A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is an essential component of your graduate school application. It provides a comprehensive overview of:
Your academic accomplishments
Professional accomplishments
Skills
Experiences
Be sure to format your CV so that it can be easily read and understood. Common formatting includes the following, but can be adjusted to your preference:
Length: Aim for 2-4 pages, but the length can vary depending on your experience.
Font and Size: Use a professional font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and keep the font size between 10-12 points.
Margins: Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
Consistency: Ensure consistent formatting for headings, dates, and bullet points.
Proofreading: Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation error
Before you start writing your CV, gather all relevant information. This includes:
Personal information (name, contact details)
Education history
Research experience
Publications and presentations
Work experience
Awards and honors
Skills and certifications
Professional memberships
Extracurricular activities
Header
Your full name
Contact information (address, phone number, email)
LinkedIn profile or professional website (optional)
Education
List your degrees in reverse chronological order
Include institution names, locations, and dates attended
Mention your major, minor, or field of study
Include your thesis title if applicable
Research Experience
Describe your research projects, your role, and key findings
Include the names of the supervisors or collaborators
Mention the dates of the research experiences
Publications and Presentations
List your publications (journal articles, conference papers, etc.)
Provide full citations in a consistent format
Include presentations at conferences or seminars
Work Experience
Include relevant work or internship experiences
Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments
Mention the organization names, locations, and dates of employment
Awards and Honors
List academic or professional awards, scholarships, and recognitions
Provide the name of the award, granting institution, and date received
Skills and Certifications
Highlight technical, language, and other relevant skills
Include certifications or professional training
Professional Memberships
List memberships in academic or professional organizations
Mention any leadership roles or committee work
Extracurricular Activities
Include relevant volunteer work or extracurricular involvement
Describe your role and the impact of your contributions