What should a strong high school resume look like?

I'm in my junior year of high school and I'm starting to think about building my resume for college applications. I've participated in a few extracurricular activities and have some volunteer experience, but I'm not sure how to format everything.

What kind of information should I include on my high school resume? Do colleges prefer a specific format or structure? Any examples or templates would be super helpful too. Thanks for any advice!

A high school resume is a fantastic way to consolidate your achievements in a single document, and can serve as a great reference when filling out college applications.

First, you should include your basic information: name, contact information, and high school name. This typically goes right at the top of your resume.

Second, detail your educational history. Start with your high school name, location, anticipated graduation date, GPA, and any relevant coursework.

The next section should highlight your extracurricular activities. Colleges are interested in seeing depth over breadth in activities, so be sure to mark the activities where you held leadership roles or where you've won awards. If you've participated in activities like being the student body president, playing in the state orchestra, or being a top tier athlete, ensure these are highlighted as they are seen as significant achievements.

After extracurriculars, add in your work experiences, if you have any. This section can include part-time jobs, internships, or even summer jobs. Make sure to mention your responsibilities and any notable accomplishments during your tenure.

Community involvement or volunteer work is another important section. Whether you're volunteering once a week at a local charity or participated in a one-off community service event, such experiences can show social responsibility and can enhance your application.

The 'Skills' section is where you list any exemplary skills you have, like proficiency in a foreign language or in programming languages, just to name a few possibilities. This section can really help set you apart.

It's also common to have an 'Awards and Honors' section where you list any academic awards or any other kind of recognition you've received.

When it comes to formatting, make sure it is easy to read and avoid any clutter; simplicity is key. Use bullet points to keep information concise and clear, and use a simple and professional font. Always start with the most recent information in each section and work your way backward chronologically.

Please remember that while a resume doesn't replace your application, it does supplement it by providing a quick summary of your academic and personal achievements. Keep updating your resume throughout high school so it's ready to go when you start your college applications.