FAQ

This is a compiled list of the most general and frequently asked questions from our members, the academic community, parents and partners. We update the list from time-to-time, but try to keep questions of common interest highlighted in this section.

What is Golden Key?
Golden Key is the largest collegiate honor society in the world! Membership into the Society is by invitation only, to the top 15% of college/university juniors and seniors/ 2^nd year and 3^rd year students (depending on your programme) in all fields of study, based solely on the objective criteria of their academic achievements.

Golden Key, as of June 1 2006, has chapters at nearly 340 colleges and universities in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Golden Key is a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

When and how was Golden Key founded?
Golden Key National Honor Society was founded by a group of undergraduate students and faculty members at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 29, 1977. In 2001, the society modified its name to Golden Key International Honour Society to reflect its diversity and global presence. The spelling of “Honour” was utilized to observe the more globally accepted spelling.

What exactly is an honour society, and why haven't I heard of Golden Key before?
Honour societies have been recognized by universities in the United States for more than two centuries. The primary roles of an honour society include providing academic recognition to high-achieving students and establishing professional and social contacts for these students within a network of universities. They also bring together students from diverse faculties and degree programs within each university and reinforce students’ interaction with university staff.

What are Golden Key’s mission, vision and values?
Mission: To enable members to realize their potential by connecting individual achievement with service and lifelong opportunity.

Vision: GK is the world’s premier honor society. We recognize academic excellence and provide tangible value to our student members, advisors, recent alumni and partners while positively impacting their lives and society.

Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Diversity, Excellence and Engagement

Who are Golden Key members?
Golden Key membership has grown to a very large network of over 1.6 million members from 151 countries. Members include students from all over the world, faculty members, university staff, university presidents, teachers, doctors, engineers, social workers, entrepreneurs, politicians, military leaders, and many more. There are also many prominent figures who are members.

Why should I join Golden Key?
Membership in Golden Key International Honour Society is a prestigious opportunity for the top 15 percent of undergraduate students. Part-time and full-time, juniors and seniors/ 2^nd year and 3^rd year students (depending on your programme), in all fields of study are eligible for membership.

What are the benefits of membership?
The Society offers members valuable opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development, networking and community service. Golden Key also offers numerous scholarships and awards, available only to members, as well as special discounts with partner companies.

How does Golden Key help me with jobs and internships?
Golden Key partners with Corporate and nonprofit organizations, offering members internship and career opportunities. Golden Key also offers its members access to an exclusive members-only job board and online personal member portfolio, as well as exclusive online access to Vault.com's award winning career library.

After graduation, will I continue to receive benefits?
Yes, the following benefits will remain available to members after graduating with their undergraduate degree:

A number of scholarship programs including the USD$10,000 scholarships to fund graduate school, law school or medical school.
Visit the Golden Key web site at for information about alumni chapters.
Golden Key will continue to stay in touch with you after your graduation to remind you of member benefits. Just remember to update your contact information with Golden Key at least once a year online.
Some members who have graduated continue to remain involved with the local university’s Golden Key chapter (regardless of where you were inducted).
Golden Key alumni members are eligible for other select member discounts and promotions after graduation.

If you have any questions, please contact Member Services at the Golden Key International Headquarters via telephone at 1-800-377-2401, press 1, or by e-mail to memberservices@goldenkey.org.

Top 15% of juniors and seniors.
All full and part-time students from any field of study.
All traditional, non-traditional and international students are included.

What happens if my cumulative GPA/ academic percentage average drops after I join?
Once you become a member your membership will not be withdrawn due to grade changes.

I’m already a member, but I have not heard anything from the Society since I joined. Why not?
It is important that both the local chapter officers and the Golden Key headquarters know that you wish to remain connected with us and that we have your most current contact information.

Ensure that international headquarters has your correct information by updating your contact information via the Golden Key website. You should also attend any local chapter programs or meetings This is often how the local chapter knows that you wish to be active with the chapter.

I think I may already be a member. How can I find out?
Click here to verify your membership and access your personalized member ID number which will grant you access to restricted areas of the website and various member services and discounts.

I am already a member of another honor society. Does that mean I am already a member of Golden Key, or are these organizations related?
Golden Key is not affiliated with any other honor societies, therefore it is necessary for you to accept membership using the Golden Key invitation you received to obtain your membership in this society.

You may see your local chapter of Golden Key partnering with other organizations for service, social and academic projects, however, the to become a true member of Golden Key, you will have to adhere to Golden Key’s membership joining process.

The things that set Golden Key apart from many other collegiate honor societies on campus are its efforts to provide opportunities beyond recognition and to cater to the needs of students approaching graduation, continuing education, and the job market. We accomplish this by providing scholarships on the local and international levels, by promoting service participation by each chapter, by involving students as chapter and society leaders, and offering career assistance and networking opportunities.

