Common App Resume Template

Crafting the perfect Common App resume can feel daunting. You want to showcase your achievements and passions in a way that's both impressive and authentically you, without overwhelming admissions officers. Our Common App Resume Template is designed to simplify this process, providing a clear and structured framework to highlight your experiences effectively. It focuses on presenting your extracurriculars, work experience, volunteer activities, skills, and awards in a manner that aligns with the Common Application's recommendations and helps you stand out from the crowd.

This template isn't just about listing your accomplishments; it's about telling your story. We've built in sections that encourage you to quantify your impact and articulate the skills you've developed. By using action verbs and providing concrete examples, you can transform a simple list of activities into a compelling narrative that demonstrates your growth, commitment, and potential. Let's turn your experiences into a powerful summary that captures who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Ready to start? This template is easily customizable to reflect your unique personality and experiences. We’ll guide you through each section, offering tips and best practices to help you present your best self to colleges. Download the template now and begin crafting a Common App resume that truly represents your journey!

Why use a common app resume template?

Creating a resume for college applications can feel daunting. A common app resume template offers a structured framework that ensures you present your achievements and experiences in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. These templates are specifically designed with college admissions officers in mind, highlighting the information they prioritize and formatting it in an easy-to-digest way.

One of the primary benefits of using a template is consistency. A well-designed template maintains a uniform look and feel throughout your resume, ensuring readability and professionalism. This is especially crucial when applying to multiple colleges, as it saves you time and effort while ensuring your resume aligns with common application standards. Trying to format a resume from scratch can lead to inconsistencies and a less polished final product.

Furthermore, a good common app resume template will guide you in showcasing the most relevant information. They often include sections for academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, and skills. By following the template, you can systematically present your qualifications and highlight the experiences that demonstrate your character, leadership abilities, and commitment to learning. This structured approach helps you present a comprehensive picture of who you are beyond your academic record.

Finally, using a template can help you avoid common resume pitfalls. Many templates are ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly, meaning they are designed to be easily scanned by automated systems. This ensures that your resume is properly processed and reviewed by admissions officers. By leveraging a template, you can increase your chances of making a positive first impression and standing out from the competition.

Key sections: common app resume template

The Common App resume, unlike a professional resume, focuses on showcasing your experiences and activities beyond academics. It's a concise summary, typically one page, highlighting your involvement in extracurriculars, volunteer work, employment, and any other significant accomplishments. Understanding the key sections is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative that demonstrates your character, skills, and passions to college admissions officers.

Typically, a Common App resume includes sections like: Contact Information (name, phone number, email, address), Education (high school, GPA if above average, relevant coursework), Extracurricular Activities (clubs, sports, organizations, leadership roles), Volunteer Experience (community service, non-profit involvement), Work Experience (part-time jobs, internships, summer employment), Skills (relevant skills, languages, software proficiency), and Awards & Honors (academic achievements, scholarships, recognitions). You can also include a section for Interests if they're unique or particularly meaningful.

When populating these sections, remember to focus on your accomplishments and contributions rather than just listing your duties. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of "Responsible for managing social media," try "Managed social media accounts, increasing follower engagement by 25% in six months." Be selective and prioritize the experiences that best demonstrate your skills and passions, tailoring the resume to reflect your overall application narrative.

Order the sections strategically to highlight your strengths. If you have extensive leadership experience in extracurriculars, place that section higher up on the resume. If you've held significant employment roles, showcase your work experience prominently. The key is to present a cohesive and compelling picture of yourself as a well-rounded and engaged individual. Remember to keep the formatting clean and easy to read, using consistent fonts and spacing. Proofread carefully to eliminate any errors.

Common app resume template: Formatting and structure

The Common App doesn't directly require a traditional resume. However, many colleges allow you to submit an activities list or expanded information section where you can essentially present your experiences in a resume-like format. The key is to structure this information effectively to showcase your accomplishments and potential.

When formatting your "resume" for the Common App or supplemental materials, clarity and conciseness are paramount. Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman in a size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid excessive formatting, colors, or graphics that could distract from the content. The focus should always remain on your achievements and impact.

Structure your information logically, typically starting with your most recent or impactful experiences. Categories might include: Academic Achievements, Extracurricular Activities, Work Experience, Volunteer Work, Skills, and Awards/Recognition. Within each category, use bullet points to highlight specific responsibilities, accomplishments, and quantifiable results whenever possible. Focus on showing what you learned and how you contributed.

Prioritize quality over quantity. Rather than listing every activity you've ever participated in, focus on highlighting the experiences that demonstrate your passions, skills, and growth. Deeper involvement in a few key activities will generally be more impressive than a long list of superficial engagements. Quantify your impact whenever possible – using numbers and data helps to illustrate the significance of your contributions.

Remember that the goal of this section is to showcase your strengths and potential to college admissions officers. Tailor your information to align with the specific colleges you are applying to and emphasize the experiences that best demonstrate your fit and readiness for their academic environment. Proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling before submitting.

Action verbs and keywords

Action verbs and keywords are crucial for crafting an effective resume, especially when tailoring it for the Common App. Strong action verbs help you showcase your accomplishments in a dynamic and compelling way, while carefully chosen keywords ensure your resume is easily scanned by both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Selecting the right words can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

When choosing action verbs, prioritize those that demonstrate the scope and impact of your responsibilities and achievements. Instead of generic terms like "responsible for" or "worked on," opt for more descriptive verbs such as "led," "managed," "developed," "implemented," "analyzed," "collaborated," or "achieved." Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible by adding metrics and data to showcase the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," say "Improved customer satisfaction by 15% through the implementation of a new feedback system."

