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Curriculum Vitae Format for Students: Complete Guide + Examples

January 11, 2026
9 min read

Whether you're applying for graduate school, research positions, scholarships, or international opportunities, knowing how to write a proper curriculum vitae (CV) is essential. Unlike a resume, a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional journey—and as a student, you have more to include than you might think.

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CV vs. Resume: What's the Difference?

Before diving into format, understand when to use each:

AspectCurriculum Vitae (CV)Resume
Length2+ pages (no limit)1-2 pages max
FocusAcademic achievements, research, publicationsWork experience, skills
Used ForAcademia, research, grad school, international jobsIndustry jobs, internships
Detail LevelComprehensiveConcise
Geographic UseStandard outside US; academic use in USStandard in US for industry

Use a CV when applying for:

  • Graduate or PhD programs
  • Academic positions (teaching, research assistantships)
  • Research positions and fellowships
  • Scholarships and grants
  • Medical residencies
  • International jobs (especially Europe, Asia, Middle East)
  • Academic conferences

Use a resume when applying for:

  • Industry jobs and internships in the US
  • Part-time jobs
  • Non-academic positions

Standard CV Format for Students

A student CV should include these sections in order:

  1. Contact Information
  2. Education
  3. Research Experience
  4. Publications & Presentations (if applicable)
  5. Teaching Experience (if applicable)
  6. Awards & Honors
  7. Skills
  8. Professional Memberships
  9. Extracurricular Activities
  10. References

The order may vary based on your strengths and what the application emphasizes.

Contact Information

Place your contact details at the top, centered or left-aligned.

FULL NAME
City, State/Country | Phone Number | Email Address
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile (optional)
ORCID: 0000-0000-0000-0000 (for researchers, optional)

Tips:

  • Use your university email if still enrolled
  • Include LinkedIn for professional networking
  • Add ORCID ID if you have publications
  • No need for full street address

Education Section

As a student, education is your headline section. List in reverse chronological order with comprehensive details.

Undergraduate Student Example

Bachelor of Science in Biology | University of California, Los Angeles Expected Graduation: June 2025

  • GPA: 3.85/4.0 | Magna Cum Laude (expected)
  • Dean's List: All semesters
  • Honors Thesis: "Effects of Microplastics on Marine Invertebrate Development"
  • Thesis Advisor: Dr. Sarah Chen
  • Relevant Coursework: Molecular Biology, Organic Chemistry, Biostatistics, Genetics, Cell Biology, Research Methods

Graduate Student Example

Master of Science in Computer Science | Stanford University Expected Completion: May 2025

  • GPA: 3.9/4.0
  • Concentration: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Thesis: "Transformer-Based Approaches to Multi-Modal Medical Image Analysis"
  • Advisor: Dr. James Wilson
  • Relevant Coursework: Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Statistical Learning

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University of Michigan | May 2023

  • GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Summa Cum Laude
  • Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Computer Science Departmental Honors
  • Senior Capstone: "Autonomous Navigation System for Indoor Robots"

High School Student Example (Applying to University)

High School Diploma | Lincoln High School | Expected June 2025

  • GPA: 4.2/4.0 (weighted) | 3.95/4.0 (unweighted)
  • Class Rank: 5 out of 450 students
  • AP Courses: Calculus BC (5), Chemistry (5), Physics C (5), English Literature (4), US History (5)
  • SAT: 1520/1600 | ACT: 34/36
  • National Merit Semifinalist
  • Relevant Coursework: AP Research, AP Computer Science, Honors Biology

What to Include in Education:

  • Institution name and location
  • Degree and major/minor
  • Graduation date (or expected)
  • GPA (if 3.0+ or competitive)
  • Academic honors and awards
  • Thesis/dissertation title and advisor
  • Relevant coursework
  • Study abroad experiences
  • Certifications earned during program

Research Experience Section

Research experience is crucial for academic CVs. Detail your role, methods, and contributions.

Examples

Undergraduate Research Assistant | Neuroscience Lab, UCLA | September 2023 - Present Advisor: Dr. Maria Rodriguez

  • Investigate neural mechanisms of memory consolidation in rodent models
  • Conduct behavioral experiments including Morris water maze and novel object recognition
  • Perform immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy imaging
  • Analyze data using MATLAB and Python statistical packages
  • Maintain detailed lab notebooks and contribute to weekly lab meetings
  • Co-authored manuscript currently under review at Journal of Neuroscience

Summer Research Fellow | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory | June 2024 - August 2024 Mentor: Dr. David Kim

