By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant.
Applying to graduate school involves much more than maintaining a strong GPA or writing a compelling Statement of Purpose. Whether you’re applying to a master’s program or a PhD program, one of the most important documents in your application is your curriculum vitae, commonly known as a CV.
Unfortunately, many applicants are unsure what belongs on a graduate school CV, how it differs from a resume, or what admissions committees are actually looking for when they review it. As a result, they either leave out important information, overload the document with irrelevant details, or structure it in a way that makes it difficult for reviewers to understand their qualifications.
As a former professor and member of multiple graduate admissions committees, I’ve reviewed hundreds of graduate applications across master’s and doctoral programs. While a strong CV alone will not guarantee admission, a poorly constructed one can absolutely weaken an otherwise competitive application.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to write a CV for grad school, what sections to include, how admissions committees evaluate them, and the common mistakes that can hurt your chances of admission.
How Do You Write a CV for Grad School?
To write a CV for grad school, include your education, research experience, publications, presentations, work experience, honors, leadership activities, and relevant skills. Unlike a resume, a graduate school CV provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional background and is commonly required for master’s and PhD applications.
Graduate School CV Sections at a Glance
| Section | Required? |
|---|---|
| Education | Yes |
| Research Experience | Often |
| Publications | If Applicable |
| Presentations | If Applicable |
| Work Experience | Often |
| Honors & Awards | Recommended |
| Leadership & Service | Recommended |
| Skills | Recommended |
| References | Optional |
What Is a CV for Grad School?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that summarizes your academic background, research experience, professional accomplishments, leadership activities, publications, presentations, awards, and other experiences relevant to graduate study.
Unlike a resume, which is typically designed for employers and often limited to one page, a CV provides a broader and more detailed overview of your academic and professional development.
Graduate admissions committees use the CV to understand:
- Your educational background
- Your research experience
- Your professional experience
- Your academic accomplishments
- Your leadership and service activities
- Your preparation for graduate-level work
For many master’s programs and nearly all PhD programs, the CV serves as a roadmap that helps admissions committees understand the rest of your application. It often becomes one of the first documents reviewers examine because it provides a quick overview of who you are and what you’ve accomplished.
Why Your CV Matters in Graduate Admissions
Many applicants assume that admissions committees spend most of their time reading Statements of Purpose and recommendation letters. While those documents are certainly important, the CV often plays a larger role than applicants realize.
A well-organized CV allows reviewers to quickly identify important qualifications, such as:
- Research experience
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Relevant internships
- Academic honors
- Leadership roles
- Technical skills
In highly competitive applicant pools, admissions committees frequently review dozens or even hundreds of applications in a relatively short period of time. A strong CV helps reviewers quickly recognize your strengths and understand how your experiences fit together.
A weak or poorly organized CV can have the opposite effect. If important accomplishments are buried, descriptions are vague, or the document lacks structure, admissions committees may struggle to identify your strongest qualifications.
For this reason, learning how to write a CV for grad school is not simply a formatting exercise. It is an opportunity to present a clear picture of your academic development and future potential.
CV vs Resume for Graduate School
One of the most common questions applicants ask is whether they should submit a CV or a resume.
The answer depends on the program and its application requirements.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same document.
Graduate School CV
A graduate school CV focuses primarily on academic and scholarly accomplishments.
It often includes:
- Education
- Research experience
- Publications
- Presentations
- Academic awards
- Teaching experience
- Leadership and service
- Technical skills
Graduate school CVs are often longer than resumes because they are intended to provide a more comprehensive overview of your academic background.
Graduate School Resume
A graduate school resume is generally shorter and places greater emphasis on professional experience and practical skills.
It often includes:
- Work experience
- Leadership experience
- Relevant projects
- Technical skills
- Professional accomplishments
Professional master’s programs, such as some MBA, public policy, public administration, engineering management, or healthcare administration programs, may specifically request a resume instead of a CV.
Which Should You Submit?
Always follow the instructions provided by the program.
If a program requests a CV, submit a CV.
