Resume vs. CV in application

[pterosaur]

I've started filling out my applications (for BME/neuroscience PhD programs), and most of the forms ask for a resume, not a CV. Are they using the terms interchangeably, or do they want a 1-page resume instead of my 3- or 4-page CV?

Sorry if it's a stupid question, but I don't want to disgruntle adcoms with an unnecessarily incorrect document.

[Psych_Mom_15]

I have the same question. I'll be watching this post for answers. I would like to assume the CV would suffice, but much like you I don't want to agitate adcoms.

[fuzzylogician]

I don't know if it's possible to give an answer that will be true for all programs in all cases. If we're talking about academic PhD programs, I think it's much likelier that the adcom wants a CV than a resume. The resume won't provide the kind of information that would be useful for an adcom, whereas the CV is the standard document that an academic would use to list their accomplishments. On the other hand, for professional programs and perhaps some MAs, I could imagine that a resume is more useful. So I guess if I were in this situation I'd either choose to submit a CV, or I would contact the program in question and ask them what they meant. 

[perfectionming]

This question is not stupid at all. It has been bothering me as well.

 

But I guess more likely they mean CV. A one-page resume won't list much really...

 

Does CV actually have a page number cap? I presume 2 pages are the optimal? I am saying 2 pages, because imagine they print it out. If your CV is 3-page, that fits into two picese of paper. That causes trouble binding them indeed. Also I feel 2 pages are generally enough for an undergrad to showcase. Anything more than that may already include many trivial/minor points.

Edited September 26, 2014 by perfectionming

[TakeruK]

I agree with fuzzy that it would be best to get clarification from the school, and also that a CV is the standard thing they want.

 

I'd say an academic CV for a grad school applicant should be between 2 and 4 pages. I wouldn't worry about binding too much because it's likely that either 1) the entire application will be reviewed electronically anyways or 2) all of your papers will be put together. When I applied to PhD programs, my CV was about 3 pages because I was doing a Masters program at the time so there were some extra stuff to add because of that!

[napoleon87]

I've posed this question before and the advice has come back that a "hybrid" CV/Resume is ok, too.  I've been working for the past 5 years, so I created a 2 page document (which I've titled as a CV) that includes more extensive descriptions of my relevant professional experiences.  This works for me as I haven't presented at conferences, am not published, etc.  It does read a bit more like a resume, but I've structured it like a common CV in my field (art history) and included relevant information that I wouldn't put on a professional resume, such as internships and academic awards.

 

This seems to be fine so far, according to my reviewers.  If anyone with experience has opposing views, please do tell.

[Crucial BBQ]

I've started filling out my applications (for BME/neuroscience PhD programs), and most of the forms ask for a resume, not a CV. Are they using the terms interchangeably, or do they want a 1-page resume instead of my 3- or 4-page CV?

Sorry if it's a stupid question, but I don't want to disgruntle adcoms with an unnecessarily incorrect document.

My guess is that they are asking for a resume because they do not expect applicants applying straight from undergrad to have too much research, academic, or other scholarly experiences.  A CV is a list of accomplishments while a resume is a snapshot of you as a professional and your professional self is a large part of what they want.  The beauty of a resume is that you can include all of the "CV stuff" if it can be fit into two pages or less, and, that of a CV is that CVs have no hard-fast rules.  My CV is a hybrid in that it contains stuff more typical of a resume (that is; non-academic, scholarly, or research related work experiences, for example), but it is presented in such a way that is more typical of a CV.  My reasoning for the hybrid is that employers want to see research experience and employment history also.  I have yet to come across anyone in academia who disapproves of my approach.  

 

As usual, when in doubt contact the program directors and ask.  It never hurts.  My guess is that they will be okay with a CV, though 

 

 

 

Does CV actually have a page number cap? 

No.  A CV can be 2 pages or 20; it is a complete laundry list of all academic, scholarly, and/or research accomplishments to date.  

Edited September 29, 2014 by Crucial BBQ