  • Selected as 1 of 25 undergraduates nationwide for competitive research fellowship
  • Investigated CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing efficiency in human cell lines
  • Designed and executed experiments independently under mentor guidance
  • Presented findings at end-of-summer symposium to 100+ researchers
  • Received Outstanding Presentation Award

Independent Research Project | Biology Department | Spring 2024 Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Lee

  • Designed and conducted independent study on antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria
  • Collected 50+ soil samples from diverse campus environments
  • Performed bacterial isolation, culturing, and antibiotic susceptibility testing
  • Analyzed results using statistical methods and presented at undergraduate research symposium

Research Experience for High School Students

Research Intern | University Hospital Cancer Center | Summer 2024 Mentor: Dr. Robert Chen

  • Assisted graduate students with breast cancer biomarker research
  • Learned laboratory techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture
  • Maintained databases tracking patient sample information
  • Shadowed researchers during team meetings and journal clubs
  • Presented summer project to department of 20 researchers

Publications & Presentations

List any published work, manuscripts in progress, and presentations. Use proper citation format for your field.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Articles:

Smith, J., Your Name, & Johnson, A. (2024). Effects of environmental stressors on coral reef fish behavior. Marine Biology, 45(3), 234-248. https://doi.org/10.xxxx

Your Name & Williams, K. (Under Review). Machine learning approaches to predicting protein folding. Submitted to Bioinformatics.

Your Name & Chen, L. (In Preparation). Comparative analysis of gene expression in drought-resistant crops.

Other Publications:

Your Name. (2024). The future of renewable energy storage. UCLA Undergraduate Science Journal, 12(1), 15-20.

Presentations

Conference Presentations:

Your Name & Rodriguez, M. (2024, March). Neural correlates of spatial memory in aging mice. Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Your Name. (2024, April). Antibiotic resistance patterns in urban soil microbiomes. Oral presentation at UCLA Undergraduate Research Symposium, Los Angeles, CA. Received Best Presentation Award.

Your Name, Kim, S., & Park, J. (2023, November). Deep learning for medical image segmentation. Poster presented at the Stanford AI Symposium, Stanford, CA.

Teaching Experience

Include any teaching, tutoring, or mentoring roles.

Examples

Teaching Assistant | Introduction to Biology (BIO 101) | UCLA | Fall 2024

  • Lead two weekly discussion sections of 25 students each
  • Hold office hours to provide individual academic support
  • Grade assignments and exams, providing constructive feedback
  • Develop supplementary study materials and practice problems
  • Received 4.8/5.0 student evaluation rating

Peer Tutor | Chemistry Learning Center | UCLA | 2023 - Present

  • Tutor 10-15 students weekly in General and Organic Chemistry
  • Explain complex concepts using multiple teaching approaches
  • Help students develop problem-solving strategies and study skills
  • Trained 3 new tutors on effective tutoring techniques

STEM Mentor | Local High School Outreach Program | 2023 - 2024

  • Mentor 5 high school students interested in pursuing STEM careers
  • Lead monthly workshops introducing college-level science concepts
  • Guide students through science fair project development
  • Assist with college application and scholarship essays

Awards & Honors

List academic awards, scholarships, fellowships, and honors in reverse chronological order.

Examples

Awards & Honors:

  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Honorable Mention (2024)
  • UCLA Chancellor's Service Award (2024)
  • Barry Goldwater Scholarship, Nominee (2024)
  • Dean's Prize for Undergraduate Research ($2,500) (2024)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Inducted (2024)
  • UCLA Dean's List (Fall 2021 - Present, all semesters)
  • National Merit Scholar (2021)
  • AP Scholar with Distinction (2021)

Scholarships:

  • UCLA Regents Scholarship, Full Tuition ($60,000 total) (2021 - 2025)
  • Biology Department Summer Research Grant ($5,000) (2024)
  • Women in STEM Scholarship ($2,500) (2023)

Competition Awards:

  • 1st Place, UCLA Undergraduate Research Poster Competition (2024)
  • 2nd Place, Southern California Regional Science Olympiad (2021)
  • National Finalist, Regeneron Science Talent Search (2021)

Skills Section

Organize skills into relevant categories.

