Should You Put “Summa Cum Laude” on the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)
Let’s face it, college applications are a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and a whole lot of “should I, shouldn’t I?” moments. One of those big, looming questions is: “Should I include my ‘Summa Cum Laude’ on the Common App?”
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because while the answer might not be as straightforward as you’d like, it’s definitely not as complicated as quantum physics.
The TL;DR: Unless your school explicitly awards Latin honors and you officially graduated “Summa Cum Laude,” it’s probably best to leave it off the Common App.
Here’s why:
- Redundancy is a buzzkill. The Common App already asks for your GPA and class rank. Listing “Summa Cum Laude” just repeats that information. Think of it like wearing a t-shirt that says “I am a human being” – it’s kind of obvious, and not exactly groundbreaking.
- Focus on what’s unique. College admissions committees want to see what makes YOU stand out. Instead of focusing on the “Summa Cum Laude” (which is great, but pretty standard), highlight your extracurriculars, leadership roles, and personal experiences.
- Don’t be afraid to go blank. The “Honors” section isn’t a mandatory field. If you have a solid GPA but don’t have any other awards or achievements to list, it’s perfectly okay to leave it blank. Seriously, don’t sweat it.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the “Summa Cum Laude” conundrum:
Imagine you’re a college admissions officer reading through hundreds of applications. You’re looking for students who are passionate, driven, and interesting. Would you be more impressed by a student who says “I graduated Summa Cum Laude” or a student who shares a compelling story about their volunteer work at a local animal shelter?
The answer is pretty clear, isn’t it?
Now, don’t get me wrong. “Summa Cum Laude” isn’t a bad thing. It’s a fantastic accomplishment! It means you worked hard, achieved high grades, and earned recognition for your academic excellence.
But, here’s the thing: college admissions are about so much more than just grades. They want to see how you’ve used your intelligence and potential to make a difference in the world.
Think of it this way:
“Summa Cum Laude” is like a fancy dessert. It’s delicious, but it’s not the main course. The main course is your personality, your passions, your experiences. Those are what will truly capture the attention of college admissions committees.
So, what SHOULD you include in the “Honors” section?
Here’s a quick rundown:
- School-Wide Awards: Honor Roll, Principal’s List, National Honor Society, Student of the Month/Year
- Subject-Specific Awards: Outstanding achievement in math, science, literature, etc.
- Athletic Awards: Recognition for sportsmanship, leadership, or exceptional performance
- Other Awards: Awards or distinctions that highlight your unique skills, talents, or achievements
But remember: Quality over quantity!
Don’t try to cram every single award you’ve ever received into the “Honors” section. Choose the ones that are most relevant to your academic and personal goals.
The “Summa Cum Laude” Bottom Line:
If you’re feeling unsure about whether or not to include your “Summa Cum Laude,” ask yourself this:
- Does this honor truly showcase something unique about me?
- Will it make a lasting impression on the admissions committee?
If the answer is no, then it’s probably best to leave it off the Common App.
Instead, focus on highlighting your personality, passions, and achievements that will truly make you stand out from the crowd.
Remember, college admissions are a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, be thoughtful, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from your teachers, counselors, or mentors.
And if you’re still feeling stuck, remember, we’re here to help. Connect with us at the JobLoving community for more advice and insights on your college application journey. We’re all in this together!