What should be included in a college transfer resume?

I'm in the process of preparing my transfer application and I'm unsure about what to put on my resume. Should I focus on high school activities or current college experiences? Any tips on what makes a strong transfer resume?

A transfer student resume could include the following categories:

1. Contact Information: Name, mailing address, phone number, and professional email address.

2. Objective Statement: An objective statement is brief and outlines your career goals. Make it relevant to your immediate plans.

3. Education: Your current college/university should go first, then high school. Include GPA (if it's strong), major, dates of attendance, and any relevant coursework.

4. Experience: Include both work and academic experience. Significant projects or research you've done, part-time jobs, internships, or co-op positions - anything that demonstrates relevant skills and experiences.

5. Skills: List any relevant hard and soft skills. For example, if you're applying to a STEM program, you might list technical skills like coding languages. Soft skills like leadership or teamwork fit here too.

6. Activities and Honors: Focus on your involvement in college. Include leadership roles, significant accomplishments, and relevant experiences in student clubs, sports, or community organizations. Don't leave out any scholarships, awards, or honors you've received.

7. References: You usually don't need to include these on the resume, but have them ready if requested.

Overall, the focus should predominantly be on your college experience. While your high school experience can still be valuable, your current college experiences will carry more weight. However, if there are high school activities that fit directly with your chosen field or the university's values, it may add depth to your resume. Always tailor it to each college's specific needs and mission.

Remember that a resume is a tool for showing colleges what you'll contribute if admitted, so include the information that presents you as a promising candidate. A strong transfer resume highlights your academic successes, relevant skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities. It's always good to ask a few people (college career centers, professors, etc.) to review your resume for suggestions and proofreading.