If a program requests a resume, submit a resume.
If the application instructions are unclear, review the program’s website carefully or contact the admissions office for clarification.
Submitting the wrong document may create the impression that you have not followed application instructions carefully.
What Admissions Committees Look for in a Graduate School CV
Many applicants believe admissions committees evaluate CVs by counting accomplishments or measuring length.
In reality, reviewers are usually searching for evidence that an applicant is prepared to succeed in graduate school.
The specific criteria vary depending on the type of program.
What Master’s Programs Often Look For
For many master’s programs, admissions committees focus on evidence of academic preparation and professional potential.
They may pay particular attention to:
- Academic performance
- Relevant coursework
- Internships
- Leadership experience
- Professional achievements
- Community engagement
- Discipline-specific skills
For example, an applicant pursuing a master’s degree in public health might benefit from relevant healthcare experience, research exposure, volunteer work, or statistical training.
An applicant pursuing a master’s degree in engineering may benefit from internships, technical projects, laboratory experience, or industry certifications.
What PhD Programs Often Look For
PhD admissions committees tend to place greater emphasis on research potential.
As a result, they frequently focus on:
- Research experience
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Methodological training
- Technical skills
- Independent projects
- Evidence of intellectual curiosity
In many cases, the research experience section becomes one of the most important parts of the entire CV.
Reviewers are often trying to determine whether an applicant understands the research process and appears capable of contributing to future scholarly work.
What Committees Are Really Asking
When admissions committees review a CV, they are often asking a series of questions:
- Does this applicant appear academically prepared?
- Have they demonstrated sustained interest in the field?
- Do they have relevant research or professional experience?
- Have they developed skills needed for success in the program?
- Does their background align with the program’s expectations?
The strongest CVs answer these questions clearly and efficiently.
Rather than trying to impress readers with lengthy descriptions or excessive detail, focus on presenting relevant accomplishments in a way that highlights your preparation for graduate study.
This is where many applications quietly fall apart
You cannot send the same resume or CV you use for jobs. Graduate admissions committees evaluate experience very differently — and if your materials aren’t structured for that, even strong profiles can look weak.
Download these free guides to make sure your application materials are admissions-ready:
What to Include in a Graduate School CV
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is either leaving out important information or including too much irrelevant detail.
A strong graduate school CV is comprehensive, but it is also focused. Every section should help admissions committees better understand your preparation for graduate-level study.
Below are the most important sections to consider.
1. Contact Information
Your contact information should appear at the very top of the document.
Include:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
- Professional website or portfolio (optional)
Avoid including:
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Photograph
- Social security number
- Personal details unrelated to your application
Keep this section simple and professional.
2. Education
For most applicants, education should appear near the beginning of the CV.
Include:
- Institution name
- Degree earned or expected
- Major and minor (if applicable)
- Graduation date
- GPA (if competitive)
- Academic honors
Example:
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Expected May 2026
GPA: 3.82/4.00
Honors:
- Dean’s List (2023-2025)
- University Honors Program
If you have completed multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order.
Should You Include Relevant Coursework?
Sometimes.
For applicants with limited research or professional experience, relevant coursework can help demonstrate preparation for graduate study.
For example:
Relevant Coursework:
- Advanced Statistics
- Molecular Genetics
- Experimental Psychology
- Econometrics
Once you have substantial research experience, coursework becomes less important and can often be omitted.
3. Research Experience
For many PhD applicants, this is the single most important section of the CV.
Research experience provides evidence that you understand how scholarly inquiry works and that you are prepared to contribute to future research.
For each position, include:
- Project title or laboratory name
- Faculty supervisor
- Institution
- Dates
- Description of your contributions
Strong example:
Research Assistant
Social Cognition Laboratory, University of Michigan
Supervisor: Dr. Jane Smith
September 2024 – Present
- Conduct literature reviews on social identity and belonging
- Design and administer participant surveys
- Analyze quantitative data using R
- Contributed to conference poster presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference
Notice that the bullet points focus on specific skills and contributions rather than vague responsibilities.
