Summa cum Laude and Other Latin Honors on Resume

Graduation with accolades signifies a student's academic excellence and dedication. Latin honors, such as Summa cum Laude, are distinctions awarded to students who have earned high GPAs and met other rigorous academic criteria during their undergraduate studies.

These achievements not only recognize exceptional performance but also enhance a graduate's resume, making it stand out in a competitive job market.

In this article, we will explain what are the GPA requirements for Latin honors, types of academic distinctions, and how to list them on your resume.

What is GPA?

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a standardized measure used to evaluate and compare students' academic performance. GPA is calculated by finding the mean value of all grades in all courses taken during a specific period, usually a semester or year.

Based on the 4.00 grading scale, if a student receives all A's in their courses, they will have a 4.00 GPA.

GPA is an essential factor in determining a student's academic success. It is often used by colleges and universities as a measure of educational achievement. It can also be considered when choosing individuals for scholarships, awards, and other opportunities.

Some schools also use weighted GPAs, which take into account the difficulty level of courses and give additional points for advanced placement classes.

Having a high grade point average can lead to graduation with Latin honors, such as graduating Summa cum Laude.

Grade point average calculation:

• Course Grade Points. Each letter grade is assigned a point value. For example, if a student receives an A (4.00) in a 3-credit course, it contributes 12 points to the GPA.
• Total Grade Points. Sum of all course grade points.
• Total Credits. Sum of all course credits.
• Formula. GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credits.

What are Latin honors?

In recognition of performance in academic pursuits, students may be awarded a Latin honor as a prestigious achievement. It is granted by universities and colleges and is based on a student's GPA.

Students who have attained high GPAs are recognized with the esteemed Latin honors which is a testament to their diligence and commitment. This achievement has the power to open doors for future possibilities, such as pursuing further educational degrees or finding a good job.

Ultimately, achieving a Latin honor demonstrates exceptional academic prowess and acknowledges a student's remarkable accomplishments in their studies. It is a recognition that deserves celebration and should be worn with pride.

What is 'Summa cum Laude'?

The Latin term "Summa cum Laude" means "with the greatest honor" or "with the highest distinction". It's commonly used in academic settings to commend exceptional scholastic accomplishments.

What GPA is needed for Summa cum Laude?

Meeting the requirements to graduate with Summa cum Laude status involves maintaining a strong academic record, usually a GPA above 3.90 on a 4.00 scale.

For some schools, students may also need to complete additional requirements, such as research projects or honors courses.

Usually, such honor means that the student graduated among the top 5% of the class. However, each university or college may have slightly different criteria.

Obtaining Summa cum Laude standing is a noteworthy success that can broaden future educational and career pathways. It is frequently regarded as proof of a student's commitment, diligence, and intellect.

While not every student may graduate Summa cum Laude, it serves as an important recognition of academic excellence and can inspire others to strive for their own personal best in their education.

Summa cum Laude on a resume:

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What is 'Magna cum Laude'?

Magna cum Laude is a phrase derived from Latin and means "with great honor". It is a distinction given to individuals who have attained high grades during their time in college or university.

What GPA is needed for Magna cum Laude?

To be awarded Magna cum Laude, a student must have a grade point average that falls within the 3.70 - 3.89 range.

This Latin honor shows that a student has consistently excelled in their coursework and has demonstrated a strong understanding of their selected major.

Similarly to Summa cum Laude, there may be addition additional criteria set by their institution that have to be satisfied to receive this honor. These requirements vary between universities, but the overall goal remains the same: to recognize and reward great academic achievement.

Achieving Magna cum Laude also has the potential to unlock numerous career opportunities and increase the chances of admission to graduate school.

Magna cum Laude on a resume:

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What is 'cum Laude'?

In Latin, "cum Laude" means "with praise". It is commonly employed in educational institutions to honor students who have reached a notable standard of academic merit.

What GPA is needed for cum Laude?

To qualify for the honor of cum Laude, a student must typically have a GPA of 3.50 - 3.69 out of the 4.00 scale.

Students who receive cum Laude recognition are typically highly motivated and hardworking individuals. They have dedicated themselves to their studies and have excelled in their coursework.

