what should my college application resume look like

How to Write a Resume for College – A CollegeAdvisor Guide

How to write a resume for college – introduction.

Standing out as a stellar applicant in the college admissions process is tough. One way to separate yourself from the crowd is by crafting a strong resume for college. Your college resume can highlight information about your background, activities, and achievements. Some of these might not be indicated elsewhere in your college application or recommendation letters . 

In this article, we will teach you how to write a college resume. We’ll highlight 5 simple steps to building your college application resume. We will also discuss what a college resume is and why you may need a resume for college. Additionally, we will provide examples on how to write a resume for college by reviewing college resume examples. Finally, we’ll walk you through some college resume templates in our example college resumes.

So, let’s look at how to write a college resume and explain what makes a good college resume, why you should include a resume for college in your applications, and more!

What is a college resume? 

A high school resume is typically a one-page document that complements your college application . Your high school resume (or college resume) can help you showcase your achievements and extracurriculars for college. It does this by sharing information that is not elsewhere within your college applications. The goal of a college resume is to show the college admissions officers who you are and how you spend your time outside of the classroom . 

Before we jump into how to write a college resume, let’s examine some things that make up a good college resume.

A good college resume should include: 

• Clear structure
• Concise language (bullet points over essay-style)
• Relevant details
• Strong formatting

As we discuss how to write a resume for college, you might wonder what purpose a college resume serves. In short, a college resume is a summary of experiences that you can use to add depth to your college applications. You can also think of a college resume as your high school resume, or a resume for college. Your college resume will include a brief description of each of your experiences and extracurriculars for college. 

While we examine how to write a resume for college, you should first note that your college resume should include key details like your educational details, GPA , extracurricular activities/jobs, and honors/awards. As we’ll discuss, your college resume will have other key features. We’ll go through each of these as we learn how to write a resume for college. 

Many colleges list a college resume within their college application requirements. But, even if a college resume is not listed in the college application requirements, we recommend creating one anyway. 

We will look at a sample college resume later in this article, along with a 5-step guide to creating a resume for college that you can use as you begin writing your college resume. 

Do I need a resume for my college applications? 

No, you do not necessarily need to include a college resume with your college applications. However, a high school resume or resume for college can be a helpful tool in the college admissions process. 

So, how could including a resume for college application be beneficial? First, including a college resume in your college applications can help highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications to the admissions office of your dream school.  

Having a college resume can help you showcase your extracurricular activities in your college applications. You can highlight leadership positions, accomplishments, interests, and activities on your college resume that might not appear elsewhere in your college applications. 

Creating a resume for college application can also demonstrate your accomplishments and experiences to college admissions officers. Even if a high school resume is optional in the list of college application requirements, including one in your college applications can help you stand out. Standing out is incredibly important in the admissions process, especially if your ideal college is high on the list of college rankings . 

It is a good idea to start putting together your college resume as you near the end of high school.

You may forget the names of clubs, supervisors, mentors, teachers, etc. as you get ready to apply to college. So, the earlier you can gather all the information for your high school resume, the better! That way, all of your experiences are fresh in your mind, and you can create the strongest resume for college possible. 

When should I prepare my college resume? 

As you begin the process of applying to college, you might be wondering when to prepare your college resume. The ideal timeline for creating your high school resume can start as early as 9 th grade. 

In general, you won’t want to include anything on your high school resume before 9 th grade. Like other college application requirements, college admissions officers are only interested in the activities you have participated in during high school. 

Keep a list starting in 9th grade

As early as 9 th grade, you can start keeping a list of your accomplishments and activities. Even though you won’t need to format this list into a college resume yet, it will be the basis for your future college application resume.

As you begin the college admissions process, you can use the list you created and turn it into a college resume. As you apply to college and prepare your college resume, research which college resume format works best for you. Reviewing a sample college resume or college resume template can help you find the perfect college resume format. 

As you look through college resume examples, think about which aspects of the college resume template you like the best. Then, adapt things from those college resume examples to fit your college resume. Once you have decided on a college resume format, list your accomplishments, jobs, and activities within that college resume format. 

Summer before senior year

The best time to create your high school resume is during the summer before your senior year. This gives you plenty of time to perfect your college application resume. 

We’ll examine the necessary components of a successful college resume in the next section of this article. So, read on!

What should a high school student put on a resume? 

As you begin the college admissions process, you may be asking yourself what to include on your high school resume. You can start the college application resume writing process by brainstorming how you spend your time outside of your courses. 

Think about everything you have done or achieved since you started high school and write it down. Your high school resume should highlight your activities, interests, and skills. Pay particular attention to these factors as you consider what to include on your high school resume.

Your high school resume will be organized categorically. Some of the most common categories for a resume for college application include personal information, work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience/community service, education, and skills.  In addition to the categories listed above, below is a list of some other things that high school students should list on their resume for college.

Top ten things to list on your college resume:

• School name and address
• Contact Info
• GPA or Class rank, if applicable
• Internships & volunteer roles
• Awards and honors
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership positions
• Language competencies

As we mentioned earlier, you may not have information or experiences for every category listed above. That’s perfectly fine! Focus on what applies to you and what you can include on your high school resume as you learn how to write a college resume. 

What does not belong on my high school resume? 

Now that we have examined what to include on your high school resume, let’s discuss what does not belong on your college application resume. 

Keep it current

In general, you should avoid including any activity or achievement from before 9 th grade on your resume for college. However, it’s okay to include something that is particularly impressive and/or attached to a current activity. 

For example, if you have 12 years of experience in playing the violin, you will want to include that on your high school resume. However, if you joined your middle school band for a semester, you should likely leave that out of your college resume. Your resume for college should reflect activities that matter to you now.

Avoid listing daily duties

There is no need to include informal everyday activities on your college resume, such as cooking for your family or cleaning around the house. When you are crafting your resume for college, it’s best to stick to things that are relevant to admissions committees or future employers. 

Note that this is one area where your college resume differs from your activities list. For instance, if you spend considerable time caretaking your three siblings, you may choose to include that on your activities list within the Common App. However, the same responsibilities likely shouldn’t appear on your resume for college.

Keep it clear

As you examine college resume templates and college resume examples, take note of the language and structure in a sample college resume. It’s important to use concise language and clear structure throughout your resume for college. 

Additionally, do not include excessive text or overly detailed explanations on your college application resume. You want your resume for college to be simple and clear. In general, you should limit your high school resume to one page, or two at the absolute maximum. Most people who review your college resume will spend about 30 seconds with it. So, your resume for college should be easily scanned, above all. 

When you use concise language throughout your college resume, it will make it easier for your reader to understand your accomplishments. Because most people will skim your high school resume, having a clear structure throughout will make it easy to read. Keep it simple and keep it consistent. 

Steer clear of images and graphics

While you might come across this in your college resume format research, it’s best to avoid including images or graphics in your college application resume. Although this is a new trend and can be seen on multiple college resume examples and college resume templates, it can be distracting and take up valuable space on your high school resume.  

For instance, if you volunteered at twelve different soup kitchens, there is no need to list each one separately. That will become tedious and take up too much space on your essential resume for college application. 

Finally, you should never misrepresent your qualifications on your high school resume. Be honest about your involvements, however many you have. It’s not worth potentially getting caught in a lie or an exaggeration during a college interview.

Where do I submit my college application resume? 

While you apply to college, you might be wondering what to do with your resume for college applications. Many college application portals will include a section for your college resume, especially if a resume for college is listed as one of the college application requirements. 

Most college application portals list the high school resume section as optional. While you are applying to college, you might notice that most colleges require that you fill out an activities section as part of the application process. The activities section will ask you to list your extracurriculars for college. Often, your activities section will serve the same purpose as your college resume. 

If you choose to include a high school resume with your college application, it should reflect your accomplishments in more detail than your activities section. Additionally, if you choose to include a resume for college with your application, make sure it adds something new to your activities list. 

You will receive access to your college’s application portal once you have completed the process of applying to college but before you receive a college acceptance letter and officially enroll . When it’s time to upload your high school resume, be sure to upload it as a PDF rather than a Word document. That way, you can ensure that your formatting of your college resume stays consistent on every application. 

We’ll provide more details about the college resume format later in this article, when we examine college resume examples and college resume templates. 

How often should I update my college resume? 

It may be helpful to update your resume (or other records) every six months to a year in order to avoid missing any important details. You can use your college resume for more than just your college application requirements. In fact, there may be internships or other opportunities you seek out in high school that will ask you to submit a high school resume. Updating your college resume often will help you keep track of your experiences and accomplishments. 

In general, you should update your high school resume as often as it works for you. However, when you are almost done applying to college , you will want to make sure that your college resume is up-to-date and accurate before including it with your application. 

No matter how often you update your resume for college applications, we encourage you to keep copies of any old college resume examples you might have. Having old copies of your college resume can help you in the future as you begin to tailor your college resume for potential reviewers. 

