Formatting Your High School Teen's Resume for College Applications: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

It's crucial for parents to understand the importance of resumes for high school students. While I've been talking about essays in the past few weeks, let's shift our focus to resumes and activity sheets. I've received numerous requests for templates and formatting tips, so let's dive right in!

What is a Resume? 

A resume or activities list is a compilation of your child's accomplishments and involvements outside the classroom. It's essential to present these activities in an exciting and engaging manner. Using active verbs and listing the most significant activities at the top, you can highlight how your child spends their time and showcase their interests and strengths. Colleges are interested in learning about your child's time management skills and what they do outside of traditional classroom settings.

The Common Application and Resumes 

This is a crucial time for seniors to prepare their college applications. The class of 2024 needs to understand that having a solid and descriptive resume is part of the common application process. The Common Application includes a section explicitly asking for a list of activities, which can often be duplicated on a resume attached to the application. Encourage your child to prioritize activities and provide accurate descriptions using active verbs. Accuracy and honesty are critical when listing activities.

Standing Out in the Application Process 

As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child stand out in the college admissions process. Activities hold significant weight in the eyes of admissions officers, as they want to see a track record of engagement and involvement. It's vital to showcase your child's activities both within and outside the school environment, including community and summer activities. Over the next few weeks, we'll delve deeper into the role of activities in the application process.

Take Action and Schedule a Discovery Call 

If you're eager to learn how to guide your child through the college admissions process, I'm here to help. At Strategic Admissions Advice, we offer strategy sessions designed to provide you and your child with the information needed to succeed. We can discuss your unique situation and develop a personalized plan. Visit our website, strategicadmissionsadvice.com, to book your session today.

Remember, a well-crafted resume is a crucial component of a high school student's college application. By presenting their activities in an exciting and engaging manner, parents can help their children stand out from the competition. Remember to prioritize activities, provide accurate descriptions, and emphasize involvement both in and outside of school. 

Together, we can navigate the college admissions process and set your child up for success. Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a free Discovery Call today.