Dean’s List on Resume
Dean's List should be included next to your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Should You Put Dean’s List on Resume?
Dean’s list on resume should be included next to your Grade Point Average (GPA). There is some debate over whether it should be included or not. Some professionals consider it redundant, unnecessary resume-padding. This guide will show you how to put the dean’s list on your resume and weigh the pros and cons of including it. CFI’s recommendation is to include it if you achieved it all semesters (to demonstrate academic consistency). Otherwise, exclude it.
Pros of Adding Dean’s List
There are many advantages of including this honor in your job application.
Benefits of including dean’s list on resume:
- Demonstrates strong academic performance
- Shows a consistent level of performance if achieved all semesters
- Adds another credential and honor to your resume
- Depending on the school or employer, it may be extra valuable if the GPA requirement for Dean’s List is especially high
- Adds more detail to your resume
Cons of Adding Dean’s List on Resume
It may surprise you but there can actually be some disadvantages of including the dean’s list honor in your application (although they are very minor).
Potential disadvantages:
- It may be considered redundant since your GPA is listed right next to it.
- If it’s not clear what the criteria are for making the list, that makes it less meaningful.
- It can add clutter to your resume.
- If you achieved it some semesters but not others, then it may appear to indicate inconsistency.
Learn more in CFI’s Career Prep Center.
Example of How to Include It
Here is an example of how to include it on your resume.
Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics, Minor in History
- Cumulative GPA: 3.8/4.0; Dean’s List all semesters
- Varsity Sport – starter on the varsity sports team all four years; 20+ hours per week
- President, Student Club – responsible for managing all aspects of a student-run club
- Study Abroad – Exchange in a foreign country
Image: CFI’s investment banking resume template.
More Resources
Thank you for reading CFI’s guide on whether to include Dean’s List on resume. If you want to stand out from the competition when applying for a job, enroll in CFI’s Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)TM certification to get the job-based training and skills finance employers want in their new hires. To help build your resume, these resources will useful:
