Resume Template For High School Student Applying To College

Applying to college is a major milestone, and your resume is a crucial piece of showcasing your unique skills and experiences. It's your chance to go beyond grades and test scores, to highlight your passions, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any jobs you've held. A well-crafted resume tells a compelling story about who you are and what you're capable of, making a lasting impression on admissions officers. This template is designed specifically to help high school students like you present their best selves in a clear, organized, and professional manner.

This resume template provides a framework to effectively demonstrate your accomplishments and potential, even if you don't have extensive work history. We'll guide you through sections like education, extracurricular involvement, skills, and volunteer experiences, helping you articulate the value you brought to each. Remember, colleges aren't just looking for good students; they're looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to their campus community. Use this template to shine a light on your strengths and show them what makes you a great candidate.

Why resume template for high school student applying to college resumes matter

A well-crafted resume, even one utilizing a template, is crucial for high school students applying to college. It serves as a comprehensive overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Colleges use resumes to gain a deeper understanding of applicants beyond grades and test scores, evaluating their commitment, leadership potential, and overall fit for the institution's community.

Using a resume template ensures a professional and organized presentation of your accomplishments. Templates provide a structured framework, guiding you on what information to include and how to format it effectively. This is particularly important for high school students who may lack extensive work experience, as it allows them to highlight relevant skills gained through volunteering, clubs, sports, and personal projects. A clean and easy-to-read resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, making a positive first impression on admissions officers.

Furthermore, a resume allows you to showcase your unique personality and passions. While transcripts and test scores provide a quantitative assessment of your academic abilities, a resume provides a space to elaborate on your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and personal projects. This allows you to demonstrate your initiative, teamwork skills, and commitment to making a difference. Carefully selecting and describing your experiences allows you to paint a picture of yourself as a well-rounded and engaged individual, increasing your chances of acceptance into your desired college.

Resume Example: resume template for high school student applying to college

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for high school student applying to college. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Education section: GPA, coursework, achievements

The education section of your high school resume is crucial for demonstrating your academic preparedness and potential to colleges. It's more than just listing your school; it's an opportunity to showcase your strengths and highlight relevant coursework that aligns with your intended major. Colleges want to see a track record of academic success and a commitment to learning.

When listing your GPA, be sure to include the scale (e.g., 4.0 scale). If your school uses a weighted GPA, consider including both weighted and unweighted GPAs. Also, highlight any relevant coursework. If you're applying for a computer science program, list your AP Computer Science, calculus, and any other relevant math or science courses. For a humanities program, showcase AP English Literature, history courses, or foreign language studies. Be specific and avoid simply stating "college prep" courses.

Beyond GPA and coursework, the "achievements" aspect is vital. This is where you demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence. List any academic awards, scholarships, or honors you've received. Examples include: National Honor Society membership, AP Scholar awards, perfect attendance awards, or recognition for high scores on standardized tests (SAT/ACT sections, PSAT). Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For instance, instead of "Math Team Member," consider "Math Team Member: Ranked in top 10% in regional competition." This provides tangible evidence of your abilities.

Extracurricular activities & leadership roles

This section is crucial for showcasing your personality, interests, and commitment outside of academics. Colleges look for well-rounded individuals who are actively involved in their communities and demonstrate leadership potential. When listing your extracurricular activities and leadership roles, it's not enough to simply state the name of the club or organization. You need to highlight your contributions, accomplishments, and the skills you developed through your involvement.

For each activity, provide a brief description of the organization or club, followed by specific details about your role and responsibilities. Use action verbs to describe what you did, such as "led," "organized," "coordinated," "managed," "developed," "implemented," or "mentored." Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Increased membership," say "Increased club membership by 30% through targeted recruitment campaigns." If you held a leadership position, clearly state your title and describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in that role. Focus on showcasing the impact you had on the organization or the people you worked with.

Consider organizing your extracurricular activities and leadership roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent and significant experiences listed first. If you have a diverse range of activities, you can categorize them by type, such as "Community Service," "Sports," or "Arts." This can help make your resume more organized and easier to read. If space is limited, prioritize the activities that are most relevant to your intended major or career goals. Remember to proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.