How to write a resume for college

Now that we have a better understanding of what makes up a college resume, let’s focus on how to write a resume for college. You can begin writing your college resume by creating a list of your key details . Your key details will be the starting point for your college resume. 

First, you will include information about where you go to school, as well as your current GPA and any Honors statuses. You will also want to list your academic interests on your high school resume, including what you hope to study or pursue beyond high school. 

You will also include your extracurricular activities and the years you engaged in them on your resume for college. Additionally, you will want to add any jobs or internships you have had and the dates you held them. You can also list any leadership positions and the years you held them on your college resume. 

Finally, you will want to include any special skills you have on your resume for college. This can include certifications as well. 

Once you have a list of your key details, you will want to organize these details into sections on your high school resume. For some, these sections might include Objective, Education, Leadership Positions, Work and Internship History, and Special Skills.  

College Resume Walkthrough

Linked about is our college resume walkthrough. Let’s do another walkthrough of these sections here to see what kind of information to include in each one. 

Your objective is the reason why you are writing your college resume. This section will vary depending on where you send your resume. 

If you are creating a resume for college applications, you should include information about your intended major or future career in this section. However, if you are sending your high school resume to a potential employer, your objective section will include information about why you are uniquely skilled for the job. 

Education 

The education section of your college resume should include all high schools you have attended, along with your GPA and anticipated date of graduation. 

If your high school provides you with a class rank, you can also include that piece of information within this section of your resume for college. 

Additionally, you can include your SAT or ACT score within this section, especially if you are submitting your resume for college applications. 

Leadership Positions 

Be sure to highlight any leadership positions you have held in your college resume. This includes any appointed positions you have received and even informal leadership positions. 

For example, if you were voted Class President of your Student Council, you can include that information here. Or maybe you are a peer mentor on your soccer team—you can include those details within this section of your college resume. 

Work and Internship History 

This section of your high school resume will list your whole work history, including internships , summer jobs , or part-time jobs. 

You will want to include the job title, company, dates of employment, and a brief outline of your duties for each of the work or internship experiences in this section of your resume for college. 

Special Skills 

Finally, this section of your college resume will outline any technical or soft skills you might have. Soft skills include things like teamwork, communication skills, and conflict resolution. 

In this section of your resume for college, you can also include any languages you speak or certifications you have. 

After you have organized your high school resume into sections, you will want to include a bulleted list detailing your responsibilities within each of your engagements/leadership roles. Be sure to include only relevant details in your descriptions, as it’s important to be concise on your college resume.  

Remember to include the years for every role/activity on your college resume. You will want to list them with the most recent positions/activities at the top of your resume for college. 

College resume format

Your college resume format is one of the most important features to consider as you apply to college. As you construct your college resume format, make sure that it’s readable. 

Most people won’t look at your college resume for more than 30 seconds. So, any reader should be able to skim your high school resume and come away with a relatively clear idea of your qualifications and background. 

The ideal college resume format will have the name of the student clearly listed at the top of the college resume. Another aspect of a strong college resume format will have clear sections with strong headlines. Additionally, the best college resume format will include bulleted lists where appropriate. 

We will look at the college resume format in action as we review some college resume examples and college resume templates. 

College resume examples

As we review our sample college resume, we will explain how to use it to craft your own college resume when you apply to college. Use this sample college resume as a reference point for your resume for college. Then, adapt it to fit your own unique needs. 

We will discuss the sample college resume in the next two sections of this article. As we review the sample college resume, pay particular attention to what makes this college resume clear and effective. You can use this sample college resume as a college resume builder while you apply to college. 

At first glance, you can see that this college resume is organized. This resume for college has clear sections and a concise structure. What makes this college resume clear and effective is its formatting, language, and length. Be sure to incorporate these same elements into your own high school resume as you apply to college. 

Remember, this sample college resume is just one of many college resume examples available. Figure out what you like best about this sample college resume and use it to craft your own college resume. 

Sample college resume – What works? 

The key features of this sample college resume are its formatting, language, and length. Focusing on these in your own college resume will ensure that your resume for college stands out. 

Clear delineated sections

The formatting in this college resume works so well because it includes clearly delineated sections and organized by year. Keeping your information and experiences organized by year is an effective format for a resume for college applications. 

Simple and straightforward language

Another feature of this college resume that works well is the language. There is clear language and details throughout this resume for college that provide context for each role and accomplishment. For example, each of the work experiences in this high school resume feature a brief description of the student’s role and duties/responsibilities. 

Concise structure

Additionally, this resume for college application features a concise structure that helps the reader clearly understand the purpose of each section. The descriptions within this college resume are brief but comprehensive. Having a concise structure and clear language throughout your college resume is key. 

The final key feature that works well in this college resume is the length. This resume for college is just one page in length. Ideally, you want your college resume to fit on one page, but that is not a hard and fast rule. If you have a wealth of experiences and extracurriculars for college, your college resume can go over the typical one-page length. 

Even though this high school resume is a little over one page, it does not have any irrelevant details or extraneous information on it. As you begin writing your college resume, be sure to only include relevant details on it. 

As you learn how to write a college resume, keep track of what features work well and incorporate them into your own college resume. If you are unsure if the sample college resume will work for your college resume, don’t worry. There are plenty of college resume examples and college resume templates to choose from as you are applying to college. 

College resume template

There are multiple college resume examples that you can review as you start your college resume or college application letter . Looking at a college resume template can help you decide on the formatting, language, and length that works best for you. 

Hunter College has a web page with college resume examples and college resume templates. Use it as a resource as you build your high school resume. 

If possible, you should avoid using form templates as you construct your college resume. Instead, think of the college resume template as a guide. You should aim to format your resume for college in the way that works best for you. 

It’s best to be a bit unique as you create your high school resume. Looking at a college resume template can help you find your own distinct style. You can also incorporate different aspects from a college resume template into your own college resume. 

However, be sure to avoid any hard-to-read fonts or unnecessary details in your formatting as you learn how to write a college resume. While your resume shouldn’t look like it was made using a stock college resume template, it also should not be overly crowded.

College resume builder

There are also college resume builder resources, like this one from Wheaton College , that will help students build their college resumes. You can use a college resume builder to format your own resume for college. 

At CollegeAdvisor.com, we host webinars on topics that help you apply to college. We have a webinar on how to write a resume for college, with plenty of college resume examples. We also have a webinar with advice from former Admissions Officers on how to build your college resume. 

Once again, you should generally avoid a pre-formatted college resume builder or college resume template. Instead, use these college resume examples as a jumping off point as you begin the college admissions process. 

Formatting your high school resume yourself makes it easier to make any quick edits or fix any formatting quirks. If you were to use a college resume builder or college resume template, these adjustments may be a challenge. 

Build your College Resume in 5 Simple Steps

Having examined some college resume examples, let’s review 5 simple steps for how to write a resume for college. 

Five Steps to Build your College Resume

Make an accurate list of your experiences, awards, education, and qualifications. You will use this list as the outline for your resume for college. 

Choose the best college resume format for the job. Before you finalize your choice of college resume format , review a college resume template or college resume examples for guidance. Then, create a resume header for your college resume. 

Add your accurate information by section on your resume for college. Reference the college resume examples you reviewed previously to choose the sections you will use on your high school resume. Organize each list by year, placing the most recent item at the top of your resume for college. Be sure to separate your extracurricular experiences from your awards/honors, creating two lists (or more if necessary). 

Format your lists to be clear and readable , and add your name and contact information as the header of your college resume. 

Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to copy edit your resume for college! Having another set of eyes on your high school resume will help you create the strongest resume for college possible. 

How to write a college resume – Final Thoughts

In this article, we reviewed how to write a college resume. As we discussed the purpose of a college application resume, we examined college resume examples and described key features that work in a college resume. We hope the college resume examples we featured in our article on how to write a resume for college help you craft your high school resume as you apply to college.

Need help crafting the perfect college application resume? CollegeAdvisor.com can teach you how to write a resume for college. Register for a free CollegeAdvisor.com account and receive access to hundreds of articles and webinars. These resources will help you craft your college resume as you begin applying to college.

This article was written by  Claire Babbs . If you want to get help with your college applications from Claire or other  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts , click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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6 Tips for Your College Application Resume

Your resume will be an important part of your career life, serving as a catalog of your professional accomplishments, experience, and achievements. But even before you’re a full-fledged working adult, it’s still a good idea to start building your resume.

Many high school students use this space to record and describe their accomplishments, such as awards, volunteer and paid work, prestigious program participation, and more.

So, if you’ve taken the time to create a resume, can you submit it to colleges to augment your application? In some cases, yes. Keep reading to find out how to craft the ideal resume for colleges.

Which Schools Allow You to Submit Your Resume?

The schools allow you to submit your resume via the Common Application. This list is not exhaustive; it includes the top 20 universities and liberal arts colleges that allow you to do so.

