How to Put Cum Laude on Resume (+ Definitions, Tips & Examples)

Are you wondering what a recruiter will pay attention to when looking at your resume, besides work experience and relevance? While experience and skills are crucial factors, what truly catches hiring managers' eye are those little details that showcase a candidate's dedication, drive, and academic excellence. According to Ask Manager, the things listed in the resume education section include cum laude, reflected in GPA, awards, etc., helping to show that the candidate is really serious in the learning process and demonstrates their abilities. 

Including academic honors on a resume can significantly enhance your credibility and set you apart from other candidates. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively present cum laude honors on your resume, providing valuable guidance for impressing prospective employers and landing the jobs that you aspire to.

Understanding the Latin Honors Term

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.

However, cum laude isn't the only Latin honorific used in academia. There are actually three tiers of Latin honors you can list on your resume, each signifying a progressively higher level of achievement.

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.

If your GPA falls within the top of the cum laude range for your institution, you can consider including it alongside your honor. This further emphasizes your academic prowess.

Depending on the job you're applying for, you might tailor how you present your cum laude honor.

Awards and Honors Section

If you want to create a distinct section for awards and honors, consider listing cum laude there

Besides, here are some additional examples showcasing cum laude for different career paths:

Fresh Graduate Targeting Tech Industry

Mid-Career Professional Seeking Management Position

Career Changer Emphasizing Academic Background

By strategically placing your cum laude honor and potentially adding relevant details, you create a compelling narrative that highlights your academic excellence and sets the stage for your professional achievements.

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

You can 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.

General Audience

For broader applications, translating it to "with honors" might be more easily understood.

Modern Twist

For a more modern touch, "graduated with honors" might be a good alternative.

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.

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.

Adding Relevant Achievements

For competitive programs, consider mentioning additional academic honors or awards received alongside cum laude.

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.

Placement

Position your cum laude honor strategically. Ideally, it should be listed after your degree name but before the graduation date and institution name.

Building a Stronger Academic Profile Beyond Cum Laude

While cum laude is a prestigious academic honor, complementing it with other achievements can strengthen your resume. 

Highlighting Other Academic Honors and Awards

Earning cum laude is impressive, but including other academic accolades further strengthens your resume. Here are some examples:

• Dean's List Recognition: Being on the Dean's List consistently signifies outstanding academic performance throughout your studies.
• Scholarships and Grants: Receiving scholarships or grants demonstrates academic merit and financial responsibility.
• Subject-Specific Awards: Awards recognizing excellence in specific disciplines showcase your passion and in-depth knowledge.

Demonstrating Acquired Skills Through Coursework

Academic achievements go beyond grades and honors. Mentioning relevant coursework, especially those aligned with the desired job, showcases the skills and knowledge you gained during your studies.

Here's how to strategically integrate coursework:

Focus on Industry-Relevant Skills

Identify key skills sought after in your target field and highlight coursework that directly addresses them.

Highlight Capstone Projects or Thesis Work

If you completed a capstone project or thesis, mention it briefly, emphasizing the skills you developed (ex: research, problem-solving, communication).

Finding Inspiration - Popular Online Courses

Many online platforms offer high-quality courses valued by professionals across various industries. Consider including relevant courses you've completed to enhance your academic profile. Here are some well-regarded examples:

Conclusion

Go beyond just listing Latin honors like 'cum laude.' Include additional academic awards, relevant coursework, or online courses demonstrating your commitment to learning and the valuable skills you've acquired. By presenting a well-rounded picture of your educational background, you set yourself apart from other candidates and position yourself for success in the job market.

For further resume-building guidance, especially for a recent graduate, visit Cake to explore online resources from career development centers to professional resume-writing platforms. Remember, a strong resume is just the first step. Stay confident and prepared to showcase your full potential throughout the job search process with these key takeaways in mind!

— Originally Written by Andrea Do —