What If You Don’t Have Formal Research Experience?
Many applicants assume they have no research experience when they actually do.
Examples that may qualify include:
- Honors theses
- Independent studies
- Capstone projects
- Senior projects
- Research methods courses
- Laboratory work
- Industry research projects
If these experiences involved investigating a question, collecting or analyzing information, and presenting findings, they may deserve inclusion.
4. Publications
If you have publications, create a dedicated section.
Publications immediately attract attention because they demonstrate a level of scholarly productivity that many applicants do not yet possess.
Examples include:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Book chapters
- Conference proceedings
- Published reports
Use a consistent citation format throughout.
Example:
Smith, J., Applicant, A., & Jones, M. (2025). Social identity and academic belonging among undergraduate students. Journal of Social Psychology, 45(2), 115-130.
Can You Include Manuscripts Under Review?
Yes.
You may include sections such as:
Manuscripts Under Review
or
Works in Progress
However, label them accurately and avoid presenting unpublished work as accepted publications.
5. Conference Presentations
Presentations demonstrate active engagement with your field and should be highlighted when relevant.
Examples include:
- Academic conferences
- Research symposiums
- Professional association meetings
- Departmental research events
Example:
Applicant, A., & Smith, J. (2025, April). Social identity and academic belonging. Poster presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
For many PhD programs, presentations serve as evidence that you have begun participating in the scholarly community.
6. Professional Experience
Many applicants wonder whether work experience belongs on a graduate school CV.
The answer is often yes, especially when the experience helps support your academic goals.
Relevant examples might include:
- Internships
- Healthcare experience
- Consulting work
- Policy analysis
- Teaching
- Data analysis
- Industry research
- Laboratory positions
Focus on experiences that demonstrate transferable skills.
For example:
Research Analyst Intern
State Department of Health
May 2025 – August 2025
- Analyzed healthcare utilization data
- Produced reports for policy evaluation initiatives
- Assisted with statistical analyses using SAS
Admissions committees generally care less about job titles than they do about what you learned and accomplished.
7. Honors and Awards
Awards help committees understand how your accomplishments compare to those of your peers.
Examples include:
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Academic awards
- Competitive grants
- Merit awards
- Dean’s List recognition
- National scholarships
Example:
University Research Fellowship
Awarded competitively to five undergraduate researchers across the institution.
Whenever possible, briefly indicate the competitiveness of the award.
8. Leadership and Service
Graduate schools often seek students who contribute positively to academic and professional communities.
Examples include:
- Student government
- Academic clubs
- Volunteer organizations
- Mentorship programs
- Community outreach initiatives
Example:
President
Psychology Student Association
2024 – 2025
- Led organization of more than 200 members
- Coordinated faculty speaker series
- Managed annual research showcase
Leadership does not need to be dramatic to be valuable. Consistent involvement often carries significant weight.
9. Technical Skills
Many applicants underestimate the importance of this section.
Technical skills can help demonstrate readiness for graduate-level coursework and research.
Examples include:
Quantitative Skills
- R
- Python
- SPSS
- Stata
- SAS
- MATLAB
Qualitative Research Skills
- NVivo
- Atlas.ti
- Interview coding
- Focus group analysis
Laboratory Skills
- PCR
- Cell culture
- Microscopy
- Spectroscopy
Other Relevant Skills
- GIS
- Machine learning
- Statistical modeling
- Programming languages
Avoid listing generic skills such as:
- Microsoft Word
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Leadership
Admissions committees generally assume applicants possess these skills already.
Graduate School CV Example
One of the most common questions applicants ask is what a graduate school CV should actually look like.
A simplified structure might resemble the following:
Jane Applicant
Email Address | Phone Number | LinkedIn
Education
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Expected Graduation: May 2026
GPA: 3.85/4.00
Research Experience
Research Assistant, Social Cognition Lab
Supervisor: Dr. Jane Smith
September 2024 – Present
- Conduct literature reviews
- Analyze survey data using R
- Recruit participants
- Assist with conference submissions
Publications
Smith, J., Applicant, J., & Jones, M. (2025). Social identity and academic belonging.