•     Brown University
•     Claremont McKenna College
•     Cornell University
•     Dartmouth College
•     Johns Hopkins University
•     Northwestern University
•     University of Pennsylvania
•     Vanderbilt University
•     Vassar College
•     Washington and Lee University
•     Washington University in St. Louis

Should You Submit Your Resume?

It’s a good idea to submit your resume if there is important information you’re unable to include on the rest of your application, such as professional experiences or special projects.

If you don’t have something new to say, then you shouldn’t include a resume. That is, you shouldn’t regurgitate information the adcom can find elsewhere on your application. You can, however, use it as a space to expand on or illustrate accomplishments if you don’t feel you’ve been able to in the activities section or your essays.

How to Write a Resume for College Applications

1. include information you feel isn’t represented elsewhere..

As you’ll find in your career, not every experience relates to the opportunity you have at hand. When you enter the job market, you’ll learn to tailor your resume to specific positions based on how your work history relates to them. This is true of your college applications, too. For each experience you include, consider how it bolsters your overall profile — and only add the ones that do to your resume.

First, here’s the essential info you should include on your resume:

• Name and email address (no need to include your actual address)
• Education/high school info, like your GPA and test scores 

Other info you may include:

• Special projects related to your interests (if you’re a writer, this could be a list of pieces you’ve written with a description, or if you’re a programmer, you could also describe your projects).
• Publications (scientific, literary, etc.)
• Non-traditional coursework or academic activities (legitimate online certificates/courses, academic programs, etc.)
• Extracurriculars, hobbies, and skills and interests
• Professional and work experience
• Family responsibilities

2. Don’t rehash your activities section.

Again, don’t use this space to regurgitate information you’ve presented elsewhere on your application. Instead, it should be a space to share unique facets of yourself that don’t fit into other places.

For example, perhaps there’s a specific job you held that you couldn’t properly describe in the activities section. You can use this space to elaborate on the responsibilities you held. Or, as mentioned in the previous section, you can describe specific projects you’ve completed related to your interests. This is especially helpful for more self-driven pursuits, like independent writing.

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3. Keep it brief (one page) and easy to read.

Your resume should be concise. Since you probably haven’t accumulated a significant amount of experience as a teenager, you should keep it to one page (if you’re an adult student, that’s a different story). At the same time, avoid using teensy font and ultra-slim margins to cram everything into a single page — the resume should be easy to scan and read. Remember: be selective to ensure you have enough room.

Part of making your resume readable means formatting it such that it’s presentable. Use space to your advantages, along with a clear system for organizing the information; the traditional format is chronological, but you may choose to use an alternative format instead. Use headings, too, and make sure your formatting is consistent throughout.

4. Use active and specific language.

Use the active voice when cataloging your achievements. You should also be offering clear evidence. If you can, use numbers and facts to support your experiences.

For example, rather than saying, “Started tutoring business,” you might instead write, “Built a tutoring business by recruiting 15 student tutors and initiating a social media campaign targeting students in need of STEM support; personally worked with 25 students, who improved their GPAs by an average of X points.”

5. Talk yourself up, but don’t be dishonest or unreasonable.

Some students are eager to share their accomplishments. If you’re ever going to talk yourself up, this is the time to do it. You can’t be shy or reluctant to, well, brag a little. Other students will be talking themselves up, and you don’t want it to appear as though you don’t have anything to show for yourself.

At the same time, be careful of hyperbolizing your achievements. Colleges can easily verify the facts on your resume. If your accomplishments seem unfathomable, it will raise a red flag. This will lead colleges to question other aspects of your application, too.

Just as you should with the rest of your application, you’ll need to proofread your resume many times to catch any errors or typos. You should also read it over for clarity and to ensure that it’s as concise as it can be.

If you can, get another set of eyes on your resume before you upload it to your application. A peer, teacher, or guidance counselor can help you make sure your achievements are coming across the way you want them to and that you’re presenting yourself authentically.

Looking for more general guidance on the college application process? CollegeVine is here to make it as seamless as possible. Our free platform allows you to see your chances of acceptance, get essay feedback from peers, and hear from experts in daily livestreams. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account to get started.

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College Resume - Examples & Writing Guides for 2024

You’ve just sat down to write a college student resume.

An A+ resume that converts.

Whether you need a part-time job to cover your bills or a college internship for more experience, we are here to help.

This guide will take you through a simple step-by-step process of creating a college student resume. 