Research & Technical Skills

Laboratory Techniques:

  • Molecular Biology: PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blot, ELISA, cloning
  • Cell Culture: Mammalian cell lines, primary cultures, transfection
  • Microscopy: Confocal, fluorescence, electron microscopy
  • Animal Handling: Rodent surgery, behavioral testing, tissue harvesting

Computational Skills:

  • Programming: Python, R, MATLAB, SQL
  • Data Analysis: Statistical analysis, machine learning, bioinformatics
  • Software: ImageJ, SPSS, GraphPad Prism, Adobe Illustrator
  • Bioinformatics: BLAST, genome assembly, sequence alignment

Research Skills:

  • Experimental design and hypothesis testing
  • Scientific writing and manuscript preparation
  • Literature review and synthesis
  • IRB protocol development and compliance

Language Skills

  • English (Native)
  • Spanish (Professional proficiency)
  • Mandarin (Conversational)

Certifications

  • Responsible Conduct of Research Training (CITI Program)
  • Laboratory Safety Certification
  • HIPAA Compliance Training
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification

Professional Memberships

List relevant academic and professional organizations.

Examples

Professional Memberships:

  • American Chemical Society, Student Member (2022 - Present)
  • Society for Neuroscience, Undergraduate Member (2023 - Present)
  • Golden Key International Honour Society (2023 - Present)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (2024 - Present)
  • Association for Computing Machinery, Student Chapter (2022 - Present)

Extracurricular Activities & Leadership

Include activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and well-roundedness.

Examples

President | Pre-Med Society | UCLA | 2023 - 2024

  • Lead executive board of 8 members managing 200+ member organization
  • Organize physician speaker series, hospital tours, and MCAT prep workshops
  • Coordinate volunteer opportunities with local free clinics
  • Increased membership by 40% through targeted outreach campaigns

Volunteer | UCLA Medical Center | 2022 - Present

  • Volunteer 100+ hours in emergency department and pediatric ward
  • Assist patients and families, transport patients, deliver supplies
  • Shadow physicians during rounds with patient consent

Varsity Cross Country | UCLA | 2021 - Present

  • Compete at NCAA Division I level while maintaining 3.85 GPA
  • Team Captain (2024): Lead team of 15 athletes, coordinate team activities
  • Academic All-American (2023, 2024)

Community Service Chair | Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society | 2023 - 2024

  • Organize monthly community service events for 50+ members
  • Coordinate health education outreach at local elementary schools
  • Log 200+ collective volunteer hours per semester

References

List 3-4 academic or professional references, or indicate they're available upon request.

Option 1: List References

References:

Dr. Maria Rodriguez Associate Professor of Neuroscience University of California, Los Angeles Email: mrodriguez@ucla.edu | Phone: (310) 555-0123 Relationship: Research Advisor (2 years)

Dr. David Kim Professor of Molecular Biology Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Email: dkim@cshl.edu | Phone: (516) 555-0456 Relationship: Summer Research Mentor

Dr. Jennifer Lee Senior Lecturer, Department of Biology University of California, Los Angeles Email: jlee@ucla.edu | Phone: (310) 555-0789 Relationship: Teaching Supervisor and Academic Advisor

Option 2: Available Upon Request

References: Available upon request

Complete Student CV Template

ALEXANDRA CHEN Los Angeles, CA | (310) 555-0123 | achen@ucla.edu LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrachen | ORCID: 0000-0001-2345-6789

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | University of California, Los Angeles Expected Graduation: June 2025

  • GPA: 3.92/4.0 | Summa Cum Laude (expected)
  • Honors Thesis: "Novel Biomarkers for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer"
  • Thesis Advisor: Dr. Michael Thompson
  • Dean's List: All semesters (2021 - Present)
  • Relevant Coursework: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Organic Chemistry I & II, Biostatistics, Cancer Biology, Research Methods, Immunology

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Undergraduate Research Assistant | Thompson Cancer Biology Lab, UCLA September 2022 - Present | Advisor: Dr. Michael Thompson

  • Investigate novel biomarkers for early pancreatic cancer detection using proteomic approaches
  • Culture pancreatic cancer cell lines and perform protein extraction and Western blot analysis
  • Analyze mass spectrometry data using bioinformatics tools and statistical software
  • Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks following GLP standards
  • Present research findings at weekly lab meetings and departmental seminars
  • Co-author on manuscript in preparation for submission to Cancer Research

Summer Research Intern | National Institutes of Health (NIH) June 2024 - August 2024 | Mentor: Dr. Sarah Williams, National Cancer Institute

  • Selected for competitive NIH Summer Internship Program (acceptance rate: 8%)
  • Investigated immunotherapy resistance mechanisms in melanoma models
  • Performed flow cytometry analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
  • Designed and executed independent experiments under mentor guidance
  • Presented research at NIH Summer Poster Day to audience of 200+ researchers

Research Assistant | UCLA Chemistry Department January 2022 - August 2022 | Advisor: Dr. Robert Park

  • Synthesized and characterized novel organic compounds for drug development
  • Operated NMR, mass spectrometry, and HPLC instrumentation
  • Maintained chemical inventory and ensured laboratory safety compliance

PUBLICATIONS

Peer-Reviewed: Thompson, M., Chen, A., Garcia, L., & Williams, S. (In Preparation). Proteomic profiling reveals novel early-stage biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Target journal: Cancer Research.

