I am amazed at the number of graduating high school seniors who have not been instructed in how to write a resume.  With so many test-optional colleges, resumes are increasingly becoming an important part of the college admission process.  Student involvement in the areas of extracurricular and community service are weighing more heavily in the process. This information is not only requested on college applications and the Common App but many private scholarship organizations also request a resume.

When high school students hear the word “resume” they automatically think about writing a resume for a job; instead, colleges and scholarship organizations are looking for your high school involvement beginning with your freshman year.  College acceptance is based on student accomplishments through your junior year.  It is assumed that a student will continue their involvement through their senior year.  This is an important document because it can be the deciding factor in whether or not you get accepted into college and whether you get a scholarship.

The following is a list of what should be included on a high school resume beginning freshman year.

• Education (High School and GPA)
• Leadership
• Honors and Awards
• Volunteer Experience
• Work Experience
• Skills
• Hobbies

Be sure to include the year of participation and acknowledgment.  You can be creative in your formating of this information, the key is to provide the information. I recommend rising seniors prepare this resume over the summer or before they begin the application process.  It will make the process smoother because all colleges will ask for the same information.  The resume will also come in handy for students who plan to work over the summer.  It can be given to teachers, counselors or community members you ask to write letters of recommendation.  This is a major tool in becoming college and scholarship ready.  If you need help writing a resume, check out the sample resume on the Cappex website.