Your first job application is your chance to make an unforgettable impression.
For recent graduates, academic achievements like “magna cum laude” can highlight your dedication, hard work, and excellence.
This honor, signifying high academic performance, can be a key differentiator in a competitive job market—if presented effectively.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to strategically include magna cum laude on your resume and maximize its impact on hiring managers.
Why magna cum laude matters
Meaning “with great praise,” magna cum laude recognizes exceptional academic achievement. Usually awarded to students in the top 10–15% of their class or those with a GPA above 3.7 (criteria may vary), it reflects:
- A strong commitment to academic excellence.
- Dedication and discipline over time.
- The ability to excel in competitive environments.
This distinction not only underscores your accomplishments but also signals to employers your potential for success in the workplace.
Where to include magna cum laude on your resume
The education section is the natural home for academic achievements, including magna cum laude. However, how you structure this section can influence its impact.
- Standard placement:
Place magna cum laude directly under your degree information. For example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of XYZ, May 2023
Magna Cum Laude - Alternative placement with GPA:
Include your GPA alongside magna cum laude to offer context for your academic performance:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of ABC, May 2022
Magna Cum Laude | GPA: 3.86/4.0
Tip: If you graduated from a university with global recognition or one known for academic rigor, adding the school name prominently can strengthen your resume’s credibility.
Highlight it in a professional summary
Don’t limit magna cum laude to the education section. A well-crafted professional summary is a perfect place to emphasize this achievement early in your resume.
Example:
“Motivated graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from ABC University, earning magna cum laude honors. Equipped with strong analytical skills, a proven track record of academic excellence, and internship experience in digital marketing strategy.”
This approach positions your academic success as part of a broader narrative about your qualifications and readiness for the job.
Pair it with relevant skills or experiences
Employers value well-rounded candidates. If you include magna cum laude, balance it with concrete examples of skills or experience gained during your academic journey.
Example table:
| Skill/Experience | How to highlight |
|---|---|
| Leadership skills | “Led a team of 5 peers in a marketing case competition while maintaining a magna cum laude GPA.” |
| Research experience | “Published a paper on AI ethics as part of a senior thesis, graduating magna cum laude.” |
| Time management | “Managed part-time work and extracurricular activities while achieving magna cum laude recognition.” |
This approach reinforces that your honor isn’t just an academic title but evidence of real-world skills.
Include magna cum laude in a dedicated honors section
If you have multiple awards or recognitions, a separate honors section can spotlight magna cum laude without overcrowding your education section.
Example:
Honors and Awards
- Magna Cum Laude, University of XYZ, May 2023
- Dean’s List (8 consecutive semesters)
- Scholarship for Academic Excellence, 2021–2023
This structure organizes your achievements clearly, making it easy for hiring managers to recognize your dedication.
Tailor its prominence based on the job role
The value of magna cum laude varies by industry. For fields like academia, law, or research, it highlights intellectual rigor and should be prominently featured. However, in creative or technical roles, skills, portfolios, or certifications often carry more weight.
- For academia or research: Highlight magna cum laude in your professional summary or education section.
Example: “Bachelor of Science in Economics, Magna Cum Laude – Extensive research in labor market trends.” - For creative or technical roles: Briefly mention it alongside skills or experiences.
Example: “Graduated magna cum laude in Computer Science; developed scalable web applications during internships.”
Tip: Adjust based on job descriptions—prioritize magna cum laude for roles emphasizing education and analytical skills, but shift focus to relevant experience when creativity or hands-on expertise matters more.
Leverage formatting to draw attention
The way you format magna cum laude on your resume can subtly enhance its visibility without overshadowing other critical details. Clean, professional formatting ensures it stands out to hiring managers while maintaining a polished look.
Effective formatting examples:
- Inline presentation (classic):
Keeps it neat and straightforward.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Physics
XYZ University | Magna Cum Laude - Integrated with emphasis:
Adds subtle attention to the honor using italics or bold.
