High School Student Resume: Step-by-Step Complete Guide

Think resumes are just for the working world? Think again! While high school students might not have extensive professional experience, a well-crafted resume can be a valuable tool for college applications. 

This blog will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a standout resume that shows your accomplishments, extracurriculars, interests, and academic achievements. Keep reading to learn the key differences between traditional resumes and those for college applications and discover valuable tips for crafting a document that sets you apart from the competition.

Is a High School Resume Important for US Students?

Not all college applications require a resume; however, a well-crafted resume can offer valuable benefits for your application. While some college admissions experts emphasize the importance of a resume, others consider it less crucial.

For example, the Common App only requires an activity list. However, you can still submit a resume to provide a more comprehensive picture of your academic achievements, involvement outside the classroom, and personal interests. The Coalition Application also allows uploading a resume to the locker section.

Regardless, a well-crafted resume presents your academic achievements, work and volunteer experiences, and contributions to potential colleges. This allows them to see beyond grades and test scores and understand your full potential as a student and community member.

Highlight specific accomplishments and experiences that set you apart, using action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible. Avoid generalities and clichés, as they can dilute your impact.

Furthermore, a well-prepared resume can benefit your recommenders by providing a clear overview of your achievements, making it easier for them to write compelling recommendation letters. Additionally, some scholarship applications might also request a resume.

How to Write a Resume for High School Students

College application resumes differ from professional resumes in several ways. We’ll discuss these differences and explore what to highlight in your college application resume.

Contact information

While your resume header should prominently display your full name, it’s important to exercise caution when sharing additional personal information, like your home address. Here’s what to include in this section, prioritizing professional and easily accessible methods of contact:

• Full name: Include your first and last name and middle initial if desired (especially for common names). 
• Email address: Use a professional email address that is easy to remember and spell. Avoid using email addresses with nicknames or irrelevant information.
• Phone number: Include your phone number with the appropriate country code, if applicable. Consider your comfort level with receiving professional calls on this number. 
• Website: If you have a personal website showing your work, skills, or experience, you can include the URL.
• LinkedIn profile: Include the URL to your professional LinkedIn profile if it effectively highlights your qualifications and achievements.

Education and academic accomplishments

In this section, you can list the name of your high school and the dates you attended. You can also provide additional information, such as your GPA, class rank (if available), and any relevant standardized test scores (e.g., ACT and SAT), if you believe they will strengthen your application.

If you have taken any Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, you can mention them here, as they can demonstrate your academic rigor and preparedness for college-level work.

Work experience

For high school students, this section shows both paid and unpaid work and/or volunteering experiences that demonstrate your skills, work ethic, and commitment. 

• Internships: Gain real-world experience in an industry you’re interested in. 
• Part-time jobs: Develop responsibility, time management, and communication skills through paid work. 
• Job shadowing: Observe professionals in your desired field to gain insights into their daily activities and responsibilities.
• Community engagement: Shows a willingness to contribute to your community and make a positive impact.
• Passion and interests: This highlights your dedication to specific causes and areas you care about.
• Leadership potential: Look for opportunities to lead projects, manage volunteers, or mentor others.

Be sure to mention any leadership positions you held or currently hold within any work or volunteer experiences. This shows your ability to take initiative, work collaboratively, and inspire others.

Read Also: 10 Best Summer Internships for High School Students in USA

Extracurricular activities

Colleges seek well-rounded individuals who actively participate in and contribute to the vibrant life of their campus communities, extending their engagement beyond the classroom. While academic achievement remains a crucial factor, involvement in various activities shows your personality, diverse interests, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the college environment.

Awards

This section allows you to show your accomplishments and demonstrate areas where you excelled. Include any academic awards received from your school, ranks or titles achieved from external organizations (such as Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America or Gold Award from Girl Scouts), and any noteworthy athletic achievements.

By providing specific details and context, you can make this section more impactful. For instance, instead of simply stating “academic award,” you could mention the specific award name, the subject area it was awarded in, and why it was significant to you. This will help potential readers gain a deeper understanding of your skills, dedication, and commitment.

Skills and achievements

This section is an opportunity to show your well-roundedness. Here, you can highlight:

• Languages: List any languages you speak fluently or are proficient in. 
• Computer skills: Mention your expertise in various computer programs, software, or hardware. 
• Soft skills: Show your strengths in areas like teamwork, communication, and leadership. Briefly describe situations where you utilized these skills effectively.
• Hobbies and Interests: Share your passions and interests, particularly if they connect to your intended college major. This can provide insight into your personality and potential career aspirations.

