Highlighting academic honors like “Cum Laude” on a resume often poses a challenge for job seekers aiming to stand out. Graduating with distinction reflects dedication and strong performance during college, making it a valuable addition to professional documents. This post explains how to correctly include the Cum Laude honor on a resume, ensuring it captures attention without overshadowing other qualifications. First, the definition and significance of Cum Laude will be covered, followed by tips on placement and formatting, and concluding with examples to guide effective presentation.
Key Takeaways from How To Put Cum Laude On Resume
Understanding Cum Laude
- Cum Laude is an academic honor that signifies graduating with distinction or honors.
- It is typically awarded based on GPA or class ranking, with variations depending on the institution.
- Common Latin honors include Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude, each representing different levels of academic achievement.
When and Why to Include Cum Laude on Your Resume
- Including Cum Laude is most relevant for recent graduates or those early in their careers.
- It highlights academic excellence and can differentiate candidates in competitive job markets.
- Once you have substantial professional experience, the emphasis on academic honors can be reduced or omitted.
How to Properly List Cum Laude on Your Resume
- Include the honor alongside your degree in the Education section.
- Format examples:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Cum Laude
- University Name, City, State — Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Cum Laude
- If applicable, specify the distinction level if higher, e.g., Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude.
- Do not exaggerate or misrepresent the honor.
Additional Tips
- If the honor is rare or prestigious at your institution, consider briefly explaining it.
- Use consistent formatting with the rest of your resume.
- Focus on clarity and professionalism rather than decorative language.
How To Put Cum Laude On Resume
Including academic honors like Cum Laude on your resume highlights your scholastic excellence and distinguishes you in competitive job markets. However, placing it correctly and effectively requires knowledge of resume conventions and strategic presentation. This article breaks down how to showcase Cum Laude in different sections, ensuring clarity and impact.
Where To Include Cum Laude On Your Resume
Education Section
The education segment remains the most appropriate and expected place for academic distinctions. Here, you clearly associate the honor with your degree and institution.
Example format:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, May 2023 University of State, City, State Graduated Cum Laude
Alternative placements within the education block:
1. Next to the degree title
2. Under the degree line as a bullet point or separate line
3. Included as part of GPA or honors line
Summary or Objective Section (Optional)
If the honor strongly supports your candidacy—especially for entry-level roles—briefly mentioning it in the summary or objective can add value.
Example:
Recent Business graduate, Cum Laude, with internship experience in marketing and strong analytical skills.
Avoid overloading this section with academic details; keep it concise and relevant.
Honors & Awards Section
If you have multiple distinctions, including scholarships or departmental awards, create a separate Honors section to list all achievements including Cum Laude.
Example:
Honors & Awards - Graduated Cum Laude, University of State, 2023 - Dean’s List, 2021-2023 - Academic Excellence Scholarship, 2022
This approach highlights a consistent record of achievement.
How To Format Cum Laude On Your Resume
Correct Terminology
Use the exact Latin phrase with proper capitalization:
– Cum Laude
– Magna Cum Laude
– Summa Cum Laude
Avoid misspellings or anglicized versions like “with cum laude honors” unless specifically preferred by your institution.
Examples By Degree Level
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, May 2023 State University, City, State Graduated Cum Laude Master of Arts in Economics, December 2022 City University, City, State Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Include GPA? When To Add It
If your GPA is strong (typically 3.5+ on a 4.0 scale), including it alongside Cum Laude strengthens your academic profile.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, May 2023 University of State, City, State Cum Laude | GPA: 3.7/4.0
If GPA is lower or omitted, the honor itself still communicates high academic standing.
Using Cum Laude With Bullet Points
Bullet points in your education section can clarify or expand on your achievements:
Education Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, May 2023 University of State, City, State - Graduated Cum Laude - Completed thesis on Modernist poetry - Dean’s List, 6 semesters
This layout enhances readability and emphasizes multiple strengths.
Special Considerations
International Degrees
If your degree comes from a non-US institution, clarify equivalence or context. For example:
Bachelor of Engineering, June 2022 Technical University, Country Graduated with Cum Laude honors (equivalent to top 10% of class)
This helps recruiters unfamiliar with foreign honors understand the significance.
When Not To Include Cum Laude
Consider omitting academic honors if:
– You have extensive professional experience overshadowing education
– The honor is outdated (e.g., decades old) and no longer relevant
– Applying to positions unrelated to your degree or academic background
Focus resumes on the most impactful and current qualifications.
Sample Resume Snippets Featuring Cum Laude
Entry-Level Candidate
Education Bachelor of Science in Marketing, May 2023 University of State, City, State Cum Laude | GPA: 3.6/4.0 Summary Recent graduate, Cum Laude, with internship experience in digital marketing and data analytics.
Experienced Professional
Education Master of Public Health, December 2018 City University, City, State Graduated Magna Cum Laude Professional Experience [...]
Common Mistakes When Listing Cum Laude
| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|——————————-|———————————-|———————————|
| Using lowercase “cum laude” | Capitalize as “Cum Laude” | Proper noun formatting |
| Writing “with cum laude honors”| Use “Graduated Cum Laude” or “Cum Laude” | Cleaner, more standard phrasing |
| Placing honor unrelated to education | Put it under education or honors section | Keeps resume organized |
| Omitting institution or date | Always include university and graduation year | Provides context and verification |
Additional Tips To Maximize Cum Laude Impact
1. Tailor placement to job type: For academic or research roles, highlight honors prominently. For creative or sales jobs, integrate into education or summary briefly.
2. Use consistent formatting: Stick to one style throughout your resume to maintain professionalism.
3. Avoid overuse: Do not repeat the phrase multiple times; one clear mention suffices.
4. Combine with other achievements: Pair honors with relevant projects, leadership, or certifications for a rounded profile.
Conclusion
Including Cum Laude on your CV elevates your academic credibility and can open doors early in your career. Place it thoughtfully within education or honors sections, use precise language, and tailor its prominence based on your experience level. Proper formatting and contextual clarity ensure recruiters recognize your achievements without distraction.
By following these guidelines, your resume will reflect your scholastic distinction effectively and professionally.
Examples of How to Properly Include Cum Laude on Your Resume
Example 1: Education Section with Honors Mention
In the education section, directly mention your cum laude distinction next to your degree. This makes it clear and concise for recruiters.
Education
– Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of ABC, May 2023
– Graduated Cum Laude (GPA: 3.7/4.0)
Example 2: Detailed Education Entry with Honors Explanation
You can also add a brief explanation of what cum laude means if you think the hiring manager might not be familiar with the term.
Education
– Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, XYZ University, June 2022
– Graduated Cum Laude (Top 10% of the class, GPA: 3.6/4.0)
Example 3: Using a Separate Honors Section
If you have multiple honors or awards, create a dedicated “Honors” section to highlight your cum laude distinction along with other achievements.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, DEF Institute, 2023
Honors
– Cum Laude, DEF Institute (Graduated with honors, GPA: 3.65)
– Dean’s List, 2021-2023
– Scholarship Recipient for Academic Excellence
These examples demonstrate clear and professional ways to showcase your cum laude achievement on your resume.