Graduating cum laude is a remarkable academic accomplishment that signifies excellence and dedication. This honor not only reflects your hard work but also enhances your resume, making you stand out to potential employers. The true meaning behind cum laude, its value in the professional world, and how to effectively highlight it on your resume. Recent graduate or aiming to achieve this distinction, understanding its impact can open doors to exciting career opportunities.
When applying for an open position, you want to include anything that can help your resume stand out from the bunch, especially if you’re new to the employment domain. One thing that can set your resume apart is the designation of graduating cum laude.
As your career advances, your cum laude achievement may become less relevant, as it’s replaced by professional qualifications and achievements. But the distinction can help secure your first or second job in the academia field. Once you have your foot in the door, there’s no stopping your rise to the top of your field.
Just like cum laude honorees stand out at graduation, the distinction puts your resume at the top of the pile. But what is “cum laude,” and how do you achieve such honors?
What “Cum Laude” Means
What does “cum laude” mean, and why is it so special? Cum laude is an honor some collegiates receive upon graduation. Summa cum laude and magna cum laude round out the three achievements that take their name from Latin phrases. They are often called “Latin honors” because of their names.
The term “laude” literally means “distinction” or “honor.” Therefore, “cum laude” translates to “with distinction” or “with honor.”
Summa cum laude is the highest tier of the three, followed by magna cum laude and then cum laude.
Those who reach the three cum laude statuses are among the most highly-educated and revered students on campus. The award signifies a level of unprecedented dedication to their studies. However, achieving the distinction isn’t an easy feat.
But how are such honors achieved? First of all, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to your studies. How are the cum laude honors calculated?
How to Reach Each Level of Status?
Surprisingly, not every higher education institution has cum laude honors. And when they do, there isn’t one set criteria across all institutions for graduating cum laude. Some institutions base solely on grade point average while others consider class rank as well as GPA.
A school’s cum laude requirements are something to consider when looking at where to continue your education. Some high schools around the country do have cum laude honors, but it’s not common.
Certain higher learning institutions require recommendations from faculty or an honors thesis before granting cum laude status, in addition to a high GPA. Many cum laude honors require taking advanced classes, where one must maintain a certain GPA.
When a college or university considers only class rank, it’s easier to achieve cum laude honors at smaller schools. Harvard University, the oldest college in America, was the first in the country to offer the cum laude distinctions.
While there isn’t a nationwide set criterion for cum laude, there are averages that one must meet. Those receiving summa cum laude honors typically have a GPA over 4.0. For magna cum laude, the GPA requirement is between 3.8 and 3.9. A GPA between 3.5 and 3.7 can get you cum laude honors.
Taking a look at Harvard again, its GPA requirements for cum laude honors aren’t set in stone. Between 2009 and 2022, the GPA requirements became more strict, with higher grade point averages required.
For example, in 2009, a 3.7 GPA was the threshold for magna cum laude honors. By 2022, the requirement changed to a 3.9 GPA.
Why the Cum Laude Designation is Important for Your Resume
Some may think that a cum laude honor won’t mean anything beyond college (or high school.) However, a cum laude distinction bolsters your resume throughout your professional career. A cum laude honor can put you over the top against other applicants when you’re just entering the workforce. Why?
The cum laude distinction is often seen as an indication of a strong work ethic and dedication. Those are two things all employers are looking for in their hires. As your career progresses, the cum laude honors may have less of an impact but are still respectable achievements on a resume.
Other Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out
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Cum Laude Types
Cum Laude
This is the most common Latin honor, typically awarded to students in the top 20-30% of their graduating class. Specific GPA requirements vary by institution, but it generally falls within the 3.5 to 3.7 range.
Magna Cum Laude
A step above cum laude, magna cum laude recognizes a smaller group of top performers, often the top 10-15% of the graduating class. The required GPA is usually higher than cum laude, sometimes exceeding 3.8 or 3.9, depending on the institution.
Summa Cum Laude
The pinnacle of academic honors, summa cum laude is reserved for the most exceptional students, often the top 1-5% of the graduating class. The required GPA is typically very high, often exceeding 3.9 or even reaching 4.0 (a perfect score).
These Latin honors appear on diplomas and transcripts, serving as a testament to a student’s dedication and hard work. While GPA is a common criterion, some institutions may consider additional factors, such as honors theses or early graduation. Latin honors are a mark of distinction that graduates proudly include on their resumes, signaling their success in higher education.
Where to Include Cum Laude on Your Resume?
Once you understand the weight of your cum laude honor, the next step is presenting it strategically on your resume. The most impactful location is undoubtedly within the Education section of your resume. Let’s explore where and how to effectively include this academic honor:
Education Section
One common approach is to list cum laude alongside your degree in the resume’s education section. Here are some tips on how to integrate cum laude into your education section:
This approach is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited work experience.
