High School Resume: Essential Skills to Include?

Hey there! I'm working on my high school resume, and I'm curious as to what skills should be included to make it stand out. Any tips or suggestions on what skills should be highlighted that will grab admissions officers' attention?

Hello! When creating a high school resume, it's important to focus on skills that are relevant to your experiences, extracurricular activities, and future goals. Tailor your resume to showcase the skills most pertinent to your desired college program or major. Here are some skills to consider including:

1. Leadership: Highlight specific instances where you've taken charge, whether it's as a club president, team captain, or organizing community projects.

2. Communication: Demonstrating strong verbal and written skills can be accomplished by mentioning experiences like debate, speech competitions, or journalism roles.

3. Problem-solving: Showcase your ability to think critically and tackle challenges through activities like math competitions, science fairs, or innovative personal projects.

4. Time management: As a high school student, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal commitments can be difficult. Mention how you effectively managed your schedule and prioritized tasks.

5. Teamwork: Highlight experiences where you've worked collaboratively with others, such as group projects, sports teams, or theater productions.

6. Foreign language proficiency: If you're fluent or proficient in another language, make sure to include this, especially if it relates to your future career path or academic goals.

7. Technical skills: Depending on your interests and future goals, highlight relevant technical skills, such as coding languages, design software, or lab techniques.

Additionally, quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. For example, instead of writing "raised money for charity," provide the specific amount raised or the number of people you impacted. This helps to give context and showcase the magnitude or impact of your involvement.

Remember that your resume should be a reflection of your unique experiences and abilities, so customize it based on your strengths and passions. Colleges appreciate well-rounded individuals with diverse skills, so avoid being too generic by portraying what makes you truly stand out. Good luck with your resume!