How to Effectively List Your Anticipated Graduation Date on Your Resume

Key Points to Remember

• If you are still pursuing your education, it's essential to include your anticipated graduation date on your resume.
• This date should be placed alongside your degree information within the education section of your resume.
• Minova's AI Resume Builder can assist you in properly formatting dates and creating a resume that will capture the attention of recruiters.

There are numerous situations where you might need a resume while still enrolled in school, whether you're seeking an internship or beginning your search for entry-level positions.

As with any resume, you will want to emphasize your relevant skills, experiences, coursework, certifications, and other qualifications. However, when you reach the education section, you might realize that you haven't yet graduated.

So, how do you clearly communicate to potential employers that, although you don't yet have your diploma, you have a definitive plan for completing your education?

This is where including an expected graduation date becomes valuable. This guide will explain how to determine your graduation date, when to include it on your resume, and the most effective ways to present it, along with helpful examples.

What Does "Anticipated Graduation Date" Mean?

Your anticipated graduation date, also known as your expected graduation date, is the date on which you expect to complete your studies and graduate from your university.

In most cases, the expected graduation date on your resume will refer to the date you plan to finish college. However, if you need a resume while you're still in high school, you can also use this approach to indicate when you will graduate.

Is it Necessary to Include an Anticipated Graduation Date on Your Resume?

If you're currently a student, the answer is a resounding yes. Current students should always include their expected graduation date on their resumes.

Once you officially graduate, you'll update your expected graduation date to reflect your actual graduation date – the month and year you officially received your diploma.

While you're still in school, including your planned graduation date (specifying both the month and year) on your resume offers several benefits to employers:

• Clarifies your academic status: It clearly indicates that you are still a student while also providing essential details such as the university you attend, the type of degree you are pursuing, and, of course, when you intend to graduate.
• Indicates your earliest availability: It helps employers understand when you will be available to start working, which is particularly important if you are applying for your first full-time, entry-level job after college.
• Provides insight into interview scheduling: It gives employers an idea of your flexibility in scheduling interviews and other steps in the hiring process, as your class schedule and other academic commitments will need to be considered.

How to Determine Your Anticipated Graduation Date

You likely began your academic journey with a general idea of how long it would take. Most people understand that it typically takes four years to earn a bachelor's degree.

However, the actual time it takes to complete a degree can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• Are you attending school full-time or part-time?
• Were specific courses available when you needed them?
• Did you take a gap year or participate in a study abroad program?

Given these fluctuations, how can you accurately determine when you will finish your degree? Some simple calculations can provide your best estimate:

1. Review your degree requirements: Consult your registration materials or other degree resources to determine the number of credits required for your degree. Associate's degrees typically require 60 semester credits, while bachelor's degrees require 120 semester credits. However, this can vary, so confirm the specific requirements for your program.
2. Calculate your completed credits: Request your transcript to determine the number of credits you have already earned.
3. Subtract to find remaining credits: Perform a simple subtraction to determine the number of credits you still need to complete. For example, if your degree requires 120 credits and you have completed 90, you have 30 credits remaining.
4. Map out your remaining semesters: Plan how you will complete those remaining credits over the upcoming semesters. With 30 credits left, you could take 15 credits per semester for the next two semesters to finish within a year. You can adjust this timeline by taking a higher or lower credit load or by enrolling in courses during summer or winter breaks.

If you're feeling unsure, a school counselor can assist you in planning your credits and gaining a clearer understanding of your anticipated graduation date. Once you've confirmed your timeline, remember to include your degree information on your resume!

How to List Your Expected Graduation Date on Your Resume

Once you know your anticipated or expected graduation date, it's time to clearly present it on your resume along with the relevant information about the location of your school and the type of degree you are pursuing. Here's how to include your anticipated graduation date:

1. Placement: The anticipated graduation date belongs in your education section, alongside details about your school and degree.

2. Wording: Decide whether to use "expected" or "anticipated." Both are acceptable; it's a matter of preference. You might consider mirroring the language used in the job description.

3. Format: Choose a date format:

   • Numbers: 01/2025
   • Short name: Jan 2025
   • Long name: January 2025

   Consistency is key. Use the same format throughout your resume.

4. Listing: Here are a few accepted ways to write your anticipated graduation date on your resume:

   • July 2024 (Expected)
   • Expected July 2024
   • Expected 07/2024
   • Expected Graduation: July 2024
   • July 2024 (Anticipated)
   • Anticipated July 2024
   • Anticipated 07/2024
   • Anticipated Graduation: July 2024

Your expected graduation date should be clearly visible on your resume.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Your Anticipated Graduation Date

Listing your expected graduation date is generally straightforward, but here are three common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Vague Language: The purpose of your expected graduation date is to give employers a clear idea of when you'll be finished with school and ready to work. Be specific. Avoid broad dates like "Summer 2025" or simply stating the year ("2025"). Instead, include both the month and year you plan to graduate.
2. Inconsistent Date Formatting: Ensure that your date formatting is consistent throughout your resume. Inconsistent formatting can make your resume appear unprofessional.
3. Failing to Update Your Graduation Date: Once you graduate, remember to update your resume to reflect your actual graduation date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you put an anticipated graduation date on your resume?

Yes. If you are currently enrolled in school, your resume should state the month and year you plan to graduate, labeled as "expected" or "anticipated." Update this to your actual graduation date once you receive your diploma.

How do you state your expected graduation date?

Include your expected graduation date with the other relevant details in your education section. You can refer to your graduation date as either "expected" or "anticipated" and format it as follows: Expected Graduation: May 2025.

Can you include an expected graduation date for high school?

Yes. If you are currently in high school and need a resume, it's advisable to list your anticipated high school graduation date. However, once you are in college, remove your high school information and include your expected college graduation date instead.