Can anyone tell me the difference between graduating 'cum laude' and 'magna cum laude'? I know they're both good, but how are they calculated, and what's the difference between them? Please help!
"Cum laude" and "magna cum laude" are Latin terms used by colleges and universities to distinguish different levels of academic achievement among graduates. Both represent a high standard of accomplishment, but they're achieved at different thresholds.
"Cum laude" translates to "with honors." It's often given to students graduating in roughly the top 30% of their class. "Magna cum laude" translates to "with great honors." This decoration is often given to those in roughly the top 10-15 % of their class.
Keep in mind; that every university has its own set of rules for determining these levels of honor. Some institutes use a straightforward, percentage-based cutoff, while others might use a more complex methodology, such as factoring in the rigor of a student's curriculum. For an accurate understanding of your university's requirements and thresholds for "cum laude" and "magna cum laude" honors, you should consult your school's specific guidelines or contact the registrar's office.
There's actually a third level of distinction available at many schools, too, which is "summa cum laude," meaning "with highest honors," often reserved for those in the top 1-5 % of their graduating class. Again, the precise percentages can vary greatly based on the institution and program.
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