CUM LAUDE & MERIT AWARDS
SMU uses the cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) criteria to recognise students with academic excellence and it is based on a 4.0 system.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
3.8+ / 4.0 - Summa Cum Laude (Highest Distinction)
3.60 to 3.79 / 4.0 - Magna Cum Laude (Higher Distinction)
3.40 to 3.59 / 4.0 - Cum Laude (Distinction)
3.20 to 3.39 / 4.0 - High Merit
3.00 to 3.19 / 4.0 - Merit
Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude are latin awards adopted from the US system, and can be translated as with Highest Distinction, with High Distinction, and with Distinction respectively.
All cum laude awards are highly selective. They do not equate to the various classes of degree honours conferred by universities that follow the British system of academic honours. For more information on the SMU degree certificate, please click here.