• Debate Club: President (2022-2023)
  • Led weekly meetings, organized debate topics, and mentored new members.
  • Increased club participation by 20% through targeted outreach and improved meeting structure.
  • Coordinated and participated in regional debate competitions, winning 2nd place overall.
• Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter: (2021-Present)
  • Assisted with daily animal care, including feeding, cleaning, and providing enrichment.
  • Helped organize fundraising events, raising over $1,000 for shelter supplies.
  • Assisted with adoption events, resulting in the successful placement of numerous animals.
• Varsity Soccer Team: Captain (2022-2023), Team Member (2020-2023)
  • Led team practices and games, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.
  • Improved team performance through effective communication and strategic coaching.
  • Awarded "Most Valuable Player" for outstanding performance and leadership skills.

Resume Example: resume template for high school student applying to college

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for high school student applying to college. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Skills: Hard and soft skills

Highlighting both hard and soft skills is crucial for a high school student's college application resume. Hard skills are quantifiable and often technical abilities acquired through learning or practice. Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal attributes that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others and adapt to different situations. Colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals who possess both types of skills.

When listing hard skills, focus on those relevant to your intended field of study or extracurricular activities. Examples include proficiency in specific software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, programming languages, design software), foreign language fluency, data analysis, or research skills. Be specific and, where possible, provide context. Instead of simply stating "Microsoft Office," specify "Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint."

Soft skills are equally important and should be presented in a way that demonstrates how you've used them. Examples include communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and critical thinking. Instead of simply listing these skills, provide brief examples of how you've demonstrated them. For instance, "Leadership: Led a team of five students in organizing a successful fundraising event for the school's debate club, exceeding our fundraising goal by 15%."

Consider creating two separate sections for hard and soft skills, or combining them in a single section with clear headings. Use action verbs to describe your skills and achievements. Tailor the skills listed to the specific colleges you're applying to and the programs you're interested in. Research the skills that are highly valued in your chosen field and prioritize those on your resume.

Here's a way to organize your skills effectively:

• Hard Skills: Programming (Python, Java), Data Analysis (Excel, Google Sheets), Web Design (HTML, CSS), Foreign Language (Spanish - Fluent), Research Methods.
• Soft Skills: Teamwork (Collaborated effectively on group projects in AP Biology), Communication (Presented research findings to a panel of judges at the science fair), Problem-Solving (Developed a creative solution to a technical challenge in robotics club), Time Management (Successfully balanced academics, extracurricular activities, and part-time job), Leadership (Organized and led volunteer efforts at a local animal shelter).

Volunteer experience & community involvement

Colleges look favorably on students who demonstrate a commitment to serving others and contributing to their communities. This section of your resume provides an opportunity to showcase your character, values, and leadership skills. It demonstrates that you're not just focused on academics, but also on making a positive impact on the world around you. When crafting this section, focus on highlighting the experiences that are most meaningful to you and that best demonstrate your skills and qualities.

When describing your volunteer experiences, be specific about your responsibilities and accomplishments. Don't just list the name of the organization and the dates you volunteered. Quantify your contributions whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Volunteered at a food bank," say "Sorted and packed over 500 lbs of food donations per week at the local food bank, contributing to the distribution of meals to over 200 families." Use action verbs to describe your activities and highlight the skills you developed, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Think about the impact your actions had on the organization and the people it serves. Did you help increase efficiency, raise awareness, or improve the lives of others?

Consider including a variety of community involvement activities, such as volunteering at a local hospital, tutoring younger students, participating in environmental cleanup efforts, or leading a fundraising campaign. Even seemingly small contributions can demonstrate your commitment to making a difference. Remember to tailor this section to the specific colleges you're applying to. Research the colleges' values and priorities and highlight the experiences that align with their mission. If a college emphasizes community service, be sure to showcase your volunteer work prominently. If a college values leadership, focus on your leadership roles in community organizations.

