Applying for college is both thrilling and daunting, requiring various documents, one of which is a resume. A well-crafted resume for high school students venturing into college admissions can effectively showcase your accomplishments, abilities, and personal experiences, providing a broader perspective on who you are beyond academic scores.
Start with Your Contact Information
Begin with Your Contact Details It’s crucial to start your resume with straightforward yet vital contact information to allow college admissions officers to easily communicate with you. Here’s what you should include:
- Full Name: Include your given name and surname.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable number, ideally your mobile number.
- Email Address: Choose an email that sounds professional, typically consisting of your names.
- LinkedIn Profile (optional): If applicable, add the URL of your LinkedIn profile or any personal website.
How to Write a High School Resume for College Applications
1. Create a Personal Objective or Summary (Optional)
Including an objective or summary on your resume can give a clear idea of your goals and what you aim to achieve. Though optional, this section can leave a positive impression. For instance:
“Ambitious high school student with a strong interest in environmental science, eager to apply my academic knowledge and leadership skills in a college program focused on sustainability.”
2. Include Your Educational Background
This section should cover key details about your high school education. Highlight any academic accomplishments and courses that show you’re ready for higher education:
- High School Name: The name of your school.
- Graduation Date: The anticipated month and year of graduation.
- GPA (Optional): Only add this if your GPA is solid (usually 3.5 or above).
- Relevant Coursework: Mention advanced or challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes.
- Awards/Honors: List academic awards or special recognitions such as honor roll, scholar athlete, etc.
3. Showcase Your Extracurricular Involvement
Colleges appreciate applicants who are involved outside the classroom. List your extracurriculars to highlight leadership, teamwork, and interests. This can include:
- Clubs: Your leadership roles or contributions.
- Sports: Whether you were a player, captain, or manager, and any significant achievements.
- Volunteer Work: Service to the community or charitable activities.
- Arts: Participation in music, theater, or other creative endeavors.
For each activity, include your role and any notable accomplishments, like leading the soccer team to victory or organizing a charity event.
4. Mention Your Work Experience (If Applicable)
Even if you haven’t held a full-time job, any experience is valuable. This could include part-time work, internships, or volunteer roles like babysitting. Employers and colleges look for transferable skills such as responsibility, time management, and communication. Include the following:
- Job Title: What was your role? (e.g., cashier, tutor, intern).
- Company Name: Where did you work?
- Dates: What were the start and end dates?
- Responsibilities and Achievements: Focus on skills you gained, such as customer service, event planning, or teamwork.
5. List Your Skills and Achievements
This section highlights your strengths. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to your college aspirations:
- Hard Skills: Specific skills like coding languages, foreign languages, or graphic design.
- Soft Skills: Traits such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Certifications or Training: If you have certifications like First Aid or CPR, mention them here.
- Awards and Honors: Any academic distinctions, competition placements, or leadership recognition.
6. Keep Your Resume Organized
Make sure your resume is clear and professional. Here are some tips for organizing it effectively:
- Use Bullet Points: Helps make the resume easy to read.
- Limit to One Page: Keep your resume concise, ideally fitting on one page.
- Choose Simple Fonts: Stick to fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, sized between 10 and 12.
- Ensure Consistency: Keep the format consistent for job titles, dates, and descriptions.
7. Proofread Your Resume
Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread it to catch any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure the formatting is neat and consistent. A polished, error-free resume reflects attention to detail, something highly valued by colleges.
Conclusion
Your high school resume is a powerful tool in your college application journey. It allows you to showcase your academic success, extracurricular involvement, work experience, and personal skills, helping you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate. By following these tips and ensuring your resume is clear and professional, you’ll make a strong impression on college admissions teams and move closer to your future academic goals.
FAQs
Should I include a photo of myself on my resume?
It’s advisable not to add a photo to your resume. College admissions officers are more interested in your qualifications and accomplishments than your appearance. A photo could divert attention from the essential information you’re sharing.
How should I list work experience if I’ve never had a job?
If you haven’t held a paid position, don’t worry! Focus on volunteer work, internships, or any unpaid experiences that have helped you develop important skills. Activities like babysitting, pet-sitting, assisting at local organizations, or helping in a family-run business can all be valuable experiences to include.
How long should my high school resume be?
Your resume should generally fit on a single page. Since you’re in high school, you likely have fewer experiences, so it’s important to keep it concise. Emphasize your most notable and relevant achievements to make a positive impact.