How to Compose a College Resume That Works?
When applying for college, students should prepare a pack of documents that traditionally include test scores, reports, recommendations from teachers, essay, and a resume. Of course, these package elements can vary from college to college, however, in most cases, you will have to write a kind of paper that states your skills, experience, and achievements. As you know, this paper is called a college resume.
A resume is 1-2 page summary of your qualification that needs to stand out from all the others. In this article, we will discuss some useful tips to help you create a remarkable one.
What is a purpose of a college resume?
The members of an admission board will spend less than a minute reviewing your resume and your aim is to make them want to interview you. Which means that your paper should be brief, clear, and unique. Your goal is to compose a short but substantial resume that makes a quick positive impression and evokes interest in you as a person and a potential student of this particular college.
In a word, you have to advertise yourself in this essay and highlight everything that makes you a perfect candidate. A resume is different from an application essay because it is less detailed and more straightforward, so you have to avoid going into details too much.
How to format a college resume?
- Your basic information
Start with writing down your name, address, phone number, date of birth, high school name, and a submission date. This information should be centered at the top of the paper. Make sure that you provide valid information.
- Mind the order
A standard college resume starts with an Education part. Also, you should add your Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer Work, Employment, Sports, and Internships. Remember that you have to list them in order based on importance for a particular college you are applying to and strength (of course, Education is the strongest one).
- Your recent entries
Each section of your resume should start with one of your recent accomplishments. Locate them in a reverse chronological order. Focus on your high school activities rather than on those you’ve had at the middle school.
- Font and margins are important
The margins should be 1” on all sides. Make wide line-spacing to make your paper easier to read. Don’t use any funny or fancy fonts, because they look unprofessionally. You should use Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri or something like that.
College resume writing tips
- Be specific
Writing a resume, you should avoid including unimportant aspects. Your explanations should be short and to the point.
- Don’t put on a modest air
It doesn’t mean that you have to embellish or exaggerate your accomplishments, but you have to draw attention to them. You are not going to lose your place to your fellow students, so focus on your achievements and tell the committee what you have done.
- Use the action words
Use verbs and begin your descriptions with action words that will grab readers’ attention. Never use the word “I” in a resume.
- Pinpoint your grades
If you received good marks at school, it’s a good idea to draw attention to them. Include your scores if they are higher than average.
- Demonstrate that you are an active person
If you took part in volunteering programs and leadership initiatives, make sure to mention this in your work. Having at least a couple of such entries will make your paper winning.
- Include your special skills
Maybe you have become fluent in a foreign language or learned everything about computer software? These are things that admission officers admire in resumes, so make sure to include them.
After you are done with writing, make sure to proofread and edit your paper carefully. Try to find savvy people to read your work and give you a feedback or recommendations. Your resume must be 100% free from any errors or wrong information because these minor issues can ruin your results.
So think, write, and revise! With the tips listed below, your chances for entering a college of your dream will grow for sure.
