Latin Honors on Resume

Should You List Latin Honors on Resume

In the United States, listing Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude) can add credibility and academic distinction to your resume, especially when applying for competitive positions in academia, law, or graduate programs. However, it may not be as common or relevant in other countries or industries outside of academia, so it's essential to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to include Latin honors.

In many European countries, for example, it is more common for students to list their grades rather than academic distinctions on their resumes. In some Asian countries like Japan, listing academic achievements may not be as important as work experience or skills.

Why to List Latin Honors on Resume

• Academic Distinction: Latin honors demonstrate a high level of achievement and dedication during your academic career.
• Credibility: Latin honors can enhance your credibility, particularly when applying for positions in academia, law, or graduate programs.
• Differentiation: In competitive job markets, Latin honors can help differentiate you from other candidates with similar qualifications.

Where to List Latin Honors on Resume

• Education Section: If you have graduated with Latin honors, it is appropriate to list the designation under your degree and institution in the education section of your resume.

Example

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature University of XYZ, Summa Cum Laude - Graduated 2018

• Achievements Section: If you have a separate achievements or awards section on your resume, you can list Latin honors here as well. This is especially useful if the education section is already filled with other relevant information and you want to highlight your academic achievement.

Example

Awards and Achievements

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of XYZ, 2018

Examples of How to List Latin Honors on Resume

When to Use "Graduated"

Use "graduated" when you have completed your degree and are no longer enrolled in the institution.

Example

Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of XYZ Graduated Cum Laude - May 2019

When to Use "Received" or "Awarded"

Use "received" or "awarded" when you have yet to complete your degree but have been granted the Latin honors designation based on your academic performance.

Example

Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of XYZ (Expected Graduation Date) Received Cum Laude Award - May 2022 (anticipated)

What to Avoid While Listing Latin Honors on Resume

• Incorrect Usage: Be sure to use the correct Latin phrase for your designation and ensure it is grammatically correct. For example, do not write "I graduated magna laude" or "cum laudable."
• Overemphasis: Avoid overemphasizing your Latin honors if they are not directly relevant to the position you are applying for, as it may appear that you are attempting to compensate for lack of other qualifications.
• Inclusion in Every Resume: Latin honors should not be listed on every resume you submit. Only include them when they are applicable and relevant to the position or industry you are targeting.

How to List Dean's List or High Honors on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Dean's List or High Honors

• Highlight the Achievement: Mention your Dean's List or High Honors achievement prominently in the 'Education' section of your resume. It demonstrates academic excellence and a strong work ethic, which are valuable qualities for many employers.

  • Example: Academic Achievements: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (2018-2022). Graduated with Latin honors and was consistently on the Dean's List throughout my college career.

• Be Specific: Include specific details about your performance, such as GPA or class ranking, if available. This provides a more accurate representation of your academic achievement.

  • Example: Academic Achievements: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, ABC University (2015-2019). Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA and was consistently ranked in the top 5% of my class.

• Use Standardized Terminology: Use standardized terminology for academic honors. For instance, use 'Latin Honors' instead of 'With Honors' or 'Cum Laude'. This ensures that your resume is easily understood by recruiters and hiring managers who are familiar with these terms.

• Contextualize the Achievement: If possible, provide context about why this achievement is significant. For example, if you were studying in a particularly challenging program or if you overcame academic obstacles to achieve your honors status.

  • Example: Academic Achievements: Master of Arts in Fine Arts, DEF University (2013-2016). Graduated summa cum laude despite completing a rigorous curriculum that required an additional year of study due to the depth and breadth of coursework.

• Match the Job Requirements: Ensure that you only list academic honors if they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, academic honors may be particularly important for roles that require strong analytical skills or a high level of intellectual rigor.

Example 1: Dean's List or High Honors on Latin Honors Resume

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, GHI University (2014-2018)
  • Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.9 GPA and was consistently on the Dean's List throughout my college career.
• Master of Business Administration, JKL University (2018-2020)
  • Graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society.

Example 2: Dean's List or High Honors in Latin Honors Context

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, MNO University (2013-2017)
  • Graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA and was consistently on the Dean's List throughout my college career. Despite being a part-time student due to work commitments, I maintained an exceptional academic record.

How to List With Distinction on Resume

Listing 'With Distinction' on your resume, particularly in the context of Latin honors, requires a strategic approach to ensure it stands out and accurately represents your academic achievements. Here are five best practices:

• Be Specific: Clearly state that you graduated 'With Distinction,' as well as any other honorary titles such as 'Cum Laude' or 'Magna Cum Laude.' This not only helps recruiters understand the level of achievement but also sets you apart from other applicants.

• Graduated With Distinction, Magna Cum Laude (or equivalent)

• Contextualize: Explain the Latin honors system used at your institution if it's not widely recognized. Provide a brief explanation in parentheses next to your honor title.

• Graduated With Distinction (Top 10% of class based on GPA)

• Include Required Details: Include the name of your degree, major, and institution to provide essential context.

• Bachelor of Arts in Latin Language and Literature, University of Oxford, Graduated With Distinction (Top 10% of class based on GPA)

• Order of Presentation: Place the 'With Distinction' section toward the beginning of your education section to emphasize your academic achievements.

• Consistency: Ensure that the formatting for all sections in your resume is consistent, making it easy for recruiters to scan and understand the information quickly.

Example 1: With Distinction on Latin Honors Resume

Here's an example of how you can effectively list 'With Distinction' on a resume when it pertains to Latin honors:

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies, University of Cambridge, Graduated With Distinction (Top 20% of class based on GPA)

Example 2: With Distinction in Latin Honors Context

And here's another example that includes additional context about the Latin honors system used at your institution.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Harvard University (Top 5% based on GPA), Graduated With Distinction and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Member

By following these best practices, you'll create a well-organized and informative resume that showcases your academic achievements effectively.

