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

To include the fact you were on the Dean’s List to your resume, include it after your GPA in the education section, like this:

While getting on the Dean’s List is impressive, you should still consider whether including it on your resume is the best choice for your specific situation.

When to include the Dean’s List on your resume

Including being on the Dean’s List on your resume can strengthen your application, especially in the right context. Consider adding it if:

1. You’re a recent graduate: If you have limited work experience, highlighting academic achievements like being on the Dean’s List helps demonstrate potential
2. You earned it consistently: If you made the Dean’s List over multiple semesters or throughout university, it shows sustained excellence and commitment
3. You attended a prestigious university: Being on the Dean’s List at an Ivy League or a top-ranked university can impress employers and set you apart
4. The job values academic achievements: If you’re applying for a position that emphasizes academic achievement, like research, education, or grad school programs, listing your inclusion on the Dean’s List will be advantageous
5. You’re filling gaps in your career: Mentioning you were on the Dean’s List can highlight your motivation and ability to succeed even if you have employment gaps or limited work experience

When not to mention the Dean’s List on your resume

In some cases, adding that you were on the Dean’s List may not add much value to your resume. Skip it if:

1. You graduated a while ago and have other more relevant experience: If you have several years of relevant work experience, use your limited resume space to highlight your professional accomplishments instead
2. You were only on the Dean’s List a few times: Inconsistent academic honors can come across as less impressive. It’s better to skip it completely rather than draw attention to spotty achievements

How to write that you were on the Dean’s List on a resume

If you decide to list your inclusion on the Dean’s List when you write your resume, make sure you format it correctly. Need a quick example? Watch our video where career expert Eva Chan 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

Since being on the Dean’s List is an academic achievement, it belongs in your resume education section.

Place it on the same line as your GPA on your resume, right below the name, city, and state of your university, as well as your degree title and graduation year.

2. Note how many times you made the Dean’s List

The more often you earned this honor, the more it reflects consistent academic excellence. If you made the Dean’s List multiple times, include the number in your education section.

Note the number of semesters right after “Dean’s List”, like in this example:

3. Format it correctly

Keep the wording simple and professional. For instance:

• “Dean’s List for 3 semesters”
• “Dean’s List (Fall 20XX, Spring 20XX)”

Here’s a template you can use to structure your education section:

Examples of listing Dean’s List achievements on a resume

Here are some more examples of how to properly add being on the Dean’s List to your resume:

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions about including your Dean’s List accomplishments on your resume? Here are answers to some of the most common ones:

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 not a traditional award, the Dean’s List is a formal recognition of academic excellence. Think of it as an academic honor that highlights consistent high achievement.

How do you say “I’m on the Dean’s List”?

On your resume, you can simply write: “Dean’s List for [X] semesters.”

If you’d like to mention it in your cover letter, here’s an example:

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 reflects my commitment to high standards and my ability to thrive in challenging, competitive academic environments.

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.

Is “Dean’s List” capitalized on a resume?

Yes, capitalize the term as “Dean’s List” on your resume, using uppercase for both words.