I'm getting ready for a college interview and I need to bring a resume. What should I include on it to make sure it's impressive? I'm not sure what colleges are looking for in high school resumes.
A comprehensive high school resume for a college interview is an excellent way to showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Here's what you could include to make it truly impressive:
1. Heading: This should include your name, contact information such as phone number, email, and home address, and your high school name along with the anticipated graduation date.
2. Academics: Include information about your education, such as your GPA, class rank if applicable, and any interesting or challenging courses you've taken. You can also include AP courses, or dual-enrollment classes if you've taken any.
3. Standardized Test Scores: Here's a spot for your SAT or ACT scores, if you decide to take these exams and if the universities you're applying to consider them. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, some schools are test-optional, and some are test-blind. Cal State and UC schools, for example, do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
4. Extracurricular Activities: College admissions officers would like to see a record of involvement in a mix of activities that you genuinely enjoyed, which could be anything from sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities or even part-time jobs. Prioritize quality over quantity. Aim to demonstrate exceptional commitment and leadership (Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars) as well as a variety of interests (Tier 3 or Tier 4 extracurriculars).
5. Leadership Roles and Accomplishments: If you held any leadership roles or earned significant recognition in your activities, highlight them.
6. Awards and Honors: This is the place for academic, athletic, or arts recognitions, as well as any other awards you've won or distinct honors you've earned.
7. Volunteer Experience & Community Service: Include service activities, including time spent, type of work, and organization.
8. Work Experience: If you have held a part-time job, summer job, or even an internship, include it. Even if it's not related to your intended field of study, work experience can still show skills like responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.
9. Skills: Highlight any assets that you think colleges will find intriguing. This may include proficiency in foreign languages, computer skills, or any specific abilities relevant to your intended field of study.
Keep the resume to one page, use bullet points for readability, and proofread it multiple times for grammar and spelling, offering it to others to review as well. Template it in a clean, professional format. Attend it to each college, if you have the time and energy. For instance, if you're interviewing for a school known for environmental science, you may want to underscore your membership in the green club.
Remember, this resume isn't just a simple list. Rather, it's a personal branding tool, so ensure it reflects you accurately and comprehensively. Best of luck with your interviews!
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