What does "summa cum laude" indicate?

"Summa cum laude" is a Latin phrase that translates to "with highest honor." It is commonly used in academic contexts to denote exceptional achievement during a course of study, particularly at a collegiate or university level. When a student graduates with this distinction, it indicates that they have reached a level of academic excellence that surpasses even that of "magna cum laude" and "cum laude," which indicate lower tiers of honors. The usage of "summa cum laude" reflects a significant acknowledgment of a student's hard work, dedication, and superior performance throughout their academic career. This distinction is usually accompanied by a specific grade point average or other notable academic accomplishments defined by the institution.