Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior beginning to think about college applications and I want to get a head start on my resume. I've heard that having a strong high school resume can really make a difference. I'm kind of unsure where to start, though, and how to make sure it stands out without going overboard.
Could anyone share some advice or tips on what to include in a high school resume? How detailed should I get with my extracurriculars, jobs, or volunteer work? Also, what do colleges typically look for when they see a resume? Any insights or examples would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there!
Creating a strong high school resume is an excellent idea as it not only helps colleges understand your experiences better, but it can also be useful for scholarship applications and job applications.
1. Focus on Your Extracurriculars: Most successful applicants to top colleges have 8-10 total extracurriculars, but quality trumps quantity every time. These could be school clubs, internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, etc. Colleges use a system known as the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars to evaluate them. Tier 1 and 2 distinguish impressive actions or roles, such as national awards or leadership roles, while Tier 3 and 4 are more common, like memberships in clubs or general volunteering. Place the most important activities at the top of this section and work your way down to the least influential ones.
2. Specify Your Experiences: When you detail each activity, list your specific role, and any outcomes or achievements you have to your name because of these activities. For example, if you're part of the school's newspaper club, something like "Managing Editor - Increased readership by 20% over a 6-month period" helps convey your contribution and the impact you made.
3. Include Relevant Job Experience: If you've had a job or internship, use the resume to convey what you learned and the responsibilities you held. You can highlight any skills you acquired, like organization, teamwork, or leadership.
4. Highlight your Volunteer Work: Colleges appreciate civic-minded students who give back to their communities. Whether it's helping out at a local food bank or participating in a charity event, include these activities and describe your role and contributions.
5. Include Honors and Awards: Have a separate section to list any awards or honors you have received. It could be academic (like honor roll) or extracurricular (like MVP of a sports team).
6. Keep It Short and Sweet: High school resumes should be one to two pages long at most. Admissions officers sift through hundreds of applications, so they truly appreciate brevity.
7. Edit: Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Keep your resume as professional as possible.
8. Ask for Feedback: Have someone else, like a teacher, counselor, or parent, read through your resume. They might catch mistakes you missed or suggest ways to improve it.
Remember, the resume is a tool to provide colleges with a snapshot of who you are as a student and individual. Make it a reflection of your hard work and commitment during your high school years. Good luck!
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