As an accomplishment, cum Laude is held in high regard for its recognition of good academic aptitude and unwavering dedication to knowledge. It is something that students should strive for and take pride in achieving.

cum Laude on resume

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Latin honors GPA in different colleges

Here is a table detailing the requirements for Summa cum Laude, Magna cum Laude, and cum Laude honors at various colleges in the U.S.

Note that these requirements may vary by department within a university, and they can change over time. Always check the specific institution's website for the most accurate information.

How to put Latin honors on a resume?

Incorporating Latin honors on your resume can substantially improve your professional profile, showcasing your academic achievements and dedication.

Here’s a guide on how to effectively represent your educational milestones on a resume.

1. Place honors in the Education section

The Education block is the most appropriate place to list your Latin honors.

This resume section should highlight your academic background, including the degree you earned, your major, the institution you attended, and any other relevant details regarding your time at school.

2. Proper formatting

Ensure that all the distinctions are clearly stated and easy to read.

Here are some formatting tips:

• Begin with your degree and major.
• Follow with the name of your institution and your graduation date.
• Conclude with the appropriate Latin honor.

NOTE: Usually, Latin honors are written on a resume in italic and all words are lowercase.

3. Be consistent

Maintain a consistent format throughout your resume. If you choose to include Latin honors for one degree, do so for all degrees where applicable. This uniformity helps maintain a professional appearance.

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4. Additional details

If your GPA is particularly impressive, you might include it alongside your Latin honors. See the example below.

5. Include a separate section (optional)

If you graduated with accolades from multiple institutions or programs, you might consider creating a separate "Honors and Awards" section. This can draw additional attention to your academic achievements.

For example:

Honors and Awards

• summa cum laude, Master of Science in Data Analytics | Western Oregon University (May 2024)
• magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | University of Oregon (May 2022)

6. Emphasize in cover letters

While your resume is crucial, don’t forget to highlight your Latin honors in your cover letter. Mentioning these achievements can reinforce your academic excellence and commitment to potential employers, especially if you're an entry-level candidate.

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Summa cum Laude vs class rank

Achieving the highest honor in college - Summa cum Laude - is a dream for many students. Of course, those who obtained it should take pride and include this information on your resume. But what about class rank?

Class rank is a measure of where a student stands among their peers in terms of academic performance. It is usually determined by comparing a student's GPA to those of their classmates.

While Summa cum Laude signifies a high level of achievement, class rank can also play an important role in distinguishing top-performing students.

Class rank can be weighted or unweighted. In the first case, the difficulty level of the courses is taken into consideration, resulting in a higher ranking.

However, it's worth noting that not all schools calculate class rank in the same way and some may not even report it at all. So, while class rank can be a factor in determining academic success, it should not be the sole focus.

Summa cum Laude vs valedictorian

A valedictorian is the student with the highest academic achievements in their graduating class, typically delivering the farewell speech at the graduation ceremony.

This distinction is usually based on GPA, but it can also include other criteria such as extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and contributions to the school community.

This title is singular, meaning only one student per graduating class is typically chosen, making it a highly prestigious and competitive accolade.

Often, the valedictorian is selected by their co-graduates. The address at the graduation ceremony illustrates their role as the top student and a representative of the class.

Comparison

Both honors are highly esteemed and can significantly enhance your resume.

Other academic honors

During college or university, students may receive a variety of academic honors in addition to Summa cum Laude, Magna cum Laude, and cum Laude. Below are some other examples that could be worth mentioning on your resume if you've achieved them.

Dean's and President's Lists

The Dean's List is a scholarly award for students who achieve high grades during a semester or academic year. Criteria for inclusion typically include a minimum GPA and a certain number of completed credits.

Similarly, the President's List recognizes students who have achieved the highest academic excellence in a course of one semester or academic year, often requiring a perfect or near-perfect GPA.

Honor Societies

Honor societies are organizations that recognize and celebrate achievement in specific fields of study. These societies often provide opportunities for members to network, engage in scholarly activities, and participate in community service projects related to their professional industry.

Honor societies are often named in Latin to evoke a sense of tradition, prestige, and universality, reflecting the enduring values of scholarly distinction.

Membership in academic honor societies is a prestigious recognition. Not everybody can join them as most of the time students have to receive a special invitation to be inducted.

Academic honor society examples:

Departmental awards

These achievements can enhance your resume and academic portfolio, showcasing dedication, expertise, and contributions within the chosen field.

