for the type of information requested under each number and code. DO NOT include them in your final sketch!

  • The final Biographical Sketch must be in Times Roman 12-point font.

    Note: You will be prompted to upload two versions — a Microsoft Word version and a PDF version.

  • The text must be right- and left-justified.
  • The page margins must be 1 inch on all four sides, with text right- and left-justified.
  • Your Biographical Sketch must be prepared using Microsoft Word software.
  • The contents of your Biographical Sketch must be factual and truthful.
  • Your Biographical Sketch must not exceed 60 words of text.

  • After completing and editing your Biographical Sketch, UPLOAD the information in the space marked BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH located at the end of the Online Membership Application Form.

    Note: Your Biographical Sketch cannot exceed 60 words of text.

  • Your submission attests that the information you have provided is truthful and accurate. Furthermore, you agree and accept that false or misleading information or entry will be grounds for disqualification and/or cancellation of your membership.

KEY FOR PREPARING YOUR BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

  1. LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MIDDLE NAME
  2. ht: HOMETOWN, STATE, COUNTRY
  3. sch: NAME OF YOUR INSTITUTION, CITY, STATE, COUNTRY
  4. ed: TYPE OF DEGREE OR DIPLOMA EARNED, followed by FIELD/AREA OF SPECIALIZATION/CONCENTRATION
    • Examples:
      • Ph.D., Finance (for graduate with earned Postgraduate Doctorate)
      • MS Chemistry (for graduate with earned Postgraduate Master’s)
      • BSC Engineering (for graduate with four-year College & University degree)
      • AA History (for graduate with two-year Community/Junior College degree)
      • High School Diploma (for graduate with High School diploma/certificate)
  5. g: YEAR OF GRADUATION
  6. gpa: 3.5/4.0 (Note: This is just an example of the format you must use in indicating your GPA)
  7. h: HOBBIES
  8. pa: NAME OF PARENTS/GUARDIAN

Note: Applications that do not match the specific requirements mentioned above will be rejected. The Biographical Sketch must use the abbreviated headings shown in the sample. Your final version must look like the SAMPLE provided below.

SAMPLE OF A COMPLETED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (Colleges and Universities)

KENEDY, JOHN KINLOCH; ht: Newark, NJ, USA; sch: The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; ed: BSC Nursing; g: 2013; gpa: 3.5/4.0; h: swimming; pa: Joseph Doe and Mary Doe.

SAMPLE OF A COMPLETED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (High Schools)

WATT, JAMES TATE; ht: Towson, MD, USA; sch: Central High School, Towson, MD, USA; ed: High School Diploma; g: 2013; gpa: 3.5/4.0; h: traveling; pa: Peter King Doe and Rose Stewart.

Note:

  • Save & Upload your document as a Microsoft Word file when prompted on the Membership Application Form
  • Save & Upload your document as a pdf file when prompted on the Membership Application Form
Woman holding a certificate