• An example of a finished college resume that works
• How to write a college resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your college resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

For some added inspiration, here’s a college student resume example, created with our very own resume builder :

The above example gets serious results, and yours will too. Simply follow the steps below.

Check out some of these related resume examples that you might be interested in:

• No Experience Resume
• Internship Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• High School Resume
• Teacher Resume

How to Format a College Student Resume

The first step when creating any resume is to pick the best resume format.

Formatting has a number of benefits, but mostly it allows the hiring manager to read your resume with ease.

The most common resume format for a college student is “functional” or “skill-based”, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you. We recommend college students starting with this format.

Students will usually have stronger skills than their work history, which makes the functional resume a good choice. It’s also ideal for those who have gaps in their employment history.

Now that you have the best format, you need to organize your resume layout .

Use a College Student Resume Template

Before you go ahead with crafting your college student resume, you may want to use a college student resume template.

A resume that is neat and orderly will be a breeze for recruiters to read.

Oh, and it’s the best way to prevent formatting issues.

What to Include in a College Student Resume

The main sections in a college student resume are:

• Contact Information
• Volunteer Experience
• Extracurricular Activities

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

But what should you write for each of these sections? Read on to find out.

Want to know more about resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, this section doesn’t require flair, but it must be factually correct. Messing up the contact section can mean the recruiter can’t contact you – oops! 

The contact information section must include:

• Title - In this case, “College Student” or “High-school Graduate”
• Phone Number – Proofread this multiple times
• Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Abigail Pearce - College Student. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Abigail Pearce - Student. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a College Student Resume Summary or Objective

So, this is a job you really want.

This may even be a job you NEED.

However, your competition is fierce. 

And with so much competition, you need to convince the hiring manager within the first few sentences.

To do this, use a resume summary or objective .

These are short paragraphs that go on top of your resume, just under your contact information. They give an overview of your entire resume.

But what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

Dependable marketing sophomore with 1 year part-time experience in a marketing internship to oversee marketing campaigns that maximise profit. Experience includes PPC campaigns, SMM, web design, brand development, and more.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

Current undergraduate sophomore in marketing with hundreds of classroom hours in marketing and sales related courses. Passionate about maximizing revenue with effective marketing campaigns. Experience includes creating campaigns for my own personal projects in my first term at College X. Skilled in WordPress, Facebook Ads Manager, Photoshop, ClickFunnels, and more.

So, which one is best, summary or objective?

Those with some work experience should go with a resume summary. On the other hand, those who seriously lack work experience should go with a resume objective.

How to Make Your College Student Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters like to feel confident that you can do the job. There is no easier way to do this than to list your work experience .

Here’s the best way to structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

The Pizza Cabin

03/2019 - 01/2020

• Served food to 40+ people a night and multiple tables at a time.
• Educated customers on menu items and daily specials.
• Received 98% positive customer feedback.
• Engaged customers in a personal, yet professional manner, which helped me to win “Employee of the Month” 4 times.

To separate your resume from the competition, you should focus on your achievements instead of daily tasks. This will allow the recruiter to see the obvious benefits in hiring you.

Instead of saying:

“Served customers”

“Served food to 80+ people a night and multiple tables at a time”

Simply, the first statement is way too vague. There zero chance the recruiter will be impressed by this.

The second statement shows that you were able to serve 80+ people and multiple tables at a time. This tells the recruiter that you are able to work under pressured conditions and to time constraints – impressive!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Now, not every applicant will have worked in a similar job before.

If this is you, there is a simple way to get around this.

Simply call-upon crossover skills from any previous jobs.

For example, if you held a customer service role at a local pizza restaurant, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a sales associate, you would be able to show you used strong communication and sales skills.

As a student, make sure to check out our student resume guide!

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, it’s time to talk about your education.

Whether it’s a college junior resume or college sophomore resume, your education section is crucial.

There’s nothing too complicated with this section, just simply enter the information for your in-progress degree in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Expected Graduation
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

Majoring in Marketing

University of Chicago

2019 - Present

• Relevant Courses: Principles of Marketing, Managerial Communications, Quantitative Methods, and Macroeconomics.

Now, you may have some questions on this section. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

• What if I haven’t completed education yet?

As we mention above, you should still mention your current place of education, despite not finishing yet

• Should I include my high school education?

If you have not yet finished your college degree, you should also include your high school education

• What do I put first, my education or experience?

Experiences are the priority, so those go first

Want more information? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a College Student Resume

You’ve got all the skills.