Read Also: When Do College Applications Open in 2024?

5 Essential Tips to Write a Resume for College

How you structure and write your resume is almost as important as what you include. For instance, resumes for college applications should list all achievements, jobs, volunteer experience, and awards in reverse chronological order. This means the most recent experience should be listed first, followed by the previous one, and so on. This makes it easier for admissions officers to scan and find your most relevant experiences. Here are five essential tips on how to write a high school student resume:

1. Use a professional email address for college applications

Colleges do not explicitly penalize you for using an unprofessional email address in your application. However, creating a dedicated one can enhance your overall presentation and demonstrate thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Here are some suggestions for crafting a professional email address:

• First and Last Name: The most straightforward and reliable option is to use your firstname.lastname@gmail.com mail format. This format is clear, easy to remember, and readily identifies you.
• Initials and Last Name: If your first name is common and the “firstname.lastname” combination is unavailable, consider using your initials and last name. 
• Portfolio Integration: If you have a personal portfolio website, you can use an email address associated with your domain, like firstname.lastname@domain.com. This approach adds a touch of personal branding, but make sure that the domain name is appropriate and professional.

2. Highlight your education first

While professional resumes prioritize work experience, college applications take a different approach. Recognizing that first-year applicants likely have limited professional experience, colleges prioritize your academic background. As educational institutions, they primarily assess your potential for success based on your academic performance.

3. Use bulleted lists for improved readability

Replace paragraphs with bullet points when listing information in your resume. This approach enhances the clarity and scannability of your document, making it easier for busy admissions officers to grasp your qualifications.

• Enhanced readability: Bullet points visually break up the text, creating a more organized and inviting layout for the reader.
• Improved scannability: Admissions officers often have limited time to review applications. Bullet points enable them to quickly identify your key skills and experiences.
• Focus on achievements: Bullet points naturally encourage concise and action-oriented statements, highlighting your accomplishments and contributions.

4. Utilize strong action verbs

Infuse each bullet point in your resume with strong action verbs. For instance, instead of simply stating “worked as the manager at Target” during your summer job, write a more impactful statement like “directed a team of five employees in daily operations and customer service excellence” or “trained five employees on company policies and procedures, ensuring consistent service delivery.”

5. Keep your high school resume on one page

A concise resume ensures you highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, avoiding unnecessary fluff or filler. This focused approach makes a stronger first impression. Writing a one-page resume hones your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, a valuable skill not just for future job applications but also for writing in college and beyond.

At the high school level, college admissions officers generally expect a concise overview of your qualifications, which can be effectively presented on a single page. Longer documents, like CVs, are typically reserved for more experienced professionals.

Read Also: Class of 2028 Regular Decision Notification Dates Unveiled

From the Desk of Yocket

Resumes for college applications are a chance for you to show your accomplishments, experiences, and interests beyond what traditional application forms may allow. A well-crafted resume can provide admissions officers with a more comprehensive understanding of who the applicant is academically, personally, and professionally. There’s no doubt that resumes can enhance college application process by providing a more holistic view of your background and accomplishments. They should be approached as strategic documents that complement, rather than duplicate, the information provided elsewhere in the college application.

Therefore, you need to approach resume preparation with thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Rather than simply randomly listing activities or achievements, you should prioritize relevance and significance. Your resume should focus on experiences that best illustrate your personal growth, leadership potential, and contribution to your communities. By crafting a compelling resume that effectively highlights your achievements, interests, and aspirations, you can increase your chances of standing out in a competitive admissions process and presenting yourself as a well-rounded individual poised to make meaningful contributions to your chosen academic institutions. Also, yocket is here to assist you with your high school resume.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What format should I use in my resume for college applications?

Use a clear and easy-to-read format with consistent fonts, headings, and bullet points. Opt for professional fonts like Times New Roman or Arial with a size between 10 and 12 points.

What shouldn’t I include in my resume?

Avoid including irrelevant information like personal opinions, religious beliefs, or hobbies that don’t connect to your academic or professional aspirations. Grammatical errors and typos also create a negative impression.

Should I tailor my resume to each college?

It’s not necessary to create a completely different resume for every college. However, you can slightly adjust the content to highlight experiences and skills relevant to the specific program or institution you’re applying to.

How long should my resume be for college?

You should aim for one page. Focus on the most impactful experiences and achievements, leaving out irrelevant information.