Awards from a department hold significant prestige as they signify recognition from faculty and peers within a student's field of study.

These awards are often granted based on various criteria, including academic performance, research accomplishments, leadership qualities, and service to the department.

Scholarships and fellowships

Academic scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on merit and often recognize exceptional performance, leadership, and research potential. These include scholarships given by the institution itself, by various organizations or sponsors, or national awards.

Examples are below.

The Fulbright Scholarship is a renowned program that provides opportunities for scholars and professionals to undertake research, study, and teach abroad, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.

The Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive fellowship awarded to college juniors who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to public service, providing funding for graduate study and opportunities for future government jobs.

Awards for excellence

Universities may present various awards for achievements in specific fields of study or extracurricular activities. Examples include:

• Best Thesis/Dissertation Awards. Given for outstanding undergraduate or graduate research projects.
• Student Leadership Awards. Recognizing contributions to the university community.

Equivalents in different countries

Latin honors are primarily used in the United States. However, other countries have adopted similar systems or invented different methods for honoring academic achievements.

Countries using similar systems

Canada

Some universities, particularly those influenced by American education systems, use Latin honors, while others have their own systems and use terms like "Distinction" and "High Distinction".

Philippines

• Summa Cum Laude
• Magna Cum Laude
• Cum Laude

Brazil

Some universities use a similar system of honors in Portuguese.

Indonesia

Some institutions use Latin honors, especially those with educational ties to American systems.

Countries with different honor systems

United Kingdom

Degrees are classified into:

• First-Class Honors (1st). Typically requires an average mark of 70% or higher.
• Upper Second-Class Honors (2:1). Requires an average mark of 60-69%.
• Lower Second-Class Honors (2:2). Requires an average mark of 50-59%.
• Third-Class Honors (3rd). Requires an average mark of 40-49%.

Australia

Similar to the UK, with first-class honors, second-class honors (divided into two divisions), and third-class honors.

Germany

Uses a different grading system (where 1 is very good and 6 is fail) but may have distinctions like:

• Sehr Gut (Very good)
• Gut (Good)
• Befriedigend (Satisfactory)
• Ausreichend (Sufficient)

For doctoral degrees, "mit Auszeichnung" (with distinction) is a term used to recognize exceptional performance.

France

The grading scale is from 0 to 20, with 10 considered a pass. Grades above 16 are rare and considered excellent. French universities use a mention-based system to denote levels of academic achievement:

• Mention Très Bien (Very Good)
• Mention Bien (Good)
• Mention Assez Bien (Fairly Good)
• Mention Passable (Satisfactory)

Netherlands

Uses the term "cum laude" but generally in the context of doctoral theses rather than bachelor's or master's degrees.

Italy

The grading system is numerical, generally from 18 to 30, with 30 being the highest. The honor system in universities includes:

• Con Lode. This translates to "with praise" and is the highest academic distinction. It is typically added to the highest grade (30/30).
• 110 e Lode. For final graduation marks, students can receive 110/110 e lode, indicating the highest possible honor.

Spain

Uses distinctions like "Matrícula de Honor" (for top students), "Sobresaliente" (9 or 10 out of 10), "Notable" (between 7 and 8.9), "Aprobado" (between 5 and 6.9), and "Suspenso" (below 5).

Japan

Uses a 0-100 point system for most subjects with honors typically in Japanese terminology.

India

Academic honors are often based on percentages and distinctions, especially at the undergraduate level.

How to present foreign honors effectively?

Including honors when applying for a job in a different country requires careful presentation to ensure that the potential employer understands their significance.

Explain the honors system used by your university. If the terms are in a foreign language, translate them. For example, in Italy, you might explain that "110 e Lode" means graduating with the highest distinction.

If possible, add an equivalent honor or grade in the local context.

Your cover letter is a great place to provide a brief explanation of your honors. This gives you the opportunity to explain the significance without cluttering your resume.

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Conclusion

Now you know various Latin honors and meanings they have. Incorporating Summa cum Laude and other distinctions on your resume is a strategic way to highlight your expertise and dedication to excellence.

By following our advice, you can effectively showcase your achievements and significantly enhance your professional profile, making you excel in a challenging job market and opening doors to future opportunities.