But here’s the thing –

Your competition is well-skilled too!

Show the hiring manager that you’re the top candidate by listing your best skills.

But what are the best skills for a college resume?

Create a list of hard skills and soft skills that you have developed so far in life, such as the following:

Hard Skills for a College Resume:

• Microsoft Office
• Typing Speed
• Copywriting

Soft Skills:

• Creative Thinking
• Communication
• Time-Management
• Team Player
• Decision-Making

Tailor your skills to the job description. You can have the best skills in the world, but the recruiter won’t appreciate them if they’re not relevant to the job.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year.

What Else Can You Include?

We’ve now covered every essential resume section .

But the school bell hasn’t rung just yet.

You need your resume to stand out!

Acing the above sections should be enough to get you shortlisted, but adding the following sections could give you a further advantage over the other applicants.  

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever won an award?

Have you completed any third-party courses?

Do you hold any specialized certifications?

Regardless of what it is, if there is anything that you’re proud of, be sure to include it here.

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

• Food Handlers Card & Food Safety Manager Certification 
• “Critical Thinking Masterclass” – Coursera Course

Need to speak multiple languages at your new job?

Yes or no, being able to speak a second language is impressive.

And with so much competition, this could be the difference.

Add a language section if you have space. 

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “why would a recruiter want to know that I’m a part of the football team?”

Well, it allows the recruiter to get to know who you are on a personal level.

But it doesn’t stop there…

Certain hobbies demonstrate that you have soft skills, like teamwork and communication. 

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Your resume should now be ready to send.

No application is complete without a convincing cover letter.

In opposition to a generic resume, a personalized cover letter shows that you care about working for this specific company .

Here’s how to structure a winning cover letter:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, and location

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

It’s no secret that recruiters skim through their pile of resumes. As such, use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

With the recruiter intrigued, you can get deeper into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific company
• What you know about the company
• How are your top skills relevant for the job
• Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Don’t just end the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the points made in the body paragraph
• Thank the recruiter for the opportunity
• Finish with a call to action. This is a good way to keep the conversation going. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help you achieve X” will work

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Building a college resume doesn't have to be hard.

Follow the tips in this guide for a college resume that is head & shoulders above the competition. 

Here are our best tips on how to create a college resume:

• Make your resume easy to read by formatting it correctly. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• Use a resume summary or objective to hook the recruiter
• In your work experience section, highlight your most notable achievements to date
• Include a convincing cover letter to separate you from the competition

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume with No-Experience [21+ Examples]
• 21+ Essential LinkedIn Profile Tips For Job-Seekers
• Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]

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Resume for College Application example

Getting into college and getting a degree will give you a huge head-start in your career, but getting into college isn’t easy.

This guide contains an example College Applicant resume and plenty of tips on how to create your own winning resume, so you can stand out amongst the other candidates and get into the college of your dreams.

Guide contents

Resume for College Application example 1

Resume for college application example 2.

• Structuring and formatting your resume
• Writing your resume summary
• Detailing work experience
• Your education

Resume templates 

Unsure of what your College Applicant resume should look like?

Have a look at the resume example above to get familiar with the structure, layout and format of a professional resume.

As you can see, it provides plenty of relevant information about the applicant but is still very easy to read, and brief – which will please busy college recruiters.

College Applicant resume structure and format

The format and structure of your resume is important because it will determine how easy it is for recruiters and employers to read your resume.

If they can find the information they need quickly, they’ll be happy; but if they struggle, your application could be overlooked.

A simple and logical structure will always create a better reading experience than a complex structure, and with a few simple formatting tricks, you’ll be good to go.

Formatting Tips

• Length: Recruiters will be immediately put off by lengthy resumes – with hundreds of applications to read through, they simply don’t have the time! Grabbing their attention with a short, snappy and highly relevant resume is far more likely to lead to success. Aim for two sides of A4 or less.
• Readability : Make sure your resume is easy to read and looks professional by applying some simple formatting tricks. Bullet points are great for making large paragraphs more digestible, while formatting your headings with bold or colored text will help the reader to find the information they need, with speed.
• Design: It’s generally best to stick to a simple resume design, as funky or elaborate designs rarely add any value to your application. A clear, modern font and a subtle color scheme work perfectly and allow your skills, experience and achievements to speak for themselves.
• Avoid photos: Logos, profile photos or other images aren’t necessary and rarely add any value – save the space for written content, instead!