If you have limited volunteer experience, don't be discouraged. Focus on highlighting the activities you have participated in and the skills you have gained. You can also consider getting involved in new volunteer opportunities to strengthen your resume. Even short-term projects or one-time events can demonstrate your willingness to contribute to your community. Remember that colleges are looking for students who are engaged, passionate, and committed to making a difference. Your volunteer experience and community involvement section is a valuable opportunity to showcase these qualities and make a positive impression.

Resume Example: resume template for high school student applying to college

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for high school student applying to college. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

FAQs

Creating a resume as a high school student applying to college can feel daunting, but it's a great way to showcase your achievements and experiences. Many students wonder if they even need a resume at this stage. While not always mandatory, a resume can significantly enhance your application, especially if you have limited space to elaborate on extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or unique skills. It demonstrates initiative, organization, and a proactive approach to your future. Think of it as a condensed highlight reel of your accomplishments that supplements your transcripts and essays.

One common question is what kind of information to include. Focus on experiences that demonstrate valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. This can include academic achievements (like honor roll or awards), extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government), volunteer work, part-time jobs, and any special projects or skills you possess. Be sure to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of saying "Helped organize a fundraiser," say "Helped organize a fundraiser that raised $500 for [charity]". Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements, and tailor your resume to reflect the specific qualities and interests you want to convey to the admissions committee.

Another frequent concern revolves around the length and format of the resume. For a high school student, keep your resume to one page. Admissions officers are reviewing many applications, so brevity and clarity are key. Use a clean and professional template that is easy to read. Choose a legible font (like Arial or Times New Roman) and maintain consistent formatting throughout. Proofread meticulously for any errors in grammar or spelling. Ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to review your resume before submitting it. Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make, so make it a positive one!

Resume Example: resume template for high school student applying to college

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for high school student applying to college. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Action verbs & impactful language

Choosing the right words can significantly enhance your resume and showcase your achievements in a compelling way. Instead of using passive or generic verbs, opt for action verbs that clearly demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Strong action verbs make your contributions more memorable and impactful, helping you stand out from other applicants. When describing your experiences, focus on the results you achieved and quantify them whenever possible.

To make your resume more effective, replace weak verbs like "assisted," "helped," or "worked on" with stronger alternatives. For example, instead of "Assisted with organizing school events," try "Coordinated school events, increasing student participation by 20%." Similarly, rather than "Worked on a team project," consider "Collaborated on a team project, developing a new marketing strategy that generated a 15% increase in leads." The key is to be specific and demonstrate the impact of your actions.

Here are some examples of action verbs that are particularly effective for high school students applying to college:

• Leadership: Led, Managed, Organized, Coordinated, Supervised, Directed, Initiated, Founded
• Communication: Communicated, Presented, Wrote, Drafted, Edited, Publicized, Negotiated, Collaborated
• Problem-Solving: Solved, Resolved, Analyzed, Investigated, Improved, Streamlined, Optimized, Innovated
• Technical: Programmed, Developed, Designed, Built, Operated, Maintained, Implemented, Tested
• Research: Researched, Analyzed, Collected, Evaluated, Surveyed, Identified, Summarized

Remember to tailor the verbs you use to the specific experiences and skills you want to highlight.

Beyond action verbs, use impactful language to showcase your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements whenever possible by including numbers, percentages, and specific details. For instance, instead of saying "Improved customer service," say "Improved customer service response time by 25%." Use keywords related to the skills and qualities that colleges are looking for, such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and communication. This will not only make your resume more compelling but also help it get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many colleges.

Finally, remember to proofread your resume carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A polished and well-written resume demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism, leaving a positive impression on admissions officers. By using strong action verbs and impactful language, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and accomplishments, increasing your chances of getting accepted to your dream college.

Refine Your Resume & Take the Next Step

We hope this template has provided a solid foundation for crafting your college application resume. Remember to personalize it with your unique experiences, skills, and achievements. Tailor each resume to highlight the qualifications most relevant to the specific colleges you're applying to.

Before submitting, take the time to proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. Consider asking a teacher, counselor, or family member to review it as well. Don't hesitate to revisit our site for more tips, examples, and resources as you continue your college application journey. Good luck!