I have seen quite a number of reactions to this CV, so allow me to explain the thinking behind it. I prepared it in early 2025, shortly after graduating from the University of Lagos. It is the CV that earned me a place on the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's in Biomembranes, where I was the only sub-Saharan African selected. In all honesty, I cannot tell you exactly why the committee picked me. I had some strengths like my CGPA, Academic Awards, Research Experiences, etc. What I can tell you is the reasoning behind each choice, and what I would change today. Nothing on that CV was accidental. We were going to be the programme's first cohort, so there were no past scholars to learn from. I simply asked myself what a committee building its very first class would want to see, and then I presented every strength I had. Requirements have changed since then, so kindly adapt this to your own programme. 1. Why 6 pages? The standard advice is 2 to 3 pages, and I still recommend it. However, the Europass format has a lot of spacing. The same content in Word comes to 3 or 4 pages. There was also no page limit that year, so I made full use of the space. If you would like a template of the Word version, my Oga @Demo4show has shared one here: nitter.cf/Demo4show/status/20992… 2. Why a photo? For well-established programmes, I would advise against it. My case was different. Erasmus Mundus rules state that no more than 10% of scholarships can go to one nationality, so diversity is part of how these cohorts are formed. A first cohort would want to look truly international. I wanted the committee to see an African in that picture before they finished the first page. 3. Why my full address? It was not necessary, and I have removed it from my more recent CVs. We learn every day. 4. Why languages right after education? The programme begins in France. I took French lessons for one year at UNILAG and mentioned it in my SOP, so I placed languages where they could not be missed. The message was simple: this candidate will settle in quickly. Looking back, I now know it did not need to be that high up. It can sit on a later page and still do its job. 5. Why list selected modules? I recommend this to everyone. My programme was clear about the coursework it expected. If you compare the programme website with my CV, you will find that every module I listed was either a requirement or a foundation for what I would study. 6. Why all the links? For every project, award or certificate you mention, attach a link. Do not ask the committee to take your word for it. 7. Why so many awards? They were my greatest strength, together with my research experience. Whatever your own strength is, place it where it cannot be missed. 8. What about publications? I had none, and that is not a disadvantage in itself. It depends on how you present it. My undergraduate thesis produced two projects we intended to publish, and we were still writing the manuscripts. I therefore listed them as publications in view, marked "manuscript prepared for" with the target journal. I was clear that they were not yet published. What I did have was a conference presentation. I presented the work at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) international conference, where I was one of eight shortlisted for the External Young Scientist Award. I made sure that appeared in both my CV and my SOP. If your research has been presented anywhere, show it. 9. Why so much leadership? My personal assessment is that Erasmus Mundus selection is about 60% social and 40% academic. You live and study with a small group across several countries. A new programme will care a great deal about whether that group can bond. I wanted the committee to see a team player, and I had real initiatives to show for it. My advice: do not simply copy the template. Copy the thinking. Understand who is reading your CV and what they are looking for, then present your best self.