Cum laude, a Latin phrase translating to ‘with praise,’ is a prestigious academic honor bestowed upon graduating students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. It signifies that you’ve achieved a level of academic excellence that places you among the top scholars in your graduating class. Including laude on a resume can showcase this achievement effectively.
How to List Cum Laude on Your Resume?
Now that you know where to place your cum laude honor, let’s delve into the specifics of how to present it effectively. Here are key strategies to maximize its impact:
1) Including the Term
The first decision is whether to list “cum laude” in its original Latin form or translate it to “with honors”. Both options are acceptable, but the choice depends on the context and your target audience. When adding your cum laude distinction to your resume, follow these guidelines:
Latin or Translated: Choose to include it in Latin (cum laude) or translate it to English (with honor).
Formal Setting: If applying to highly academic or research-oriented positions, using “cum laude” maintains a sense of tradition and prestige.
Example: Bachelor of Science in Physics (cum laude), 2022, California Institute of Technology
General Audience: For broader applications, translating it to “with honors” might be more easily understood.
Example: Master of Arts in Education (with honors), 2019, University of Chicago
Modern Twist: For a more modern touch, “graduated with honors” might be a good alternative.
Example: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design (graduated with honors), 2020, Rhode Island School of Design
2) Providing Context
While “cum laude” itself holds weight, adding context can further emphasize your academic achievement. Here are some ways to do this:
Highlighting GPA: If your GPA falls within the top of the cum laude range for your institution, including it showcases your exceptional academic performance.
Example: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (GPA: 3.92, cum laude – Top 10%)
Mentioning Percentile Rank: Some institutions might not disclose GPAs publicly. If you know your percentile rank within your graduating class, including it provides a strong alternative metric.
Example: Bachelor of Fine Arts (cum laude, Graduated Magna Cum Laude List – Top 5%)
Adding Relevant Achievements
For competitive programs, consider mentioning additional academic honors or awards received alongside cum laude.
Example: Bachelor of Arts in History (cum laude, Dean’s List all semesters, History Department Award for Outstanding Research)
3) Formatting Tips
Presentation matters! Here’s how to ensure your cum laude honor stands out on your resume:
Bold or Italics: Use bold or italics to slightly differentiate your cum laude honor from the rest of your academic information. Maintain consistency throughout your resume.
Example: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (cum laude), 2024, Duke University
Placement: Position your cum laude honor strategically. Ideally, it should be listed after your degree name but before the graduation date and institution name.
Don’t just list Latin honors like cum laude – highlight additional academic awards, relevant coursework, and online courses. This shows your dedication to learning and the valuable skills you’ve gained, helping you stand out in the job market and set yourself up for success.
FAQs
Is Cum Laude good?
Yes, “Cum Laude” is a prestigious academic distinction. It signifies that the student has performed well academically during their college or university education. Earning this honor reflects a strong academic record and is often valued by employers and graduate schools.
What does Cum Laude mean?
“Cum Laude” is a Latin term meaning “with honor.” It is an academic honor bestowed upon students who achieve high academic performance, typically in the top 25% of their class, although the exact criteria may vary by institution.
What are the types of academic honors?
Three main types of academic honors are:
- Cum Laude – Awarded to students with a GPA near the top of their class.
- Magna Cum Laude – Higher distinction than Cum Laude, indicating even higher academic achievement.
- Summa Cum Laude – The highest honor, awarded to students with exceptional academic performance, typically in the top 1-2% of their class.
How do you earn Cum Laude honors?
To earn Cum Laude honors, you generally need to achieve a certain GPA set by your institution. The GPA required can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 3.5 to 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
What is the difference between Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude?
- Cum Laude represents good academic performance.
- Magna Cum Laude indicates a higher level of academic excellence.
- Summa Cum Laude is reserved for students with the highest academic achievements, often requiring a GPA above 3.9 or 4.0.
How important is Cum Laude on a resume?
Including “Cum Laude” on your resume can significantly enhance your profile, as it shows you have excelled academically. It can be particularly beneficial when applying for jobs or graduate programs, as it demonstrates your commitment and ability to perform well in challenging environments.
Should I list Cum Laude on my resume?
Yes, if you graduated with Cum Laude honors, it is a good idea to include it on your resume. It helps highlight your academic achievements and sets you apart from other candidates, especially if you’re early in your career.
How does Cum Laude compare to other honors on a resume?
While Cum Laude is a respected academic honor, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude are considered higher distinctions and will make a stronger impression on your resume. However, all honors show that you are a high-achieving individual and can add value to your application.
Can I still get hired with just Cum Laude honors?
Yes, earning Cum Laude honors is still impressive and can open doors to many job opportunities. While some employers may prefer higher honors, most will recognize Cum Laude as a solid indicator of your hard work, dedication, and intellectual ability.
Does Cum Laude affect graduate school applications?
Yes, earning Cum Laude honors can positively impact your graduate school applications. It shows that you have a strong academic foundation and are likely to succeed in advanced studies. However, other factors such as your GPA, recommendations, and test scores also play important roles.
