How to Create a Standout Resume for Your College Applications
College resumes are the place to describe everything you have done in high school.
Applying to college can feel like juggling a million tasks at once. Between essays, recommendation letters, and standardized tests, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a well-crafted resume.
Applying to college can feel like juggling a million tasks at once. Between essays, recommendation letters, and standardized tests, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a well-crafted resume. But here's the thing: a resume can be your secret weapon in showcasing who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s your chance to show colleges the real you—your passions, achievements, and the unique experiences that make you, well, you.
However, don’t confuse this with a job resume. A college application resume has a different focus and structure. Let’s dive into what you need to include, how to describe your experiences, and how to organize it all for maximum impact.
What to Include on Your College Resume
Your college resume should paint a comprehensive picture of your high school journey. Here’s what to include:
Contact Information
Full Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Home Address (optional)
Education
High School Name and Graduation Date
GPA (weighted/unweighted, depending on what you’re proud of)
Class Rank (if applicable)
Relevant coursework or academic honors (AP classes, dual enrollment, honor roll, etc.)
Extracurricular Activities
Clubs, sports, student government, arts, etc.
Leadership roles and involvement level (president, captain, member, etc.)
Time commitment (e.g., hours per week, weeks per year)
Volunteer Experience
Organizations or events you’ve volunteered for
Your role and the impact of your work
Time commitment and duration of involvement
Work Experience
Part-time jobs, internships, or family businesses
Responsibilities and skills you gained
Time commitment and any accomplishments
Awards and Honors
Academic, athletic, or community-based awards
Scholarships or recognition for excellence
Skills and Certifications
Any special skills (languages, coding, public speaking)
Certifications (CPR, Microsoft Office, etc.)
Hobbies and Interests (Optional)
Unique hobbies or personal projects that show your passion and creativity
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How to Describe Your Experiences
When describing your experiences, focus on the impact you made rather than just listing your duties. Colleges want to see how you contributed, what you learned, and how these experiences shaped you. Use action verbs like "led," "organized," "created," "improved," and "developed" to start your bullet points.
For example:
Bad: “Worked at a local café.”
Good: “Provided excellent customer service to over 100 customers daily, improving efficiency by streamlining the ordering process.”
Instead of just stating that you were in a club, explain your role:
Bad: “Member of Debate Club.”
Good: “Led the Debate Club to its first state-level competition victory by mentoring new members and developing strategic arguments.”
Always quantify your achievements when possible. Numbers give a clear sense of the scope and impact of your work.
How to Organize Your Resume
Your resume should be clean, easy to read, and well-organized. Here’s a suggested structure:
Header with Contact Information: Make sure it’s at the top and easy to spot.
Education: Start with this to highlight your academic background.
Extracurricular Activities: List these next to show what you’re passionate about outside the classroom.
Volunteer Experience: Follow with your community involvement.
Work Experience: Include this if applicable, showing your responsibility and time management.
Awards and Honors: Wrap up with your achievements to leave a strong impression.
Skills and Certifications: List these at the end, but don't underestimate their importance.
Remember, It’s Not a Job Resume
A college resume isn’t about impressing a potential employer; it’s about showing colleges who you are as a person and a student. While a job resume might focus on skills and experience relevant to a specific role, your college resume should focus on your personal growth, learning experiences, and how you've contributed to your school and community.
In conclusion, your college resume is a snapshot of your high school years—a way to tell your story beyond the numbers. Take your time crafting it, be honest, and let your personality shine through. With a well-organized and thoughtfully written resume, you’ll be well on your way to standing out in the college application process. Good luck!
Gail Nichols, Independent College Consultant for over 12 years. Helping students to find their college is my passion.
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