CV question about academic rank

[Cat Time]

Hi!

First let me say that my question isn't SOP related, but this seems like the most suitable place here to ask it.

So I graduated first in my undergraduate program (first as in had the highest cumulative average), which is something I definitely want to note on my CV. However, my university didn't formally rank students, and I was only able to discover my ranking after seeking it out with someone in academic advising. In this case, since the rank doesn't show on my transcript, should I attach a letter from the academic adviser which states that in fact I did graduate first in my program? Should I instead say something like 'documentation available upon request?' Or should I just put the rank and not add anything else about it?

Thank you!

[vandemataram]

I would probably just put the rank and not add anything else about it, but have a letter in your files in case any documentation is requested (this is probably unlikely, but it can't hurt to have just in case). Good luck!

[Apogeee]

Since your school does not rank students, I would not add a rank on your CV. It is not going to be relevant to your next program anyway, and anyone in a graduate admissions department who sees the school you are graduating from will realize that the school does not rank. Include your GPA, which should tell the story clearly enough.

[Cat Time]

Thanks for the responses!

I have thought about not mentioning my rank, but my program was fairly large and I think it makes me stand out to say I was the top out of around 200 people. I am also an international student applying to US schools, and I don't want there to be any misconceptions about how good my grades are; where I went to school a 90 percent (close to my average), for example, is a very high grade given to only a small fraction of students,but I know that in many US schools a 90 doesn't reflect nearly the same level of achievement. Of course those in admissions may well be aware of the difference in grading systems, but I don't know if I want to take the chance that they're not.

 

 

[Cat Time]

One more question (I know that I've probably overthinking this)!

Does anyone think it makes much of a difference whether I write "Program Rank: 1 out of x" vs "90 percent (the highest cumulative average among all x Political Science majors)" ?

 

Edited March 21, 2016 by Cat Time

[fuzzylogician]

I really don't think anyone will care. I'd use the more succinct version.