City’s Phi Theta Kappa is looking for members that meet the requirements to join their group. PTK is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members with chapters located internationally, according to the society’s web site.

In order to be a member, a student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and taking a full course load of 12 units or more and pay a one-time fee of $75.

Alicia Green, club member, said that members of PTK are recognized on campus, regional and international levels of the society. Members are able to attend and participate in meetings, conferences and conventions, run for local, regional and international leadership boards.

Members also receive a certificate and a membership card issued by PTK International and the honors society name is included on student’s degree.

To sign up, an application needs to be filled out and submitted to advisor Lan Hong. Once she receives the application, she confirms the student’s GPA and then notifies the San Diego Community College District office about the student’s enrollment in PTK. The district office then places the PTK name on a student’s official transcript.

“Colleges and universities know a student is academically inclined when they see the PTK name on a student’s transcript,” Lang said. “It gives a transfer student an edge in the admissions process.”

Lang explained that City’s PTK has sent out official invitations to students that meet the GPA requirements to join the group.

Liam Liedorff, PTK president, said that PTK gives members the opportunity to develop their leadership skills by managing projects and gives access to scholarships specially targeted for honor students. Upon admission into the honor society students get full access to a scholarship web site exclusive for PTK, fish.org.

Provisional members that have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and they pay a one-time fee of $25 are also accepted. Provisional members are recognized on the campus level only at San Diego City College and are not officially recognized by Phi Theta Kappa International. They can attend and participate in meetings, attend Phi Theta Kappa Conferences and Conventions, and vote for officers and on issues.