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

To include the fact you were on the Dean’s List to your resume, include it 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 the Dean’s List on your resume can strengthen your application. 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: Once you have several years of relevant work experience, it is standard practice to remove academic honors like the Dean’s List in favor of your work accomplishments
2. When you weren’t on the Dean’s List consistently: If you only made Dean’s List once or twice, it’s better to leave it off of your resume
3. When you graduated with honors: you should prioritize Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude) over the Dean’s List; omit the latter to avoid redundancy and save space, as these honors are more prestigious

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

Here’s how to add the Dean’s list to your resume correctly:

1. Include it in the correct section

Since being on the Dean’s List is an academic achievement, it typically belongs in your education section. However, if you have multiple honors to highlight, you can use a standalone Honors and Awards section to avoid cluttering your education entry.

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. Include the number of times you made the Dean’s List, like this:

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:

Additional examples of the Dean’s List 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

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about adding the Dean’s List to your resume:

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.

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 (usually at least 3.5). The exact requirements vary by institution, though some also offer the President’s List (often requiring a 4.0 GPA) or the Chancellor’s List as higher-tier distinctions.

Note that the Dean’s List is typically an undergraduate-only honor; graduate students generally do not qualify for this specific recognition.

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

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