How to make a high school resume shine?

So, I'm here trying to start working on my high school resume and I'm not sure what really gives it that 'wow' factor. What are considered the most impressive things to put on a high school resume?

Your high school resume can indeed be made to shine by demonstrating a variety of qualities and experiences, beyond just your academic achievements. The way you construct your resume can make a huge difference. Here are some things to focus on:

1. Extracurricular Involvements: Populating your resume with a variety of extracurricular activities will show an investment in your interests. Tier 1 and 2 extracurricular activities (as detailed in my previous post) can make a significant impact. For inspiration, you could consider anything from school involvement (like class president, club leader, or varsity team captain), to community service, to internships or part-time jobs, to unique personal projects, achievements.

2. Awards and Recognitions: If you've earned any awards, either academic or non-academic, make sure to list them. They demonstrate that your hard work has been recognized and rewarded.

3. Special Skills or Expertise: This could be fluency in a foreign language, highly developed digital skills, music proficiency, and so on. This can help illustrate your diverse skill set and interests.

4. Quality Over Quantity: Rather than listing every small activity you've ever participated in, focus on the ones you've been deeply involved with and made a substantial impact on. Being able to show commitment and the ability to grow within a single activity is often more impressive than fleeting involvement in a multitude of activities.

5. Keep Your Layout Easy-to-Read: Use bullet points for your achievements, activities, and responsibilities. Use the active voice as much as possible and format your entries consistently.

As a final tip: highly-crafted resumes often show evidence of a 'spike'—a highly developed area of interest or expertise. Instead of being 'well-rounded', top colleges often seek students who have deeply pursued their passion in one or two areas. This might involve a progression of activities and experiences all revolving around your interest, creating a cohesive narrative of growth, leadership, and impact.

To stand out, try to let your unique story and personality shine through your resume. Your unique experiences can be your biggest advantage.