“I don’t know if that’s sort of an urban legend, or if it’s actually true,” Huang said. “If so, it will have a tangible impact, and if not, it will just be a tremendous honor to be part of this group of really talented scholars.”

Most of the elected juniors who were interviewed said they couldn’t offer secrets to their academic success.

“Lots of work, lots of hard work,” said Carissa B. Meyer ’06, a chemistry concentrator. “I guess I’ve always dedicated a lot of time to all my classes, even Core classes.”

“I don’t have any tricks. I’m not one of those people who stays up all night long,” said Jessica L. Jones ’06, a biological anthropology concentrator. “My roommates tease me because I go to bed at like 11 p.m. on weeknights.”

The newly elected members of Phi Beta Kappa will be inducted on May 2.

According to the website, Harvard’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1779, is the oldest continuously operating chapter in the country.