Tips and examples of how to mention summa cum laude in your resume

Receiving summa cum laude during your education is an achievement that you can highlight on your resume. Use these tips and examples on how best to include this kind of information and impress a recruiter. 

In this article we’ll discuss:

• What the difference is between summa cum laude and honors awards

• What a recruiter might learn about you when they see summa cum laude on your resume

• Examples of how to write your academic awards on your resume

What is summa cum laude?

Summa cum laude is an academic award of the highest distinction. A Latin phrase, it literally translates to “with greatest honor.” While there are no specific parameters of the merits that qualify a student for summa cum laude, in the US it is typically reserved for those who graduate with at least a 3.9 GPA.

There are other degrees of award for GPAs that are close to 3.9, including magna cum laude and cum laude. Magna cum laude celebrates students who earn a GPA of 3.7 to 3.89, and cum laude is given to those who graduate with a 3.5 to 3.69 GPA. 

What is the difference between summa cum laude and honors?

The main difference between summa cum laude and honors distinctions is that they typically refer to different academic levels. The term honors is a more general term, meaning it can refer to academics at any stage, even high school. The term summa cum laude, on the other hand, is usually reserved for higher education like colleges and universities. 

When to use summa cum laude vs honors

Typically speaking, the term you use on your resume should reflect the term used on your award. If you received honors, you will likely write it on your resume as honors. 

The exception would be if your college or university awarded you for your GPA of 3.9 or higher, but the school itself referred to it as an honors award. In this case, you can choose to write it on your resume as summa cum laude instead of honors. 

Should I give my GPA too?

The general rule of thumb for resumes in 2023 is to leave off your GPA unless it is exceptional. However, using the terms summa cum laude speaks to your GPA even without giving a specific number. So in most cases, it’s recommended to only use the term of the accolade instead of the GPA number to avoid being overtly boastful. 

Why do recruiters care to know about honors grades?

Of everything on your resume, the academic honors won’t typically be the most prominent aspect. However, having earned summa cum laude is a respectable achievement that speaks to your abilities as a professional. 

Receiving any type of honors award indicates that you are a hard worker, disciplined, and likely self-motivated to do well. When a recruiter sees information about honors awards, they are actually reading into your work ethic. The great thing about receiving this type of award is that it is an already-demonstrated excellence. As in, it is not something they have to blindly accept. It is a tangible award and a distinction that will set you apart from others in the applicant pool. 

For many industries, an academic background is where essential qualifications are developed. Being able to represent a high understanding of the academic content goes a lot farther than simply stating that you’ve taken the courses. 

Lastly, it speaks to the determination of the candidate. Most adults in the US understand that during college and university, there are a lot of distractions available. To have earned summa cum laude means that you are likely to follow through on a task despite setbacks or hindrances. 

Should I mention summa cum laude even if I graduated over ten years ago?

The standard for resumes in 2023 is to keep all information relevant to the position you are applying for. To maintain this, it’s recommended to only include information from the last ten to fifteen years. So if you graduated over ten years ago, is it even relevant to include your honors awards? 

You have the option to, yes.

Because of how it represents your professional attributes if you’ve received honors, you should include it on your resume. However, in this case, it is still recommended to exclude the year of graduation, and simply write summa cum laude below the name of your college or university.

Examples of how to write summa cum laude on your resume

Use this example if you graduated with summa cum laude within the last ten years.

Use this example if you graduated with summa cum laude beyond the last ten years.

Key takeaways

1. Summa cum laude is an academic award of the highest honors.

2. Including your honors awards on your resume speaks to your work ethic as a professional.

3. There are multiple ways you can write about your academic achievements on your resume. Choose the method that’s best for your specific situation.