Should I Be Proud of Graduating Cum Laude?

Hey everyone, this might be a weird question, but is graduating 'cum laude' considered good? Like, is it a designation that's respected or should it be something I aim for in my academic goals?

Graduating cum laude is certainly a commendable accomplishment as it indicates that you've consistently performed above average throughout your academic journey. Cum laude is a Latin term that means "with honor." It's used by educational institutions to signify students who have achieved outstanding academic performance relative to their classmates, typically placing them in the top tier of their graduating class.

While a good GPA, honors, and recognition such as cum laude are significant, they should not be the sole focus of your academic journey. It's equally important to have a well-rounded educational experience, including extracurricular activities, internships, and other experiences or skills that could contribute to your development as a student and future professional.

That being said, aiming to graduate cum laude can be a motivating goal that pushes you towards academic excellence. This could also greatly benefit you during job and graduate school applications post-graduation, as potential employers and admissions officers may view this accomplishment as evidence of your ability to excel in high-pressure environments.

However, it's important not to let your pursuit of cum laude status become too all-consuming. Your college experience should be balanced, and, while aiming high is great, remember to also prioritize building confidence in your skills, exploring your interests, and developing attributes like teamwork, leadership, and resilience. These are all qualities that will serve you well in the long run.