Keywords, on the other hand, are words or phrases directly related to the skills, experience, and qualifications sought by colleges and universities. Identifying relevant keywords requires careful research. Review the Common App essay prompts, college websites, and any specific program requirements for the institutions you're applying to. Look for repeated words or phrases used to describe ideal candidates and incorporate them naturally into your resume. Focus on both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities) that are in demand.

Here are some examples of action verbs and keywords suitable for a Common App resume:

• Leadership: Led, Mentored, Supervised, Coordinated, Delegated, Organized, Directed
• Communication: Communicated, Presented, Wrote, Edited, Publicized, Negotiated, Collaborated
• Problem-Solving: Analyzed, Resolved, Identified, Developed, Implemented, Improved, Optimized
• Technical Skills: Proficient in [software name], Experienced with [programming language], Familiar with [equipment], Data Analysis, Research, Design
• Soft Skills: Teamwork, Leadership, Communication, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Time Management

Remember to tailor your choice of action verbs and keywords to reflect your unique experiences and the specific requirements of each college you're applying to.

Finally, be honest and accurate in your descriptions. Never exaggerate your skills or accomplishments, as this could be detrimental to your application. Instead, focus on presenting your strengths and experiences in a clear, concise, and compelling manner, using strong action verbs and relevant keywords to showcase your potential contributions to the college community.

Resume Example: common app resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to common app resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Common mistakes to avoid in the common app resume template

Creating a compelling resume for your Common App can significantly enhance your college application, but it's crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can detract from your achievements. One frequent mistake is simply listing responsibilities without quantifying your accomplishments. Instead of stating "Managed social media," aim for "Increased social media engagement by 30% in Q2 through targeted campaigns." Quantifiable results demonstrate the impact of your contributions.

Another common error is neglecting to tailor your resume to your intended field of study or activities you wish to pursue in college. While it's important to showcase diverse experiences, highlight those that align with your academic interests and extracurricular passions. For example, if you're applying for a computer science program, emphasize your coding projects, hackathon participation, or tech-related internships. Irrelevant details, while interesting, can dilute the impact of your more relevant accomplishments.

Formatting inconsistencies and grammatical errors can also undermine your credibility. Ensure your resume is clean, easy to read, and free of typos. Use a professional font, consistent spacing, and bullet points to organize information effectively. Proofread carefully, and ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to review your resume for errors. Furthermore, avoid using generic templates that lack personality. While simplicity is key, adding a touch of your own style can make your resume stand out.

Finally, avoid exaggerating or falsifying information. Colleges conduct thorough background checks, and misrepresenting your achievements can have serious consequences. Focus on showcasing your genuine skills and experiences, even if they're not as extensive as those of other applicants. Honesty and authenticity are highly valued in the admissions process.

FAQs

Creating a resume for your Common App can feel overwhelming, but understanding the purpose and best practices can alleviate much of the stress. This document serves as a condensed, achievements-focused representation of your extracurricular activities, work experience, and key skills. Remember, admissions officers are looking for dedicated, well-rounded individuals. Your resume should showcase how your experiences have shaped you and how you've contributed to your communities, whether school, work, or volunteer settings.

A crucial question is: what information should I include? Focus on experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and commitment. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of saying "Managed social media," try "Managed social media, increasing follower engagement by 25% in three months." Prioritize your most impactful and relevant experiences. Think carefully about the skills and qualities each experience demonstrates, and make sure those align with the qualities colleges are seeking.

Another common concern is formatting. Keep your resume concise and easy to read. Use bullet points to highlight key accomplishments, and limit descriptions to 1-2 lines per bullet point. Choose a clean, professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, and stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points. Consistency is key – use the same formatting for similar sections throughout your resume. Most importantly, proofread carefully for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.

Resume Example: common app resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to common app resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Final tips for a standout resume

Crafting a compelling resume for your Common App submission requires a strategic approach. Remember that admissions committees are reviewing thousands of applications, so your resume needs to immediately grab their attention and highlight your most impressive accomplishments. Don't just list your activities; quantify your impact whenever possible. Instead of saying "Managed social media," say "Managed social media, increasing follower engagement by 25% and driving a 10% increase in website traffic." Quantifiable results speak volumes and demonstrate your ability to achieve tangible outcomes.

Beyond the numbers, ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to guide the reader's eye. Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and maintain a consistent font size throughout the document. Proofread meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors, as even small mistakes can detract from your credibility. A clean and well-organized resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Finally, tailor your resume to the specific qualities and values emphasized by the colleges you are applying to. Research each institution's mission statement and academic programs, and highlight experiences and skills that align with their priorities. If a college values leadership and innovation, showcase your leadership roles and instances where you demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills. By demonstrating a clear understanding of each college's unique identity, you can further strengthen your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in attending their institution. Remember, your resume is a crucial tool for showcasing your unique strengths and making a lasting impression on admissions committees.

Refine and Shine!

We hope this Common App resume template has been a valuable starting point in crafting a compelling overview of your experiences and achievements. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific opportunity you pursue, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position or program.

Don't hesitate to revisit this site as you continue to refine your resume and gain new experiences. We'll continue to update our resources to help you present your best self to colleges and beyond. Good luck with your applications!