How to build an impressive high school resume?

Hey guys, I'm a little bit stressed. I'm starting to think about college and I want to make sure I have a strong resume. What should I be focusing on to make my high school resume the most impressive it can be?

Hi there! It's lovely to see you being proactive about building a strong resume for college applications.

The first thing you might want to focus on is academics. Having very good grades in rigorous courses should be your top priority. You should challenge yourself with the most rigorous courses offered at your school—like AP or IB classes—if you can handle them. This will show colleges you're up to meeting their academic standards.

Apart from academics, your extracurricular activities are a significant aspect of your resume. Top colleges prefer students with a highly-developed specialty, also known as a “spike,” as opposed to “well-rounded” students. This means you should identify an area you’re passionate about and focus on building a strong profile in that area. For instance, if you have a keen interest in computer science, try joining related clubs at your school or participate in coding competitions.

Remember, quality is more important than quantity in regards to extracurriculars. Engage in activities that you're passionate about and seek leadership roles in these areas. Colleges categorize extracurricular activities into four tiers, with Tier 1 being activities that display exceptional leadership or achievement at a national or international level, and Tier 4 being common activities like club membership or general volunteering.

Try to achieve accomplishments that belong to Tiers 1 and 2. For instance, if you’re a debater, winning a national or state debate championship would be a Tier 1 or Tier 2 accomplishment. On the other hand, simply participating in debate club would likely be a Tier 4 activity.

In addition, showcasing your service towards the community can impress colleges. Volunteering or founding a service project exhibits your empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Lastly, remember to display growth. It's good to show that you’ve developed skills over time and taken on larger responsibilities. This might mean advancing from a club member to a leadership role, or working your way up in a job from a basic role to a managerial position.

All these aspects, in combination, can help you build an impressive high school resume. Good luck!