How to Create Your Resume College Board: A Guide for High School Heroes
“I need a resume, but I’m still in high school!”
You’re not alone, my friend. You’re probably thinking, “What in the world am I supposed to put on a resume when I’ve barely survived Algebra 2 and my biggest accomplishment is surviving another year of cafeteria food?”
Fear not, young scholar! This guide is here to help you whip up a resume that’ll impress college admissions officers and leave them saying, “Wow, this kid is going places!”
The College Resume: Your Ticket to Higher Education
A college resume is like a mini-biography showcasing your achievements and skills. It’s your opportunity to shine a spotlight on all the amazing things you’ve done, even if those things include mastering the art of procrastination or becoming a master chef in the kitchen of your dreams (aka, your mom’s kitchen).
The Anatomy of a College Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
Think of your resume as a well-structured masterpiece. Here’s how to build yours:
1. Header: The First Impression (and it’s a good one!)
- Name: Put your name in a large, clear font at the top. It’s not a mystery novel – you want them to know who you are!
- Contact Information: Your phone number and email address are essential. Make sure your email address is professional (think “yourname@email.com” rather than “iloveunicorns@yahoo.com”).
- Address: Optional, but can be helpful if you’re applying to a local college.
2. Education: The Foundation of Your Resume
- School Name: List your current high school, including the city and state.
- Graduation Date: Include your expected graduation year.
- GPA: If you’re proud of your grades, go ahead and list your GPA. If not, you can skip this part.
- Relevant Courses: Highlight any specific courses that showcase your interests or skills. For example, if you’re applying to an engineering program, list any science or math courses you’ve taken.
3. Work and/or Volunteer Experience: Putting Your Skills into Action
- Job Title: List any paid or unpaid work experience you have, even if it was just babysitting or working at a local ice cream shop.
- Job Description: Briefly describe your responsibilities and tasks. Use action verbs to make your experience sound dynamic. For example, instead of “Assisted with customers,” say “Provided exceptional customer service and assisted with sales.”
- Volunteer Work: Volunteer experience shows your dedication to others and your commitment to your community. Include any volunteer positions you’ve held, even if it was just helping out at a local animal shelter.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Beyond the Classroom
- Clubs and Organizations: List any clubs or organizations you’ve been involved in, including any leadership positions you’ve held.
- Sports Teams: Mention any sports you play, including your position and any achievements you’ve earned.
- Hobbies: If you have any hobbies that show your interests and skills, feel free to include them. For example, if you’re a passionate photographer, list that as a hobby.
5. Honors and Awards: Shining a Light on Your Successes
- Academic Awards: List any academic awards or scholarships you’ve received.
- Extracurricular Awards: Include any awards or recognition you’ve earned in extracurricular activities.
- Leadership Positions: Mention any leadership positions you’ve held in clubs or organizations.
6. Skills, Interests, and Achievements: A Deeper Dive into Your Expertise
- Skills: List any skills you’ve developed through your work, volunteer experience, or extracurricular activities. This could include computer skills, foreign language proficiency, or communication skills.
- Interests: Highlight any interests or passions that demonstrate your personal growth and development.
- Achievements: Include any personal or academic achievements that you’re particularly proud of.
7. Include a Professional Email Address: A Must-Have for Communication
- Professional Email: Avoid using personal email addresses with funny names or nicknames. Stick to a professional email address that reflects your name.
8. Start With Your Education: Prioritizing the Essentials
- Education First: In most cases, start with your education section, as this is the foundation of your resume.
9. Format: Make it Visually Appealing
- Clear and Concise: Use bullet points to highlight your achievements.
- Easy to Read: Use a font that’s easy to read, like Arial or Times New Roman.
- Professional Layout: Choose a resume template that’s clean and professional.
10. Resume Builders: Tools for the Job
- Online Resume Builders: There are many free online resume builders available that can help you create a professional-looking resume.
- Scoir: If you’re using Scoir, you can create a resume using the information from your profile page.
The College Resume: A Story of Your Journey
Remember, your resume is more than just a list of accomplishments. It’s a story of your journey, a reflection of your hard work, and a glimpse into your potential.
Tips for Crafting a Stellar College Resume:
- Be Honest and Accurate: Don’t exaggerate or embellish your accomplishments.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “Organized events,” say “Organized 5 school events.”
- Use Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to make your resume more dynamic.
- Proofread Carefully: Double-check your resume for any errors in grammar or spelling.
- Get Feedback: Ask a teacher, guidance counselor, or family member to review your resume and provide feedback.
The College Resume: More Than Just a Document
Your college resume is a powerful tool that can help you stand out from the crowd. It’s your chance to showcase your strengths, your achievements, and your potential. With a little effort, you can create a resume that will help you get your foot in the door of your dream college.
Need More Help? Join the JobLoving Community!
If you’re still struggling to create a killer resume, don’t fret! Join the JobLoving community, where you can connect with other students, mentors, and experts who can provide you with the guidance and support you need. We’re here to help you every step of the way!