What does 'cum laude' mean in high school or college?

I often hear the term 'cum laude' thrown around regarding academic achievements, but I'm not entirely sure what it signifies. Is it something that you can earn in high school, or is it only for college? How do you qualify for it, and does it actually have any impact on things like college admissions or job applications later on?

I'm curious to know how important it is to aim for this recognition, so any insights would be appreciated.

"Cum laude" is a Latin phrase meaning "with honors." It's part of a classification system used primarily in colleges and universities to signify different levels of academic achievement among graduates. The system involves three main levels: cum laude, magna cum laude (meaning "with great honors"), and summa cum laude ("with highest honors"). It's less common in high schools, although some do use a similar system. Every institution has its own criteria for these honors, but it usually depends on your GPA or class rank.

Now, regarding its significance in college admissions or job applications, it can make a positive impression. However, it's only one part of your total academic and extracurricular profile. For college admissions specifically, if you've earned cum laude in high school, it may reflect your ability to excel academically, which could aid your application. For job applications, the relevance might depend on the field or the employer's values - some may appreciate the achievement while others might focus more on your experience or skills.

In terms of aiming for this recognition, it’s certainly a commendable goal. Achieving this type of academic distinction requires a high level of dedication and academic performance. Yet, it's important to balance your pursuit of high grades with a well-rounded set of experiences, including participation in clubs, sports, community service, and other activities, which can also contribute greatly to college admissions and future job prospects.