How can I make my high school resume look most impressive for college applications?

Hi there, current junior here and I'm starting to work on my resume for my college applications. I'm wondering, what makes a high school resume truly stand out in a positive way to colleges during the application process? Thanks in advance.

To create an impressive high school resume for your college applications, you should consider focusing on a few key areas:

1. Highlight Your "Spike": One significant thing colleges look for is a student's "spike" or area of deep interest in which the student demonstrates significant achievement. If you have done something impressive in a particular domain or area, make sure it features prominently in your resume.

2. High-Level Involvement: Show that you have not only participated in clubs or organizations but taken on leadership roles in them. This demonstrates initiative and responsibility, both of which are qualities universities appreciate.

3. Arrange By Relevancy: Arrange your resume in order of importance. Place the most relevant and impressive achievements at the top. For example, if you've won a national award in mathematics, don't hide it in the middle of your resume - make sure it's one of the first things admissions officers see.

4. Strong Academics: Showcase your strong academic record, including GPA, challenging classes you've taken (like APs or IBs), and any academic awards or honors.

5. Showcase Personal Projects: If you've worked on any personal projects outside of school that show your passion or skills, be sure to include them. This might be something like building your own computer, writing a novel, or starting a small business.

6. Emphasize Community Service: Colleges value students who give back to their communities. Include any volunteer work or community service you've done, especially if you've taken a leadership role or impacted your community significantly.

7. Use Action Words: When describing what you've accomplished in various roles, use action words such as 'initiated,' 'managed,' 'led,' etc. This will give your resume more impact.

8. Check and double-check: Finally, ensure your resume is free of errors and is clear and concise. Consider asking a teacher or counselor, or even a peer, to proofread it for you. This can help you catch any mistakes and receive feedback on how your resume can be improved.

Remember, the goal is to present a well-rounded picture of yourself and highlight your unique experiences, talents, and passions. Colleges are interested in discovering the person behind the grades and test scores!