Earning Latin honors is a significant achievement that reflects your dedication and hard work throughout college. But should you include cum laude on resume and CV applications? If so, how do you list it effectively? Showcasing this honor the right way can help you stand out to employers and highlight your academic excellence.
In this guide, you’ll learn what cum laude means, why it’s important for your resume, and the best ways to include it to maximize your job opportunities. Plus, we’ll provide examples to ensure you format it correctly. Read on!
What Does Cum Laude Mean?
The distinction cum laude is a special recognition given to students who graduate with academic honors. It’s a Latin phrase that means “with praise” or “with honor.” Colleges and universities award this distinction to students who attain a high GPA during their studies.
There are three levels of Latin honors that you might see on diplomas:
- cum laude – This means “with honor” and is the standard level of distinction.
- magna cum laude – This means “with great honor” and is a step higher.
- summa cum laude – This means “with highest honor” and is the most prestigious recognition.
Each school sets its own GPA requirements for these honors, but in most cases, you need at least a 3.5 GPA to be eligible to graduate cum laude.
Why is Adding Cum Laude Important in a Resume?
Employers value candidates who have a strong academic background because it often reflects a solid work ethic, dedication, and the ability to succeed under pressure. If you graduated cum laude, including it on your resume can help you stand out. Here’s why:
Highlights Academic Excellence
Graduating cum laude shows that you were among the top students in your class. It proves that you consistently performed well in college and took your studies seriously. This distinction is especially beneficial if you’re applying for jobs that emphasize education and intellectual ability.
Gives You an Edge Over Competitors
When hiring managers compare resumes, they often look for details that set candidates apart. Listing cum laude on your resume gives you an advantage over other applicants, especially if they have similar qualifications but no academic honors.
Demonstrates Dedication and Work Ethic
Earning Latin honors isn’t easy—it requires years of hard work, discipline, and commitment. Employers value these traits because they indicate that you’re motivated, responsible, and capable of handling challenges.
Helps If You Have Limited Work Experience
If you’re a recent graduate or have little professional experience, showcasing your academic achievements helps fill in the gaps. Including cum laude highlights your potential and reassures employers that you have the ability to learn and excel in your field.
Enhances Your Education Section
Your education section is one of the first things recruiters check, especially for entry-level positions. Adding cum laude makes your resume more impressive and draws attention to your academic success.
Builds Credibility for Advanced Studies
If you plan to pursue a master’s degree or a specialized certification, having cum laude on your resume can strengthen your application. Graduate schools and professional programs often look at academic performance as part of their admissions process.
When is the Best Time to Include Cum Laude on Resume?
Adding cum laude on your resume will bolster your job application, but it’s not always necessary. Here are the best times to include it:
- When You’re a Recent Graduate – If you have little to no work experience, emphasizing your academic achievements can make your resume more competitive.
- If You’re Applying for Roles That Value Academic Excellence – Jobs in law, finance, academia, and research often prioritize strong educational backgrounds, making cum laude a valuable addition.
- When Your GPA is Strong – If you graduated cum laude and had a high GPA (such as 3.8 or above), listing both will reinforce your academic success.
- If Your College Achievements Are Relevant – If you were part of an honor society, participated in research projects, or held leadership roles, including cum laude strengthens your academic profile.
- When You Have Limited Work Experience – If you don’t have much professional experience, showcasing your Latin honors helps highlight your strengths and potential.
However, if you have several years of work experience, your professional achievements may be more important than academic honors. In such cases, you might consider leaving cum laude off your resume and focusing on career-related accomplishments.
Best Ways to Showcase Cum Laude on Your Resume
When including cum laude on your resume, formatting it correctly ensures it looks professional and polished. Placing it strategically helps highlight your academic success while keeping your resume clean and easy to read. Here are the best ways to showcase it:
1. Education Section
The most common place to list cum laude is in the education section. This placement keeps it clear and directly linked to your degree. You can format it in a straightforward way:
Format:
[Your Degree], [Your Major]
[Your University], [Year of Graduation]
cum laude
Example Entry:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of California, Los Angeles, 2023
cum laude
If you earned magna cum laude or summa cum laude, always list the highest level of Latin honors you received. You may also include your GPA on your resume if it’s impressive (typically 3.8 or higher).
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022
summa cum laude | GPA: 3.9/4.0
2. Honors & Awards Section
If you have multiple academic achievements, creating a separate “Honors & Awards” section can help highlight them effectively. This works well if you were part of an honor society, received multiple distinctions, or earned academic awards.
Example Format:
Honors & Awards
- cum laude, University of Texas, 2022
- Dean’s List (4 semesters)
- Member, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
- Recipient, Academic Excellence Scholarship
Tip: This section is useful if you want to emphasize multiple accomplishments without cluttering your education section.
3. Professional Resume Summary
Your resume summary is one of the first things hiring managers read. If you’re a recent graduate, mentioning cum laude here can immediately grab their attention and set a strong first impression.
Example Summary:
“Detail-oriented finance graduate with a strong academic background, graduating cum laude from New York University. Proven ability to analyze financial data and develop strategic solutions. Eager to apply analytical and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced corporate environment.”
Tip: Keep it brief and relevant. Highlighting cum laude here works best for entry-level positions where academic excellence is a key factor.
4. Cover Letter Mention
While your resume should be concise, your cover letter provides more space to explain how your academic distinction reflects your skills and work ethic. If you choose to mention cum laude, connect it to qualities that make you a strong candidate.
Example Sentence:
“Graduating cum laude from [University Name] required strong time management and dedication, skills I will bring to [Company Name] as I contribute to your team’s success.”
Effective Examples of Listing Cum Laude
Below are several resume examples that correctly showcase cum laude in different formats:
Example 1: Standard Education Section
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Chicago, 2022
cum laude
Example 2: Education Section with GPA
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Harvard University, 2021
cum laude | GPA: 3.8/4.0
Example 3: Education Section with Honors Society
Education
Bachelor of Science in Economics
University of Pennsylvania, 2023
cum laude
Member, National Honor Society
Example 4: Honors Section
Honors & Awards
magna cum laude, Stanford University, 2020
Dean’s List (6 semesters)
National Honor Society Member
Highlight Your Academic Success with a Professionally Written Resume
Your resume should reflect not just your academic achievements but also your skills, experiences, and professional potential. While including cum laude on your resume is a great way to highlight your success, it’s important to format it correctly and balance it with relevant work experience.
If you want a polished, standout resume that effectively showcases your strengths, consider working with a professional resume writing service. Expert resume writers can help tailor your resume for your industry, optimize it with the right keywords, and ensure it stands out to recruiters.
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