Chen, A. (2024). Advances in liquid biopsy for cancer detection. UCLA Undergraduate Science Journal, 8(2), 45-52.

PRESENTATIONS

Chen, A., & Thompson, M. (2024, August). Novel proteomic biomarkers for early pancreatic cancer detection. Poster presented at NIH Summer Research Poster Day, Bethesda, MD.

Chen, A. (2024, May). Liquid biopsy approaches in oncology: Current state and future directions. Oral presentation at UCLA Undergraduate Research Symposium, Los Angeles, CA. Received Outstanding Presentation Award.

Chen, A., & Park, R. (2023, April). Synthesis of novel kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy. Poster presented at American Chemical Society National Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Learning Assistant | Organic Chemistry (CHEM 30A) | UCLA | Fall 2023 - Present

  • Facilitate weekly problem-solving sessions for 30 undergraduate students
  • Hold office hours to provide individual tutoring and exam preparation
  • Develop supplementary practice problems and study guides
  • Received 4.9/5.0 student satisfaction rating

Peer Tutor | UCLA Academic Advancement Program | 2022 - Present

  • Tutor first-generation college students in General Chemistry and Biology
  • Provide academic mentorship and study skills guidance
  • Volunteer 5 hours weekly to support underrepresented students in STEM

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Barry Goldwater Scholarship (2024)
  • UCLA Dean's Prize for Undergraduate Research ($3,000) (2024)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Inducted (2024)
  • NIH Summer Internship Program Selection (2024)
  • American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry (2023)
  • UCLA Regents Scholarship, Full Tuition (2021 - 2025)
  • National Merit Scholar (2021)

SKILLS

Laboratory Techniques:

  • Cell Culture: Mammalian cell lines, primary cultures, transfection
  • Molecular Biology: PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry
  • Proteomics: Mass spectrometry sample preparation, 2D gel electrophoresis
  • Analytical: NMR spectroscopy, HPLC, flow cytometry

Computational:

  • Programming: Python, R
  • Data Analysis: GraphPad Prism, SPSS, ImageJ
  • Bioinformatics: BLAST, UniProt, STRING database

Languages:

  • English (Native)
  • Mandarin (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Conversational)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Chemical Society, Student Member (2022 - Present)
  • American Association for Cancer Research, Associate Member (2023 - Present)
  • Golden Key International Honour Society (2023 - Present)

LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES

Vice President | UCLA Pre-Med Society | 2023 - 2024

  • Organize physician speaker series and hospital shadowing opportunities
  • Coordinate MCAT preparation workshops for 150+ members
  • Lead community health outreach events at local underserved clinics

Volunteer | UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center | 2021 - Present

  • Volunteer 150+ hours in oncology and pediatric departments
  • Support patients and families, assist nursing staff with non-clinical tasks
  • Complete specialized training in patient confidentiality and safety

REFERENCES

Dr. Michael Thompson Professor of Biochemistry, UCLA mthompson@ucla.edu | (310) 555-1234 Research Advisor (3 years)

Dr. Sarah Williams Senior Investigator, National Cancer Institute swilliams@nih.gov | (301) 555-5678 NIH Summer Research Mentor

Dr. Robert Park Associate Professor of Chemistry, UCLA rpark@chem.ucla.edu | (310) 555-9012 Former Research Advisor

High School Student CV Template

DAVID NGUYEN San Jose, CA | (408) 555-0123 | david.nguyen@email.com

EDUCATION

Lynbrook High School | San Jose, CA | Expected Graduation: June 2025

  • GPA: 4.35/4.0 (weighted) | 3.98/4.0 (unweighted)
  • Class Rank: 8 out of 520 students
  • SAT: 1560/1600 (Math: 800, Reading/Writing: 760)
  • National Merit Semifinalist

Advanced Placement Courses:

  • AP Calculus BC (5), AP Physics C: Mechanics (5), AP Physics C: E&M (5)
  • AP Chemistry (5), AP Biology (5), AP Computer Science A (5)
  • AP English Language (5), AP US History (5), AP Research (5)

Relevant Coursework:

  • Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra (community college dual enrollment)
  • AP Research: Independent research project on machine learning applications

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Research Intern | Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab | Summer 2024 Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Wu

