High School Resume For College: An Essential Part of Any College Application

What Is A High School Resume?

Resumes are mainly used to apply for jobs but that is not what a high school version is used for. This kind of document, increasingly a key part of your college application package, helps the admissions officers at colleges and universities understand you and what you have to offer in addition to your good grades and SAT scores. Learn the difference between writing a resume for college and writing one to apply for a job. Once you master the special kind of resume, you will have a better chance of getting an admissions offer from the college or university of your choice.

Why Does A High School Resume Matter For College Admissions?

Universities and colleges ask for high school resumes for various reasons. For programs with an artistic emphasis like acting, dance or creative writing, a resume can show what you achieved creatively outside of the classroom. Other colleges ask for a secondary school resume because they want to encourage a thriving student body with a variety of interests, skills and hobbies. Even though a resume follows a certain form, it does let applicants tell admissions officers about themselves and helps them before more than a combination of GPA and SAT numbers.

What Should You Include In Your High School Resume

Before you write high school CV and send it off to the college of your dreams, check to see each college's requirements first. Some programs will limit you to one page while others want you to comment on specific abilities such as leadership and community service. Failing to look up and follow the instructions of college admissions staff will undermine your chances of admission. If the college or university provides no guidance or assistance, here are some general ideas on what to include and what not to include.

High School Resume Do's

1. DO mention community service particularly if you played a major role (e.g. led an Amnesty International club).
2. DO list any languages you know (e.g. Spanish, Chinese, German) especially if your transcript does not show your knowledge of these languages.
3. DO discuss your involvement in high school activities like band or the yearbook club.
4. DO proofread your resume and ask a friend to look it over before you submit it.
5. DO limit yourself to a maximum of two pages.

High School Resume Don't

1. DON'T list every single part-time and contract job you have ever held.
2. DON'T make up facts or write anything dishonest on your secondary school resume.
3. DON'T write in long paragraphs; resumes should use bullet points.
4. DON'T include a list of all the classes you have ever taken; other parts of your college application should cover that.

These DO's and DON't of writing a resume for college admissions will help get you started. If you need further help and examples, ask your guidance counselor, a teacher or somebody you know in college.