Millions of students graduate every year to start their professional journey. Some students graduate with average scores, however, some get higher grades along with the highest academic achievements like ‘Cum Laude’.
This Latin phrase denotes the highest honor of graduating with honors. Whether you are a student looking to graduate or an adult receiving an advanced degree, learning more about cum laude can help you understand what it means and why it’s important for your future success.
What does Cum Laude mean?
Cum laude is a Latin word meaning “with praise.” It’s awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and is not required to graduate, but it’s an honor.
Cum laude students are recognized for their academic excellence. They are encouraged throughout their undergraduate careers with academic awards, including the President’s Medal (awarded at graduation), the Morris Award (given on top of your class), and more!
Why is Cum Laude Important?
When you get the Cum Laude distinction, it means that you are at the top of your class. This can be an indicator of academic excellence and a sign of dedication to your studies. It also shows that you have what it takes to succeed in higher education, which is essential for many students considering college or graduate school.
You may also be able to use your Cum Laude distinction to indicate future success. For example, you may find it helpful while applying for jobs or graduate school positions. Employers may see this as proof that you are brilliant and capable of succeeding in your company or program.
How does Cum Laude Affect Graduation?
- Cum Laude honors are for students who have an A or B average in their class and are in the top 5% of their graduating class.
- You must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher to graduate with cum laude honors.
- You must complete all required courses, including any prerequisites that fall outside your major field of study; these may be taken as electives at another university if you choose to do so after graduation (and this is typically when you would find yourself taking out more loans).
- You cannot have any incomplete grades on your transcript or other academic records that could affect how many hours you need to complete towards receiving your degree (such as completing one failed course).
What are the requirements for Magna and Summa Cum Laude?
Cum Laude is a Latin phrase, which means ‘with honor’. It’s a distinction given to students who have done exceptionally well in their studies. Cum Laude is given for having a GPA of 3.5 or above, which makes it an extremely high achievement.
The requirements differ depending on whether you want to be considered magna cum laude or summa cum laude, but they are both tough to achieve!
How Can You Include Cum Laude Honors in Your Resume?
If you have honors, awards, or any other academic achievement, it will significantly help you include them in your resume. It will show recruiters or professors that you are capable and dedicated to achieving your goals.
The best place to include such honors would be your education section, below your GPA. However, you can also create another section called “Honors & Awards” to list all your achievements in one place.
Conclusion
Cum Laude can help you stand out from the crowd of your fellow graduates. Even though it is not a necessity for the job market or higher education, it will undeniably help you in seizing your seat in any of these cases.
We hope you found this article helpful! In case of any question or confusion, you can feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