  • Investigated natural language processing techniques for medical text analysis
  • Developed Python scripts to preprocess and analyze clinical notes dataset
  • Trained and evaluated transformer models for named entity recognition
  • Presented research findings to lab group of 15 researchers
  • Co-authored workshop paper submitted to ACL 2025

Independent Research | AP Research | 2023 - 2024 Advisor: Ms. Sarah Chen

  • Conducted year-long independent research on applications of CNNs in radiology
  • Reviewed 50+ peer-reviewed papers and synthesized findings
  • Developed prototype image classification model using TensorFlow
  • Wrote 5,000-word research paper and delivered 20-minute oral defense
  • Received score of 5 (highest) on AP Research exam

Science Research Program | Lynbrook High School | 2022 - Present Advisor: Dr. Michael Park

  • Participate in competitive 3-year science research program
  • Design and conduct independent experiments in molecular biology
  • Attend weekly seminars on research methodology and scientific writing
  • Present at regional and national science competitions

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Regeneron Science Talent Search, Scholar (Top 300 nationally) (2025)
  • USA Biology Olympiad, Semifinalist (Top 500 nationally) (2024)
  • American Mathematics Competition (AMC 12), AIME Qualifier (2024)
  • California State Science Fair, 1st Place in Biochemistry (2024)
  • National AP Scholar (2024)
  • National Merit Semifinalist (2024)
  • Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Gold (2023, 2024)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Nguyen, D. & Wu, J. (Submitted). Transformer-based approaches for clinical named entity recognition. Submitted to ACL 2025 Student Research Workshop.

Nguyen, D. (2024, May). Deep learning applications in medical imaging: A systematic review. Oral presentation at California State Science Fair, Los Angeles, CA. Received 1st Place Award.

SKILLS

Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL, HTML/CSS Machine Learning: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn Tools: Git, Jupyter Notebook, Google Colab, LaTeX Laboratory: PCR, gel electrophoresis, cell culture (basic) Languages: English (Native), Vietnamese (Fluent)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

President | Computer Science Club | 2023 - 2024

  • Lead club of 60 members, organizing weekly coding workshops
  • Coordinate annual hackathon with 200+ participants
  • Mentor underclassmen in programming and competition preparation

Captain | Science Olympiad Team | 2023 - 2024

  • Lead team of 15 members, coordinating practice and competition preparation
  • Specialize in Disease Detectives, Chemistry Lab, and Forensics events
  • Team placed 3rd at California State competition (2024)

Volunteer | Sacred Heart Community Service | 2021 - Present

  • Volunteer 200+ hours serving meals and distributing food to families in need
  • Organize food drives collecting 2,000+ pounds of donations annually
  • Mentor middle school students in after-school tutoring program

REFERENCES

Available upon request

CV Formatting Tips

Do:

  • Use consistent formatting throughout (fonts, spacing, headings)
  • Use reverse chronological order within each section
  • Include page numbers if CV exceeds one page
  • Use clear section headings
  • Save as PDF with professional filename (FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf)
  • Proofread multiple times for errors

Don't:

  • Include a photo (not standard in US/Canada)
  • Use colored fonts or decorative elements
  • Include personal information (age, marital status, nationality)
  • Use abbreviations without defining them first
  • Exaggerate or falsify any information
  • Include high school info if you're a graduate student (unless exceptional)

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Confusing CV with resume - CVs are comprehensive; don't limit to one page
  2. Omitting research details - Include specific methods, contributions, and outcomes
  3. Forgetting to update - Keep your CV current with new publications, awards
  4. Poor organization - Use clear sections and consistent formatting
  5. Being too modest - Include all awards, even small ones
  6. Typos and errors - Academic CVs demand precision
  7. Missing dates - Always include timeframes for experiences

Quick Checklist Before Submitting

  • Contact information is current and professional
  • Education section includes all relevant details (GPA, thesis, coursework)
  • Research experience describes methods and contributions specifically
  • Publications use proper citation format for your field
  • Awards are listed in reverse chronological order
  • Skills section is organized and comprehensive
  • References are confirmed and contact info is accurate
  • Formatting is consistent throughout
  • No spelling or grammar errors
  • Saved as PDF with professional filename
  • Tailored for the specific application (grad school, fellowship, etc.)

Build Your CV Today

Ready to create a professional CV that showcases your academic achievements? Our Free Resume Builder guides you through each section with tips for students at any level.

Remember: Your CV is a living document that grows with your academic career. Start building it now, even as an undergraduate or high school student. Every research experience, presentation, and award matters. Update it regularly, and you'll have a comprehensive record of your achievements ready whenever opportunities arise.

Your academic journey is worth documenting. Start your CV today.