Presentations
Midwestern Psychological Association Conference (2025)
Honors and Awards
Dean’s List (2023-2025)
University Research Fellowship
Leadership and Service
Vice President, Psychology Club
Peer Mentor, First-Year Success Program
Technical Skills
R, Python, SPSS, Qualtrics
References
Available upon request
[INSERT IMAGE OF SAMPLE CV HERE]
Graduate School CV Template
Most applicants can use the following framework:
Contact Information
Education
Research Experience
Publications
Conference Presentations
Professional Experience
Honors and Awards
Leadership and Service
Technical Skills
References
Not every section is required.
For example, many undergraduate applicants will not yet have publications or conference presentations. That is perfectly normal.
The goal is not to create the longest CV possible.
The goal is to present the strongest evidence that you are prepared to succeed in graduate school.
How Admissions Committees Evaluate Research Experience on a CV
One of the biggest misconceptions applicants have is that admissions committees simply count the number of research experiences listed on a CV.
In reality, committees are often looking for evidence of depth rather than quantity.
For research-focused master’s programs and PhD programs, reviewers frequently ask questions such as:
- Did the applicant participate meaningfully in the project?
- Does the applicant understand research methods?
- Has the applicant developed analytical skills?
- Has the applicant communicated research through presentations or publications?
- Does the applicant appear capable of succeeding in graduate-level research?
For this reason, your research experience section should go beyond generic descriptions such as:
Weak
- Assisted with research project
- Helped collect data
- Worked in laboratory
These descriptions tell the reader almost nothing.
Stronger
- Conducted literature reviews examining political polarization among college students
- Performed statistical analyses using R and SPSS
- Designed and administered participant surveys
- Contributed to conference presentation submitted to a regional academic conference
The second example tells the committee much more about the applicant’s preparation for graduate-level work.
As a former professor and admissions committee member, I can tell you that strong research descriptions often carry significantly more weight than applicants realize. In many PhD admissions processes, the quality of your research experience matters far more than the length of your CV.
Common Graduate School CV Mistakes
Even highly qualified applicants make mistakes that weaken otherwise strong CVs.
Fortunately, most are easy to avoid.
Listing Responsibilities Instead of Accomplishments
Many applicants describe what they were assigned to do rather than what they actually accomplished.
For example:
Weak
- Assisted with laboratory research
Stronger
- Conducted quantitative analyses on behavioral data from more than 500 participants
Specific accomplishments help admissions committees understand the scope and significance of your contributions.
Hiding Research Experience
Research experience should rarely be buried near the bottom of the document if you are applying to research-focused programs.
Many committees will spend more time reviewing your research experience than your work history.
Make it easy for them to find.
Including Too Much Irrelevant Information
Admissions committees are not evaluating every aspect of your life.
A summer retail job from six years ago may not add much value to your application unless it helped develop skills directly relevant to your goals.
Prioritize experiences that strengthen your academic narrative.
Using Inconsistent Formatting
Formatting issues can make even strong applicants appear less polished.
Use:
- Consistent dates
- Consistent bullet styles
- Clear section headings
- Uniform spacing
Your CV should be easy to scan quickly.
Making the Document Too Long
A longer CV is not necessarily a stronger CV.
Admissions committees value relevance more than volume.
If a section does not strengthen your application, consider removing it.
How Long Should a Graduate School CV Be?
One of the most common questions applicants ask is how long a graduate school CV should be.
The answer depends largely on your level of experience.
As a general guideline:
- Undergraduate applicants: 1-2 pages
- Recent graduates: 2-3 pages
- PhD applicants with extensive research experience: 2-4 pages
- Applicants with publications and conference presentations: potentially longer
There is no universal page limit.
Unlike resumes, CVs are not typically restricted to a single page.
That said, every section should earn its place. The goal is not to make your CV longer. The goal is to make it more informative.