How to List Cum Laude on Resume

When listing the subcategory 'Cum Laude' on your resume, it's essential to ensure that you highlight your academic achievement accurately and effectively. Here are some best practices:

• Include in Academic Achievements Section - Place 'Cum Laude' under an "Academic Achievements" or "Education" section. This makes it easily discoverable by potential employers who value academic excellence.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (Year of Graduation) - Graduated Cum Laude

• Use Proper Terminology - Use the term 'Cum Laude' instead of Latin honors as it is more commonly understood by employers. If you want to provide further context, mention your GPA or class ranking.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (Year of Graduation) - Graduated Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.8/4.0

• Highlight Relevance - If your Cum Laude achievement is particularly relevant to the job you're applying for, consider emphasizing it in your cover letter or discussing it during an interview.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (Year of Graduation) - Graduated Cum Laude with a focus on software development

• Avoid Overemphasis - While being proud of your academic achievements is valid, don't let it overshadow other important aspects of your resume. Strike a balance between showcasing your education and highlighting your skills, experiences, and professional accomplishments.

Example 1: Cum Laude on Latin Honors Resume

In this example, the job seeker is applying for a position in a technology company and wants to emphasize their academic achievements' relevance to the field of Computer Science.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (Year of Graduation)

• Graduated Cum Laude with a focus on software development
• Relevant coursework: Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, and Data Structures

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Python, Java, and SQL
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies

Professional Experience

Software Developer Intern, ABC Corporation (Year of Internship)

• Contributed to the development of a data management system using Python

Example 2: Cum Laude in Latin Honors Context

In this example, the job seeker is applying for a role that doesn't necessarily require technical skills but values academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, XYZ University (Year of Graduation)

• Graduated Cum Laude with a focus on ethics and epistemology
• Relevant coursework: Formal Logic, Metaphysics, and Phenomenology

Professional Experience

Research Assistant, DEF Institute (Year of Internship)

• Assisted in researching the implications of artificial intelligence on human ethics

By following these best practices, you can effectively list 'Cum Laude' on your resume while highlighting the relevance to potential employers and showcasing your academic achievements.

How to List Summa Cum Laude on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Summa Cum Laude:

• Highlight the Achievement: Mention your graduation with honors as a separate section or bullet point in your education section. Use the term 'Summa Cum Laude' to clearly convey that you graduated at the top of your class.

  Example: Education: * Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, City, State (Year of Graduation) - Summa Cum Laude

• Explain the Latin Term: Since 'Summa Cum Laude' is a Latin term, it may not be familiar to all recruiters. Briefly explain what the phrase means in parentheses, like so: (Latin honors meaning highest distinction).

  Example: Education: * Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, City, State (Year of Graduation) - Summa Cum Laude (Latin honors meaning highest distinction)

• Specify the Grade Point Average (GPA): If your GPA meets the criteria for graduating with Latin honors, include it to give context to your achievement. For instance, (Cumulative GPA: 4.0).

  Example: Education: * Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, City, State (Year of Graduation) - Summa Cum Laude (Latin honors meaning highest distinction; Cumulative GPA: 4.0)

• Organize Chronologically: List your education in reverse chronological order so that your most recent degree or achievement is at the top.

• Keep it Simple and Professional: Avoid using excessive jargon or abbreviations that might confuse potential employers. Stick to a clear, concise writing style throughout your resume.

Example 1: Summa Cum Laude on Latin Honors Resume

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, City, State (Year of Graduation) - Summa Cum Laude (Latin honors meaning highest distinction; Cumulative GPA: 4.0)

Example 2: Summa Cum Laude in Latin Honors Context

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, ABC University, City, State (Year of Graduation) - Summa Cum Laude (Latin honors meaning highest distinction; Cumulative GPA: 3.98)
• Associate of Science in Accounting, DEF College, City, State (Year of Graduation) - Magna Cum Laude (Latin honors meaning with great distinction; Cumulative GPA: 3.85)

How to List Magna Cum Laude on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight Achievement: Mention your Magna Cum Laude achievement prominently in the "Education" section of your resume, ideally at the end of the degree program you completed. This showcases your academic excellence and dedication to your studies.

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University Graduated Magna Cum Laude GPA: 3.8/4.0

• Use Correct Terminology: Use the term "Magna Cum Laude" or its abbreviation (MCL) instead of Latin honors, as it is a more universally recognized term among recruiters and hiring managers.

• Provide Context: If possible, include the graduating year or class rank to give further context to your academic achievement. This can help distinguish you from other candidates who may also have achieved Magna Cum Laude.

  Graduated in the top 10% of my class

• Focus on Relevance: While it's important to highlight your Magna Cum Laude status, remember to focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Mention any projects, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and fit with the position.

• Consistency: Ensure consistency in formatting and presentation throughout your resume. Use a clear, easy-to-read format that emphasizes your most impressive achievements while also providing essential details such as degrees, institutions, and graduation dates.

Example 1: Magna Cum Laude on Latin Honors Resume

Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University Graduated Magna Cum Laude, May 20XX GPA: 3.8/4.0

Projects & Experience

• Developed a data analysis tool for ABC Corp as part of an internship, reducing manual labor by 50%
• Co-founded the university's Cybersecurity Club, organizing events and workshops to promote cybersecurity awareness

Example 2: Magna Cum Laude in Latin Honors Context

Education Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, DEF University Graduated Magna Cum Laude, May 20YY GPA: 3.9/4.0 (Top 5% of class)

Skills & Accomplishments

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and social media management tools
• Led a team of 10 students to create and manage the university's official Instagram account, increasing followers by 200% within six months