Stand Out to Colleges with a Sharp Resume

By VALERIE PIERCE and CHERYL RILLY

There’s only a small space to”‘tell something significant about yourself” on most college applications. Resumes are a great way to ‘sneak in’ a little more, according to one high school counselor. It’s good marketing.

Create a resume that highlights your strengths and interests via your activities in and out of school. Use active verbs to describe your involvement — such as “organized,” “assisted,” “completed,” “created,” “led” — but don’t exaggerate the facts. No one expects grandiose achievements from a kid in high school. They’re looking for solid character.

Include:

• Personal information: name, address, phone number, email address
• Scholastic information: name of high school, class rank, GPA, SAT, ACT and SAT Subject scores
• Academic achievements: honor roll, Advanced Placement classes, college credit classes, Internet classes, awards, nominations, citations or special projects in subject areas, tutoring or mentoring roles
• Computer skills: programs you know, skills in website design or programming
• Work Experience and Internships
• Club Involvement: school, community, religious organization
• Special interests, hobbies, pursuits
• Volunteer Work: ongoing and one-time events
• Athletic participation and achievements
• Leadership Roles: Holding office in class, sports, clubs; taking initiative or responsibility for projects; leadership camp participation

Give a copy of the resume to your high-school guidance counselor for his or her review, and also in case he or she is contacted by a college admissions person who wants additional information about you. Also provide copies to any teachers who are writing letters of recommendation.

​From Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School. 
© Front Porch Press.
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 Photo: Shutterstock/Photographee.eu