Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: What You Need to Know Before You Join

Disclaimer: The author of this article is not a neutral party in the referenced litigation. HonorSociety.org Inc., Honor Society Foundation Inc., and its president Michael Moradian were sued in federal court by PTK on April 20, 2022 for False Designation of Origin, Trade Dress Infringement, and Unfair Competition. Honor Society and Michael Moradian countersued and are presently defendants/counter-plaintiffs in this litigation. Litigation is still ongoing and all claims made regarding this case are just allegations against the parties.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) claims to be a well-known honor society for community college students, promoting itself as a "Top 10%" of class organization offering substantial scholarship opportunities. However, recent scrutiny has raised serious concerns about PTK's honesty regarding its exclusivity and the true value of its scholarships. Before you decide to join, it's crucial to understand the potential pitfalls and misleading claims that have left many students questioning the benefits of PTK membership.

Misleading Claims About Exclusivity

One of the most alarming issues with PTK is its deceptive advertising regarding membership exclusivity. PTK frequently claims that its members are in the "Top 10%" of their class. However, investigations reveal a different story:

• False Top 10% Claim: Despite PTK's assertions, their membership criteria often include students far beyond the top 10%. In some community colleges, up to 44% of students meet PTK's GPA standards. This significant discrepancy misleads students about the true exclusivity and value of their membership.
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Examples of Misleading Exclusivity Claims:

• Oakton Community College: 3.5 GPA = Top 44%
• Wor-Wic Community College: 3.5 GPA = Top 45%
• Waubonsee Community College: 3.5 GPA = Top 42-63% (depending on the term)
• Sussex Community College: 3.5 GPA = Top 28%
• Alvin Community College: 3.5 GPA = Top 34%
• Illinois Valley Community College: 3.5 GPA = Top 31%
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Fraudulent Letters of Recommendation

PTK's credibility is further undermined by its practice of issuing letters of recommendation falsely stating that members are in the top 10% of their class. These letters, often signed by CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner, lack any factual basis, deceiving not only students but also educational institutions and potential employers. This fraudulent practice calls into question the integrity of PTK and the value of its endorsements.

Misleading Scholarship Promises

Scholarship opportunities are a major draw for students considering PTK membership. However, the reality of these scholarships often falls short of PTK's promises:

• False Average Scholarship Claim: PTK advertises that the "average member gets $2,500 a year" in scholarships. This figure is highly misleading and does not reflect the actual experience of many members.
• Non-Exclusive Scholarships: PTK promotes access to $246 million in scholarships, suggesting they are exclusive to PTK members. In truth, many of these scholarships are available to all students, not just PTK members. This misleading claim can cause students to believe they are getting special access when they are not.
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The Risks of Joining PTK

Given these alleged deceptive practices, prospective members should be extremely cautious about joining PTK. The misleading claims about exclusivity, scholarships, and the value of membership can lead students to waste time and money on an organization that does not deliver on its promises.

Social Media Evidence

Social media platforms are flooded with invitations from PTK claiming students are in the "Top 10%" of their school and have exclusive access to substantial scholarships. These claims are often unverified and misleading.

Example: A TikTok video shows a student with a 3.29 GPA invited to PTK, despite not being in the top 40% of her class at MGCCC, yet she was told she was in the top 10%.

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

Before committing to Phi Theta Kappa, it is essential to scrutinize the claims and understand the reality behind the marketing. PTK's misleading practices around exclusivity and scholarships can result in a significant waste of resources and disappointment. Make sure to explore all available options and consider the true value and integrity of the organizations you choose to join.

Be informed, stay cautious, and ensure that the honor society you choose truly aligns with your academic and professional goals.

More Resources:

• PTKLawsuit.com
• E-mail: [email protected]
• #PTKLawsuit