How do I make my high school resume stand out?

I'm planning to apply to a few competitive colleges and I want my high school resume to really stand out. What kind of things should I include on it beyond my GPA and test scores? Are there specific extracurriculars or leadership roles that are impressive? Also, should I list every activity from freshman year, or just focus on the more recent and significant ones? Thanks!

When crafting your high school resume for college applications, you want to showcase your depth of involvement, leadership, and commitment to your chosen areas, rather than simply listing a multitude of activities with less involvement. This will make you stand out as an applicant with great potential in a specific field, which is something many selective colleges are looking for.

As far as extracurriculars go, colleges typically evaluate them using a four-tier system. Tier 1 activities, such as winning a national award or standing out as a leader at the national level in a field, are the most impressive. Tier 2 activities, like being student body president or playing in a state orchestra, are also very valuable. Tier 3 and 4 activities, while less rare, are often seen as equally important for demonstrating your interests and dedication. Try to highlight your Tier 1 and 2 activities, and a few Tier 3 and 4 activities that you feel passionate about.

In terms of what to include from each year, certainly include your major accomplishments from freshman year, but be aware that colleges place higher emphasis on your achievements in the later years of high school. This is because they represent your most recent abilities and experiences, showing more accurately who you are as a student and individual now.

Leadership roles are also critical to highlight in your resume. Being a leader in a club, on a sports team, or in a community service organization can provide concrete evidence of your teamwork, management, and communication skills.

Inclusion of any significant community service or work experience can also be a great advantage. Many colleges value students who are civic-minded and can balance their academic commitments with a job or long-term service project.

Moreover, don't dismiss any unique skills or hobbies you might have that tie into your overall academic and professional goals. For example, if you're interested in computer science and have taught yourself several programming languages or developed your own app, this could be a great thing to highlight.

Lastly, remember to present all of this information in a polished and professional manner. Careful attention to formatting, grammar, and spelling can go a long way in making your resume look and sounds its best.