A note from the Writing Center on CVs

There are many ways to write a curriculum vitae (CV), and online searches often return a wide range of examples with varying levels of professionalism and relevance. While this flexibility may seem helpful, it can also lead to confusion, especially for students and professionals applying to programs in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or graduate studies. Each of these disciplines has its own expectations for how information should be presented.

That’s why using the CV template provided by the Writing Center and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Graduate Studies and the Bitonte College of Dentistry is strongly recommended. These templates are designed with input from faculty, residency directors and student affairs professionals across the country who understand exactly what admissions committees and hiring departments are looking for. They ensure your CV is polished, consistent and aligned with the standards of your field. Whether you're listing research, clinical experiences, service or leadership roles, using an approved template helps you organize this information in a format that is familiar and efficient for reviewers. In competitive academic and professional environments, first impressions matter. A well-structured, discipline-specific CV demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail and respect for the norms of your intended field, all critical traits that set applicants apart.

We would never prevent students from using whatever CV template they prefer. However, research and experience have shown that the NEOMED templates are highly effective because they are created with the specific audience and purpose of the CV in mind. These templates have helped students succeed in securing residency placements, competitive research opportunities, away rotations and leadership positions. When a student comes to the Writing Center to collaborate on their CV, the NEOMED template will be used as the foundation for revision suggestions and edits.

Trust us, it works.

- submitted by Brian Harrell, Writing Center specialist