What scholarships are available?
Golden Key awards more than 650 scholarships each year amounting to approximately $400,000. Click here for more details on each scholarship, application deadlines and application forms.

Who is eligible to apply for Golden Key scholarships?
Only Golden Key International Honour Society members are eligible to apply for Golden Key scholarships.

Are the application deadlines strict deadlines?
Yes. All scholarship applications must be postmarked by the indicated postmark deadline. The postmark deadline for each scholarship is listed directly after the scholarship name.

Can I have my transcript(s) and letter(s) of reference sent in separately from my application form?
Yes. However, our preference is that you package all requested items together in a single submission packet/ mailing. This will ensure that all items you are submitting are matched together. If you must send in documents in separate mailings, each mailing must reference your name (membership ID number if possible) and scholarship for which you are applying. We will make our best attempts to match up submissions that are send separately, but we cannot accept the responsibility of ensuring that portions of your application arriving separately are successfully compiled. All items submitted for an application must be postmarked by the indicated postmark deadline date.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. Golden Key members can apply for any number of scholarships each year as long as the requirements for each scholarship are met. Please review the specific scholarship guidelines for additional requirements and eligibility details.

Can I submit one application form for multiple scholarships?
No. You must submit one application for each scholarship for which you apply.

Do I have to be actively involved in my Golden Key chapter to apply for a scholarship?
Not in all cases. Some of the scholarships do factor Golden Key involvement as a selection criterion.

Do I have to be in a specific major field of study/faculty to apply for a Golden Key scholarship?
Unless the scholarship or award is specific to a particular field of study, Golden Key scholarships are available to Golden Key members of any major field of study/faculty. The achievement awards represent certain fields of study; however, any Golden Key member can apply for these as well.

How long before a winner is determined?
Winner(s) for a scholarship are determined usually two months after a deadline has passed. The Golden Key Scholar Award winners are usually determined by June of each year.

How will I find out the results of a scholarship?
Once winners are selected and we complete confirming that the winners remain eligible to receive the award, we will post the results on the Golden Key web site.

How do I know that my application was received?
When your complete application submission is received at the Nashville, USA office, you will be sent an e-mail acknowledging the receipt of your application. Past experience indicates that e-mails are sometimes not received or successfully delivered. Be certain to provide us with your most current e-mail address. You can also check the status of your application by returning to the Scholarship Program Administrators site.

If I’m a winner, how am I notified?
Approximately two to three months after each deadline, we will determine winners for the scholarship. We will first attempt to reach you by e-mail. If we do not receive a reply in 10 days, we will attempt to phone you at the phone numbers you provide.

If I don’t win a scholarship, how am I notified?
Approximately two to three months after each deadline, we will determine winners for the scholarship. Once we confirm that the winners remain eligible to receive the award, we will send an e-mail to applicants who were not named as winners. Past experience indicates that some e-mails are either not received or successfully delivered. Be certain to provide us with your most current e-mail address. You can also check the status of your application by returning to the Scholarship Program Administrators site.

Can I receive feedback on my application if I do not win?
No. Impartial selection committees composed of educators specializing in fields specific to each program will select the winners. In selecting the winners, the committees will consider a number of factors related directly to each program. Decision of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal.

Are scholarships taxable?
Tax laws vary by country. For example, in the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against their scholarship award. We recommend consulting their tax advisor for more guidance.

If you have additional questions or if you have difficulties posting your application on-line, please contact the Golden Key International Headquarters at 1-800-377-2401 (toll free in the U.S.A.), the Golden Key office in your country, or e-mail scholarships@goldenkey.org.

Are scholarships given at each local chapter?
Yes. Every year, each local chapter will award at least two scholarships to chapter members. These scholarships are called the Golden Key Chapter Undergraduate Scholarships. All new members whose acceptances are received by the membership deadline at the international headquarters are eligible for the scholarship.

The scholarship recipients are chosen by the local chapter leadership. Factors for selection include academic accomplishments, leadership in collegiate activities, and participation in extracurricular activities (including Golden Key, if any, work and family commitments, and community service.)

In what activities are Golden Key chapters involved?
Golden Key, at the international level, encourages its members to perform education based service activities. Click here for service programs in which Golden Key is involved.

Do I need to be involved in activities to be a Golden Key member?
No, Golden Key was founded on the principle that any student who meets the established academic criteria can become a member and access the many benefits offered. Participation is highly encouraged and purely voluntary.

However, Golden Key provides one of the best networks of opportunities to actively participate at the local, regional, national and even international level. Thousands of Golden Key members have utilized the opportunities in Golden Key to develop their leadership skills, engage in community service, and enhance their personal network.