How to Build a Strong College Application Resume
A college application resume is an essential tool for showcasing a student’s achievements, skills, and experiences. While the Common App and other platforms include sections for activities and awards, a well-crafted resume can provide admissions officers with a clear and organized summary of what makes a student unique. Here’s how to create a standout resume for college applications.
1. Start with the Basics.
Every resume needs to include the foundational information that provides context for the reader.
Personal Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top of the document.
High School Details: List your school name, expected graduation date, GPA (if strong), and class rank (if applicable).
2. Organize by Sections.
Divide your resume into clear sections to make it easy to read. Common sections include:
Education: Mention advanced courses, such as AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes.
Extracurricular Activities: Highlight clubs, organizations, and leadership roles, emphasizing depth and impact.
Community Service: Include volunteer work, focusing on meaningful contributions and hours completed.
Work Experience: List part-time jobs or internships, describing responsibilities and skills gained.
Awards and Honors: Include scholarships, academic awards, or other recognitions.
Skills and Certifications: Mention relevant skills like coding, foreign languages, or certifications in areas like CPR or lifeguarding.
3. Highlight Achievements and Impact.
Admissions officers want to see not only what you’ve done but also the impact you’ve made. Use specific, measurable accomplishments to stand out.
Example: Instead of writing “Member of the Robotics Club,” say, “Led a team of five to design a winning robot in the state competition, increasing club participation by 20%.”
Tip: Use action verbs like "organized," "designed," "led," or "created" to describe your contributions.
4. Tailor Your Resume to the College.
While most resumes will remain consistent, tailoring the content slightly for specific colleges or programs can make a difference.
Example: If applying to an engineering program, emphasize STEM-related experiences and skills.
Tip: Research the college’s values or mission statement and highlight experiences that align with their priorities.
5. Keep it Clean and Professional.
A polished resume makes a strong first impression. Use a clean, professional format that is easy to read.
Formatting Tips:
Use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.
Keep font size between 10 and 12 points.
Use bullet points to organize information and keep sections concise.
Length: A college resume should generally be one page, though two pages can be acceptable for students with extensive accomplishments.
6. Proofread Carefully.
Typos and errors can detract from an otherwise strong resume. Review your resume multiple times and ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult to provide feedback.
7. Include a Resume When Appropriate.
Not all colleges require (or even accept) resumes, so check the application guidelines. If submitting a resume, ensure it complements the other parts of the application rather than repeating information.
Final Thoughts
A strong college application resume is more than a list of activities—it’s a story of a student’s growth, impact, and potential. By organizing content thoughtfully, highlighting achievements, and tailoring the document to align with college goals, students can create a resume that leaves a lasting impression.