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in History, Magna Cum Laude
University of ABC - Separated for clarity:
Positions magna cum laude as a distinct line for better visibility.
Example:
Bachelor of Business Administration
University of DEF, May 2023
Magna Cum Laude
Tips for consistency:
- Match the formatting style across your resume for professionalism.
- Avoid overusing bold or italics to prevent a cluttered look.
- Choose clear, readable fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and align text properly for easy scanning.
Bonus tip: Use bullet points under your education section to include related details, such as GPA, thesis topics, or relevant coursework, alongside magna cum laude. This provides context while keeping your resume visually balanced.
Mention it in your cover letter
A cover letter allows you to elaborate on achievements like magna cum laude, showcasing the skills and qualities that contributed to this honor. This context helps hiring managers understand how your academic success translates into professional value.
How to integrate it:
- Introduce it in context: Tie magna cum laude to specific skills or qualities, such as discipline, problem-solving, or time management.
- Relate it to the role: Highlight how this achievement prepares you to excel in the position you’re applying for.
Example:
“As a magna cum laude graduate in Computer Science, I developed exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills while balancing a rigorous academic workload and multiple internships. These experiences strengthened my ability to deliver high-quality results under pressure, a skill I’m eager to bring to your team.”
This approach demonstrates that magna cum laude is more than an academic title—it’s a testament to your work ethic and readiness for professional challenges.
Explain its significance if necessary
Latin honors like magna cum laude are widely recognized in many regions, but in international or non-academic contexts, their meaning might not be immediately clear. Providing a brief explanation ensures your achievement is understood and valued.
When to clarify:
- International roles: If the employer may be unfamiliar with Latin honors.
- Non-academic industries: For roles where academic achievements aren’t typically highlighted, such as creative or trade-focused jobs.
How to explain:
- Keep it concise and relevant to the position.
- Focus on what the honor signifies—academic excellence, ranking, or dedication.
Example phrasing:
- “Magna cum laude, an honor awarded to graduates in the top 10% of their class, reflects my commitment to academic excellence.”
- “This distinction, recognizing exceptional academic performance, highlights my ability to balance a demanding curriculum with consistent success.”
Use storytelling during interviews
In interviews, your magna cum laude distinction can be a conversation starter. Share specific anecdotes about the effort, challenges, or milestones that contributed to your success.
How to use it effectively:
- Tie the achievement to specific challenges you overcame or milestones you reached.
- Highlight transferable skills that apply to the job, such as teamwork, leadership, or adaptability.
- Keep the story concise and relevant, ensuring it adds value to the conversation.
Why this works:
- It demonstrates that your academic achievement reflects actionable skills.
- It provides an opportunity to discuss leadership, collaboration, or other qualities employers value.
Highlight magna cum laude on LinkedIn
Your resume isn’t the only place to showcase magna cum laude. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can amplify your achievement and make it visible to a broader audience.
Tips for LinkedIn:
- Add magna cum laude under your degree in the education section.
Example: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude (May 2023) - Use the “About” section to expand on how this honor reflects your skills and commitment.
Example: “Graduated magna cum laude in Economics, showcasing strong analytical skills and dedication to excellence while completing internships in data analysis.” - Share a post celebrating your achievement after graduation.
This ensures your distinction is visible to recruiters browsing your profile.
Final thoughts
Including magna cum laude on your resume can elevate your application, particularly for your first job. Whether you highlight it in the education section, weave it into a professional summary, or expand on it in your cover letter, this achievement demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
Summary of tips:
- Place magna cum laude in the education or honors section for clarity.
- Tailor its emphasis based on the job role you’re applying for.
- Use formatting wisely to ensure readability and professionalism.
- Expand on the qualities behind your achievement in interviews and cover letters.
Strategic presentation of magna cum laude not only showcases your academic success but also sets the tone for your career narrative. Ready to take the next step? Pair this honor with a compelling professional summary and impactful skills to craft a winning resume.