Yes, you should include high school on your resume if you are a current student, a recent graduate, or if you have no college degree. Once you have completed a college degree or gained significant work experience, you can drop high school from your resume. The key is to focus on what is most relevant to the job you want.
When to Include High School on Your Resume
Your resume is a marketing tool, and you want to show employers your best qualifications. High school information is most valuable early in your career. Here are the situations when you should keep it on your resume:
- You are a high school student applying for a part-time job or internship.
- You are a recent high school graduate with no college experience.
- You are a college freshman or sophomore and have not completed many college credits.
- You are applying for a job where a high school diploma is the minimum requirement.
In these cases, your high school shows that you have basic education and the ability to complete a program. It also helps fill out your resume so it does not look empty.
When to Leave High School Off Your Resume
As you gain more education and work experience, your high school becomes less important. You should remove high school from your resume when:
- You have earned a college degree (associate, bachelor, or higher).
- You have been working for several years in a professional role.
- You have relevant certifications or training that replace high school.
- Your high school details take up space that could be used for more relevant experience.
For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in business, you do not need to list your high school diploma. Employers already know you completed high school because you finished college. Listing high school would just add clutter.
How to Format High School on Your Resume
If you decide to include high school, keep it simple and professional. Place it in the education section, usually after any college or other post-secondary training. Here is a basic format:
High School Diploma
Name of High School, City, State
Graduation Year (or expected graduation date)
You can also add a few relevant details if they are impressive, such as a high GPA (3.0 or above), honors classes, or leadership roles. But do not overload the section. Only include information that adds value.
What to Include in Your High School Entry
When you list high school, focus on the essentials. Here is a quick list of what to consider:
- School name and location
- Diploma or degree (e.g., High School Diploma, GED)
- Graduation year or expected year
- Relevant coursework or honors (if space allows)
- Notable achievements like class rank or awards (if impressive)
Do not include your GPA if it is below 3.0, and do not list every club or sport. Choose only the items that make you look like a strong candidate.
High School vs. College: What Takes Priority?
Once you have any college education, it should come first on your resume. Employers care more about your most recent and highest level of education. Here is a simple comparison to guide you:
| Your Situation | Should You Include High School? |
|---|---|
| Current high school student | Yes, definitely |
| Recent high school graduate (no college) | Yes |
| College student (first or second year) | Yes, but only if you have not completed many credits |
| College graduate | No, leave it off |
| Professional with 3+ years of work experience | No |
This table shows that the more education and experience you have, the less you need high school. Always prioritize the most recent and relevant information.
Special Cases: GED and Homeschool
If you earned a GED instead of a high school diploma, you should still list it on your resume. Write it as “GED” and include the year you received it. This tells employers you have the equivalent of a high school education.
For homeschooled students, list the name of your homeschool program or simply say “Homeschool Diploma.” You can also mention that you completed a state-approved curriculum. The same rules apply: include it if you have no college degree, and drop it later.
Tips for Making Your Resume Strong Without High School
If you decide to remove high school, you need to fill that space with something else. Here are actionable tips to strengthen your resume:
- List volunteer work or community service that shows responsibility.
- Include internships or part-time jobs, even if they are not in your field.
- Add technical skills like software, languages, or certifications.
- Highlight any projects or achievements from college or work.
These items show employers that you have practical experience and skills, which often matter more than where you went to high school.
Final Thoughts on Including High School
In short, include high school on your resume only when it is your highest level of education or when you have very little experience. As you progress through college and your career, let go of high school and focus on the qualifications that matter most. Review your resume before each job application and ask yourself: “Does this help me get the job?” If the answer is no, remove it. By keeping your resume focused and relevant, you will present yourself as a strong, qualified candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put high school on my resume if I am in college?
Yes, if you are a freshman or sophomore with few college credits, you can include high school. Once you have completed a college degree, you should leave it off.
Do employers care about high school on a resume?
Most employers do not care about high school once you have higher education or work experience. They care more about your degree, skills, and recent jobs.
Can I leave high school off my resume if I have a GED?
No, you should include your GED if you have no college degree. It shows you met the basic education requirement.
What if I graduated high school a long time ago?
If you have been out of high school for many years and have work experience or college, you do not need to list high school. Focus on your recent achievements.
Is it okay to put my high school GPA on my resume?
You can put your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher and you are a recent graduate. If your GPA is lower, it is better to leave it off.
