Graduating summa cum laude, Latin for “with highest praise,” is an honor that reflects your academic dedication and excellence.
Including this distinction on your resume can highlight your accomplishments, but knowing how, when, and where to include it is crucial for maximizing its impact.
This guide explores how to present summa cum laude strategically on your resume, when it is most relevant, and actionable examples to inspire you.
What is summa cum laude and why it matters
Before diving into resume strategies, it’s essential to understand what summa cum laude represents and why it’s valuable to employers.
Definition: Summa cum laude is the highest academic honor awarded by many universities, typically to students who achieve a top-tier GPA or rank in their graduating class.
Why employers care:
- It demonstrates commitment to excellence, showing that you’ve excelled over several years.
- Reflects transferable skills, such as discipline, time management, and critical thinking.
- Sets you apart in competitive fields where academic performance matters, like law, finance, and education.
When to include summa cum laude on your resume
Knowing when to highlight summa cum laude on your resume is just as important as how you present it. Here are scenarios where including it is beneficial:
1. Early career or recent graduate
If you’ve graduated within the last 1–3 years, including summa cum laude demonstrates your academic excellence and compensates for limited work experience.
2. Academic or specialized fields
For careers in academia, research, education, or other fields that value academic rigor, this honor enhances your credibility.
3. Competitive industries
In industries like law, consulting, and tech, summa cum laude serves as a differentiator, signaling your ability to excel under pressure.
When it’s less important:
- If you have 10+ years of experience, prioritize professional achievements unless the academic honor directly supports your qualifications.
- For creative or hands-on roles (e.g., graphic design, construction), employers may prioritize portfolios or technical skills over academic accolades.
Where to include summa cum laude on your resume
Summa cum laude can appear in several sections of your resume, depending on its relevance and the job requirements.
1. In the education section
The Education section is the most logical place to showcase summa cum laude. Keep it concise and clear.
Example 1:
Bachelor of Science in Biology
University of XYZ, May 2023
Summa Cum Laude
Example 2 (with GPA):
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of ABC, May 2022
Summa Cum Laude | GPA: 3.95/4.0
2. In the professional summary
If your academic achievements are a key selling point, mention summa cum laude in your Professional Summary at the top of your resume.
Example:
“Summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills demonstrated through academic excellence and internship experience in investment banking.”
3. On a cover letter
When applying for academic or research-intensive roles, summa cum laude can add weight to your cover letter. Use it to contextualize your achievements.
Example:
“My summa cum laude distinction reflects my dedication to excellence and my ability to balance rigorous coursework with leadership roles, such as serving as President of the Economics Club.”
How to include summa cum laude on your resume
Formatting your resume correctly ensures that your achievements are noticed. Here’s how to structure it effectively:
1. Pair with related achievements
Combine summa cum laude with awards, honors, or relevant coursework to emphasize your strengths.
Example format:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of DEF, May 2021
- Summa Cum Laude
- Dean’s List (8 Semesters)
- Recipient, Excellence in Engineering Design Award
2. Highlight relevant coursework
For roles requiring specific expertise, list key coursework or projects to demonstrate your qualifications.
Example table for relevant coursework:
| Course title | Key skills gained |
|---|---|
| Advanced Algorithms | Problem-solving, programming logic |
| Data Analytics for Business | Statistical analysis, predictive modeling |
How summa cum laude boosts specific sections of your resume
1. Professional summary
Including summa cum laude in your summary positions you as a candidate with strong academic credentials.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do: Connect your honor to the role.
- “Graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Marketing. Skilled in data-driven strategies and campaign optimization.”
- Don’t: Simply state the honor without context. Employers want to know how it translates to skills.
2. Skills section
While not directly listed in the skills section, summa cum laude reflects underlying abilities like attention to detail and self-motivation.
Skills gained through summa cum laude:
- Time management: Balancing rigorous coursework.
- Analytical thinking: Solving complex academic problems.
- Collaboration: Group projects and research.
3. Accomplishments section
If your resume includes a dedicated Accomplishments section, you can highlight summa cum laude alongside other achievements.
Example:
- Graduated summa cum laude, top 5% of class.
- Published research on environmental sustainability in peer-reviewed journal.
- Presented capstone project on renewable energy at national conference.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Overloading the Resume
Don’t overshadow other achievements by overemphasizing summa cum laude. Balance academic honors with professional experience and skills.
2. Inconsistent placement
Avoid listing summa cum laude in multiple sections unless necessary. Keep it focused, typically in the Education section.
3. Misrepresenting criteria
Ensure your GPA or qualifications meet the university’s criteria for summa cum laude. Employers may verify academic claims.
Practical tips for highlighting summa cum laude
- Customize for each role:
Tailor your resume to emphasize summa cum laude where academic excellence aligns with job requirements. - Leverage keywords:
For roles requiring analytical or leadership skills, frame summa cum laude as evidence of these abilities. - Quantify achievements:
Use numbers to add weight.- Example: “Graduated summa cum laude (GPA: 3.98), ranking in the top 3% of a class of 300.”
Table: When and where to highlight summa cum laude
| Scenario | Section to include | Why it’s effective |
|---|---|---|
| Recent graduate, no work experience | Education, Professional Summary | Showcases academic excellence as a key strength. |
| Applying for academic roles | Education, Cover Letter | Aligns with the academic rigor required for the role. |
| 5+ years of work experience | Optional in Education | Adds credibility but prioritizes professional achievements. |
Conclusion
Including summa cum laude on your resume is a strategic way to highlight your academic achievements and stand out in a competitive job market.
By carefully placing it in the Education section, Professional Summary, or even your Cover Letter, you ensure it reinforces your qualifications without overshadowing other accomplishments.
Use the tips and examples in this guide to craft a polished, compelling resume that showcases your academic excellence and aligns with your career goals.