Building a strong high school resume is essential for college applications, scholarships, internships, and part-time jobs. A well-crafted resume highlights your achievements, skills, and experiences in a clear, easy-to-read format. This guide will walk you through every step of creating a high school resume that gets noticed.
What is a high school resume and why do you need one?
A high school resume is a one-page document that summarizes your academic record, extracurricular activities, work experience, volunteer work, and skills. It gives colleges and employers a snapshot of who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
Many colleges now allow or even encourage resume submission as part of the application. For scholarships and internships, a resume is often required. Even if not required, submitting one shows initiative and professionalism.
Key sections every high school resume should include
Your resume should be organized into clear sections so readers can quickly find the information they need. Below is a table showing the most common sections and what to include in each.
| Section | What to include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Full name, phone number, email, city and state | Jane Smith · (555) 123-4567 · [email protected] · Austin, TX |
| Education | High school name, location, expected graduation year, GPA (if 3.0 or higher), relevant coursework | Westlake High School, Austin, TX · Class of 2027 · GPA 3.8 |
| Extracurricular Activities | Clubs, sports, leadership roles, years of participation | Debate Team Captain (2025–2026), Varsity Soccer (2024–2026) |
| Work & Volunteer Experience | Job title, employer/organization, dates, key responsibilities | Cashier, Local Grocery Store, June 2025–Present: handled transactions, stocked shelves |
| Awards & Honors | Academic awards, honor roll, competitions won | National Honor Society, AP Scholar, 1st Place Science Fair |
| Skills | Languages, computer skills, certifications, soft skills | Spanish (intermediate), Adobe Photoshop, CPR Certified |
How to order the sections
Put your strongest sections first. If you have impressive academic awards, list them after education. If you have relevant work experience, place it before extracurriculars. The goal is to grab attention with your most compelling achievements.
Step-by-step instructions for writing each section
1. Start with a strong header
Your header must include your full name, a professional email address (preferably [email protected]), phone number, and city and state. Avoid nicknames and unprofessional email addresses.
Make sure your voicemail is set up professionally in case an employer or admissions officer calls.
2. Write your education section
List your high school name, city, state, and expected graduation year. Include your unweighted GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. If you have taken AP, IB, or honors courses, mention them to show academic rigor.
If you have a low GPA, you can omit it. Focus instead on course rigor or improvements over time.
3. Describe your extracurricular activities effectively
For each activity, include the name, your role, the years you participated, and one or two key accomplishments. Use action verbs like “organized,” “led,” “mentored,” or “created.”
Bullet points are best for listing multiple activities. Here is an example format:
- Debate Team Captain (2025–2026): Led weekly practices, coached new members, advanced to state finals.
- Student Government Treasurer (2026–2027): Managed $5,000 budget for school events, implemented cost-saving measures.
- Varsity Cross Country (2024–2026): Earned varsity letter, top 10 finish at regional meet.
- Volunteer Tutor (2025–2026): Provided free math tutoring to middle school students, 50+ hours.
4. Highlight work and volunteer experience
Even part-time jobs, babysitting, or lawn mowing count. Describe your responsibilities and any positive outcomes. Use numbers when possible: “managed inventory for 200+ items” or “served 100+ customers per shift.”
Volunteer work shows community engagement. Include the organization name, location, dates, and hours per week if applicable.
5. List awards, honors, and skills
Awards: Honor Roll, National Merit Commended, Science Fair awards, etc. Skills: foreign languages, computer programming, public speaking, leadership, first aid certification. Keep the list relevant and honest.
Formatting tips for a professional look
Use a clean, simple font like Arial or Calibri at size 10–12. Keep margins at 0.5 to 1 inch. Do not use graphics, photos, or colored text. Stick to black and white.
Save your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise. PDF ensures your formatting stays intact. Name the file professionally, e.g., “Jane_Smith_Resume.pdf.”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an unprofessional email address (e.g., [email protected]).
- Including personal information like age, race, or religion.
- Typing errors or inconsistent formatting (mix of fonts, sizes, or bullets).
- Making it longer than one page. High school resumes should fit on one page.
Proofread carefully, then ask a parent, teacher, or school counselor to review it. A second set of eyes catches mistakes you might miss.
When and how to use your resume
Submit your resume with college applications through the application portal if allowed. Bring printed copies to college fairs, interviews, and scholarship meetings. For internships or jobs, email the PDF with a brief cover letter.
Update your resume at least once a semester (every January and June). Add new activities, jobs, or awards as they happen so you never have to scramble later.
By following these steps, you will have a polished, professional resume that gives colleges and employers a clear picture of your strengths. Start building your high school resume today — it is one of the best investments you can make in your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include on my high school resume if I have no work experience?
Focus on your education, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, awards, and skills. Even babysitting, helping at a family business, or leading a school club shows responsibility and initiative.
How long should a high school resume be?
Keep it to one page. Admissions officers and employers review many resumes, so a concise, well-organized single page is best.
Do I need a different resume for college applications versus a job?
Yes, tailor your resume for each purpose. For college, emphasize academics, leadership, and activities. For a job, highlight relevant skills, work ethic, and any customer service experience.
Should I include my GPA if it is below 3.0?
If your GPA is below 3.0, it is okay to leave it off. Instead, mention challenging courses you have taken or any upward trend in your grades.
How often should I update my high school resume?
Update your resume at least twice a year, ideally at the end of each semester. Add new activities, jobs, awards, or volunteer hours as they occur.