Should You Tailor Your CV for Different Programs?
Absolutely.
Many applicants create a single CV and submit it to every program.
While this is tempting, tailoring your CV can strengthen your application considerably.
Different programs prioritize different experiences.
For example:
- A research-intensive PhD program may care most about research experience and publications.
- A public policy program may place greater emphasis on internships and professional experience.
- A clinical psychology program may value research, volunteer work, and relevant helping professions.
- A business program may focus heavily on leadership and professional accomplishments.
You do not necessarily need to rewrite your entire CV for every application, but small adjustments can help highlight the experiences most relevant to each program.
FAQs About Writing a CV for Grad School
How long should a CV for grad school be?
Most graduate school CVs range from one to four pages, depending on the applicant’s experience level. Research experience, publications, conference presentations, and relevant professional work can all increase the length of a grad school CV, but the goal is not to make the document long. The goal is to make it clear, relevant, and easy for admissions committees to scan.
Should I include my GPA on a graduate school CV?
In most cases, yes, especially if your GPA is strong or if you are still an undergraduate student or recent graduate. If your GPA is less competitive, you may choose to leave it off unless the program specifically asks for it. Your transcript will still show your academic record, so the CV should highlight the parts of your profile that strengthen your application.
Can a graduate school CV be two pages?
Yes. A two-page CV is very common for graduate school applications. In fact, many applicants need more than one page to properly describe research experience, academic projects, honors, leadership activities, and technical skills. Unlike a job resume, a graduate school CV does not usually need to be limited to one page.
Should I include high school information on a grad school CV?
In most cases, no. Once you have completed college coursework, your undergraduate education becomes much more relevant than your high school record. You should generally only include high school information if it is unusually significant, directly relevant, or requested by the program.
Can I use the same CV for every graduate program?
You can start with a master version of your CV, but you should tailor it when possible. Different graduate programs may prioritize different experiences. A research-focused PhD program may care most about research experience, while a professional master’s program may place more weight on internships, leadership, or applied skills.
How far back should a graduate school CV go?
Most applicants only need to include experiences from college onward. Older experiences should generally be left off unless they are highly relevant to your academic goals or explain an important part of your preparation for graduate study. Admissions committees are usually most interested in your recent academic, research, and professional development.
Do master’s programs care about publications?
Yes. Publications are not required for admission to most master’s programs, but they can strengthen your application considerably if you have them. A publication can show that you understand scholarly work, can contribute to a research project, and have already begun engaging with your field at a serious level.
What should I put on a grad school CV if I have no research experience?
If you have no formal research experience, focus on relevant coursework, academic projects, capstone work, internships, leadership roles, technical skills, and professional experiences that demonstrate preparation for graduate-level study. Many applicants are not admitted because they have perfect CVs. They are admitted because their materials make a clear case for readiness, fit, and future potential.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to write a CV for grad school is not simply about creating a list of accomplishments.
A strong graduate school CV helps admissions committees understand who you are as a student, researcher, professional, and future member of their academic community.
The best CVs are clear, organized, and tailored to the programs they support. They focus on relevant experiences, highlight meaningful accomplishments, and make it easy for reviewers to identify the strengths that matter most.
Whether you are applying to a master’s program or a PhD program, investing time in your CV can strengthen your overall application and help admissions committees see your potential more clearly.
Remember that your CV is only one piece of your application. It should work together with your Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, transcripts, and other materials to tell a coherent story about your goals and qualifications.
Further Reading
If you’re building a graduate school CV, these guides will help you move beyond the basics and understand how admissions committees evaluate academic experience, research, and overall applicant preparation.
- The Complete Graduate Admissions Guide: How Applications Are Really Evaluated
- CV for PhD Application: What Admissions Committees Are Looking For
- CV Format for PhD Application: Structure, Sections, and Best Practices
- CV Template for PhD Application: A Practical Starting Point
- CV Examples for PhD Application: Real Models and Expert Analysis
- Research Experience on a CV: What Admissions Committees Actually Want to See
