Yes, you should add your high school to your resume, but only in certain situations. If you are a current high school student, a recent graduate, or have no college degree yet, include it. If you have completed college or have years of work experience, you can usually leave it off. This article explains exactly when and how to list your high school so your resume helps you get noticed.
When Should You Include High School on Your Resume?
Your resume is a marketing tool, not a full life story. You only need to include information that helps you get the job or college spot. For most people, high school matters only early in their career.
Include High School If You Are a Current Student or Recent Graduate
If you are still in high school or graduated within the last two to three years, list your high school. Employers expect to see it because you may not have much other experience yet. Your high school name, city, and state are enough. You can also list your expected graduation date if you are still enrolled.
Include High School If You Have No College Degree
If you finished high school but did not attend college, keep your high school on your resume. It shows you have a basic education level. Even if you did not graduate, you can list the school and the years you attended. Just be honest about your diploma status.
Leave High School Off If You Have a College Degree
Once you earn a college degree, your high school becomes less important. Most employers care about your highest level of education. If you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, remove your high school to save space. Focus on your college coursework, internships, and work experience.
Leave High School Off If You Have Several Years of Work Experience
After you have worked for five or more years, your experience matters more than your education. Employers want to see job titles, skills, and achievements. Your high school details take up valuable space that could describe your professional growth. At this stage, you can drop high school entirely.
How to List High School on Your Resume
When you decide to include your high school, format it clearly. Use a simple education section that matches the rest of your resume. Here is a basic format:
- School name: Write the full name of your high school, for example, “Lincoln High School.”
- Location: Add the city and state, like “Springfield, IL.”
- Graduation date: Use month and year, such as “June 2026.” If you are still a student, write “Expected May 2027.”
- Diploma or GPA (optional): If you have a high GPA (3.5 or above), you can include it. If you received honors or awards, list them briefly.
Here is an example of how it looks on a resume:
| Education | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln High School | Springfield, IL |
| Diploma | Expected May 2027 |
| GPA | 3.8 (unweighted) |
What Else Can You Add from High School?
Your high school years may include more than just classes. If you have limited work experience, you can add relevant activities that show skills. These can make your resume stronger.
- Extracurricular activities: Sports teams, clubs, student government, or music groups show teamwork and leadership.
- Volunteer work: Community service shows responsibility and a strong work ethic.
- Part-time jobs: Even a fast-food or retail job shows reliability and customer service skills.
- Certifications or awards: Certifications in first aid, computer skills, or language awards add value.
Only include items that are relevant to the job or college application. If you are applying for a tech job, mention your coding club or computer class. If you are applying for a retail job, highlight your cash handling experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors when listing high school on a resume. Avoid these mistakes so your resume looks professional.
- Listing high school when you have a college degree: This wastes space and may make you look less experienced.
- Including your full address: Only the city and state are needed. Do not give your street address for safety reasons.
- Adding an “Objective” about high school: Your resume should focus on what you can offer, not what you want.
- Using an unprofessional email address: Create a simple email like [email protected], not something like “partyguy99.”
Special Cases: College Applications and First Jobs
For college applications, your high school record is essential. You will list your courses, grades, and activities on the application itself. But if you are creating a resume for a scholarship or an interview, include your high school and any honors. For your first job, even if you are in college, you can still include high school if you have no college work experience yet.
Final Summary
Deciding whether to add your high school to your resume depends on your current situation. If you are a student, a recent graduate, or have no college degree, include it. If you have a college degree or several years of work experience, leave it off. Always list your high school in a clear, professional format. Focus on skills and activities that are relevant to the position. By following these simple rules, you can create a resume that helps you stand out positively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put my high school on my resume if I have a college degree?
No, once you have a college degree, you can leave your high school off your resume because employers care more about your highest level of education.
How do I list my high school on a resume?
List the school name, city and state, and your graduation date (or expected date). You can also add your GPA if it is high, like 3.5 or above.
What if I did not graduate from high school?
You can still list the high school you attended with the years you were there, but be honest that you did not receive a diploma.
Should I include high school activities on my resume?
Yes, include high school activities if they are relevant to the job or college application, such as sports, clubs, or volunteer work.
When should I remove high school from my resume?
Remove high school from your resume once you have a college degree or after you have worked for five or more years in a professional setting.
