When and How to Include Dean’s List On Your Resume

Including making the dean’s list on your resume shows that:

• You’re a high achiever
• You’d be a serious, hard-working employee
• You have the drive and ability to succeed

However, every piece of information on your resume impacts an employer’s decision to hire (or not hire) you. So while getting on the dean’s list is impressive, before you add it to your resume, consider whether or not it’s the right move for you.

Should you put “dean’s list” on your resume?

Yes, you should include the dean’s list on your resume in two specific circumstances:

1. You were on the dean’s list consistently

Include the dean’s list on your resume if you made the list regularly. Making the dean’s list for many semesters throughout your college career demonstrates a strong, consistent work ethic, as well as academic ability.

If, on the other hand, you only made the list a couple of times, you shouldn’t include it on your resume.

While making the dean’s list is an achievement, including it when you only made the list once or twice makes you appear inconsistent.

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2. You attended or graduated from a prestigious university

The more prestigious the university, the more seriously you should consider putting the dean’s list on your resume.

This applies if you attend(ed) one of the Ivy League universities (e.g. Yale, Harvard, and Princeton), or any of the colleges and universities widely recognized as the best in the United States. Knowing that you made the dean’s list at such a competitive institution will impress employers even more, and help the name of your university stand out.

Even if you only made the dean’s list once or twice, consider adding it to your resume if you attended a prestigious university like any of the above.

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How to put “dean’s list” on your resume

If you decide to include Dean’s list when you write your resume, make sure you do it the right way by using the proper format.

For an example of how to put Dean’s list on your resume, check out our video where our career expert Eva shows you exactly how to write your education section:

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Our Expert:

Eva Chan

1. Include the dean’s list under your education section

You should always list the Dean’s list in your resume education section because it’s part of your educational history.

Place the dean’s list next to the GPA on your resume. This line belongs beneath the name, city, and state of your university, as well as your degree title and graduation year.

Here’s a template you can use for your own resume:

2. Note how many times you made the dean’s list

The more times you made the dean’s list, the more impressive it is to an employer because it reflects consistent excellence. If you made the dean’s list multiple times, include the number in your education section.

List the number right after you mention “dean’s List” in your education section, like in this example:

Examples of “dean’s list” on a resume

Here are some more examples of how to properly add the dean’s list to your resume:

Frequently asked questions about including “dean’s list” on a resume

Want to know more about mentioning your dean’s list accomplishment? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the dean’s list:

Is making the dean’s list impressive?

Yes, making the dean’s list is an impressive honor reserved for an institution’s highest achievers.

Exactly how impressive making the dean’s list is depends on how academically competitive your university is – in general, the more prestigious your school, the more impressive the accomplishment.

Is making the dean’s list considered an award?

While the dean’s list may not be a traditional award, it is a recognition of academic achievement. Think of it as an honor given to students who consistently excel in their studies.

How do you say “I’m on the dean’s list”?

When mentioning your dean’s list achievement on your resume, you can simply include it in the education section by writing “Dean’s List for [X] semesters.”

If you want to mention the achievement in your cover letter, here’s an example of how you might address it:

During my time at [University], I consistently demonstrated a dedication to academic excellence, earning a position on the Dean’s List for [X] semesters. This accomplishment not only reflects my commitment to maintaining high standards but also underscores my ability to thrive in a challenging and competitive environment.

What does it mean when you make the dean’s list?

Making the dean’s list means that you have achieved a high level of academic performance, typically by maintaining a specified GPA during a semester. The exact requirements will depend on your institution, but usually you need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.5.