What's important to include on a resume for college transfer students?

I'm working on my resume for a college transfer application. Are there key things that colleges look for on a transfer student's resume that might be different from high school applications? Any tips for making it stand out?

Sure, as a transfer student, your resume should reflect your college experiences more prominently than your high school accomplishments. You've already been through some level of higher education, so colleges are most interested in what you've been doing since you graduated from high school. Here are some areas you should focus on:

1. Academic Achievements: Highlight your GPA, any honors or awards you've received, and significant projects or research you've done. It's important to include your major along with any courses related to the major you're aiming to transfer into, as it shows your preparedness.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Colleges want to see that you're more than just a student. So if you're part of clubs, sports teams, or service organizations, these should go on your resume. However, there should be some emphasis on the level of commitment and responsibility in these organizations, such as leadership roles or significant contributions.

3. Work Experience: If you've held part-time jobs, internships, or work-study positions during your time in college, those should definitely be included. Descriptions of your roles should be concise, yet meaningful - mentioning skills acquired, responsibilities shouldered, and any significant achievements.

4. Community Service: If you've been involved with any community service or volunteered your time, this shows you're committed to making the world a better place, so it's definitely worth including.

5. Skills: Here, you should highlight any relevant skills, like proficiency in a foreign language, advanced computer skills, or even technical skills like laboratory abilities, depending on your intended major.

6. Professional Affiliations: Are you a part of professional organizations related to your field of study? If so, definitely include them.

In terms of making your resume stand out, the key lies in showing what you've done, rather than simply listed what you were supposed to do. Use action verbs when describing your roles and achievements, quantify where it's possible, and make sure the relevance to the field you're looking to transfer into is apparent. It's also crucial to proofread your resume for any grammatical errors - you'd be surprised how much a tiny error can throw off an admissions committee. Lastly, keep it to a page. While you might have lots to share, being concise is critical.