Graduating with honors: What's the real meaning?

I've heard a lot about graduating with honors, but I'm not exactly sure what it entails. What does it mean to graduate with honors, and how can a student achieve this in college?

Graduating with honors typically signifies that a student has achieved an exceptional level of academic excellence during their time in college. This is often reflected in their overall Grade Point Average (GPA) among other qualifications, which can vary by institution.

Most colleges and universities offer tiers of honors, generally broken down into three categories: cum laude (with honor), magna cum laude (with great honor), and summa cum laude (with highest honor). The GPA requirements for each level vary by institution. For instance, one college may require a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.7 for cum laude, 3.7 to 3.9 for magna cum laude, and 3.9 to 4.0 (or above) for summa cum laude.

It's worth mentioning that some universities also have an honors college or program within the larger institution, which might involve a more rigorous curriculum, smaller class sizes, or special projects like a senior thesis. Being part of such a program can also lead to graduating with honors.

Achieving an honors distinction often requires maintaining a high GPA throughout your college career. It may also involve completing specific honors courses or a capstone project, depending on the college’s requirements. It's always best to check with your specific institution to understand their requirements for graduating with honors.

Additionally, some subject-specific honor societies (like Phi Beta Kappa for liberal arts and sciences or Beta Gamma Sigma for business students) often have criteria that extend beyond GPA, such as class rank or faculty recommendations.

Remember, while graduating with honors can be an impressive achievement, it's not the only marker of success in college or beyond. Things like the skills you've developed, the experiences you've had (like internships, research, and volunteering), the relationships you've formed, and your overall growth are just as important!