Structuring your resume

As you write your resume , work to the simple but effective structure below:

• Name and contact details – Pop them at the top of your resume, so it’s easy for recruiters to contact you.
• Resume summary – Write a snappy overview of what makes you a good fit for the role; discussing your key experience, skills and accomplishments.
• Core skills section – Add a short but snappy list of your relevant skills and knowledge.
• Work experience – A list of your relevant work experience, starting with your current role.
• Education – A summary of your relevant qualifications and professional/vocational training.
• Hobbies and interests – An optional section, which you could use to write a short description of any relevant hobbies or interests.

Now I’ll guide you through exactly what you should include in each resume section.

Resume Contact Details

Tuck your contact details into the corner of your resume, so that they don’t take up too much space. Stick to the basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It should sound professional, such as your full name.
• Location -Just write your rough location, rather than your full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – If you include these, ensure they’re sleek, professional and up-to-date.

College Applicant Resume Summary

Recruiters read through countless applications every day.

If they don’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll simply move onto the next one.

That’s what makes your resume summary (or personal statement , if you’re an entry-level/graduate candidate) so important.

This short and snappy summary sits at the top of your resume and should give a high-level overview of why you’re a good match for the college.

This way, you can ensure that busy recruiters see your suitability from the outset, and so, feel your resume is worth their time.

Tips for creating an impactful resume summary:

• Keep it brief: It might be tempting to submit a page-long resume summary, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
• Tailor it: Before writing your resume, make sure to do some research. Figure out exactly what your desired employers are looking for and make sure that you are making those requirements prominent in your resume summary, and throughout.
• Don’t add an objective: Leave your career objectives or goals out of your summary. You only have limited space to work with, so they’re best suited to your cover letter.
• Avoid cliches: “Determined team player who always gives 110%” might seem like a good way to fill up your resume summary, but generic phrases like this won’t land you an interview. Recruiters hear them time and time again and have no real reason to believe them. Instead, pack your summary with your hard skills and tangible achievements.

What to include in your College Applicant resume summary?

• Summary of experience: Recruiters will want to know what type of companies you’ve worked for, industries you have knowledge of, and the type of work you’ve carried out in the past, so give them a summary of this in your summary.
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your resume.
• Essential qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant qualifications, so that anyone reading the resume can instantly see you are qualified for the universities you are applying to.

Quick tip: Your resume is your first impression on recruiters, so it’s vital to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes if you want to appear professional. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to add pre-written content that has been crafted by recruitment experts.

Core skills section

In addition to your resume summary, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As College places might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the universities you are targeting.

Work experience/Career history

Next up is your work experience section, which is normally the longest part of your resume.

Start with your current (or most recent) job and work your way backwards through your experience.

Can’t fit all your roles? Allow more space for your recent career history and shorten down descriptions for your older roles.

Structuring your roles

If you don’t pay attention to the structure of your career history section, it could quickly become bulky and overwhelming.

Get in recruiters’ good books by creating a pleasant reading experience, using the 3-step structure below:

Begin with a summary of your role, detailing what the purpose of your job was, who you reported to and what size of team you were part of (or led).

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using bullet points.

Wherever you can, point out how you put your hard skills and knowledge to use – especially skills which are applicable to your target role.

Key achievements

Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.

This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.

At the bottom of your resume is your full education section. You can list your formal academic qualifications, such as:

• High School Diploma
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses

As well as any specific qualifications that are essential to the jobs you are applying for. Note down the name of the qualification, the organization at which you studied, and the date of completion.

Interests and hobbies

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

Writing your College Applicant resume

An interview-winning resume for a College Application needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.

Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.

Remember to research the role and review the college before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.

If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your college search, you should land an interview in no time.

Best of luck with your next application!

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 7 things that really look good on a college application.

College Admissions , College Info

What looks good on a college application? It's the question nearly every high school student will ask at some point while applying to college. But is there a clear answer?

Fortunately, the answer is yes! Read on to learn what colleges look for in applicants, what looks really good on a college application, and what kinds of myths there are about good things to put on a college application.

What Are Colleges Looking for in Applicants?

Everyone applying to college has wondered, "What exactly are colleges looking for in applicants?" In other words, what looks good on a college application?

While all colleges are different, of course, with some valuing certain qualities or skills more or less than other schools, all colleges generally look for smart, studious, ambitious, and passionate students.

Therefore, your college application should emphasize your best, most impressive qualities. For example, if you play the violin and want to study music in college, you'll want to touch on this interest you have in different areas of your application.

A good college application will also showcase your sincere interest in the school. You wouldn't be applying to a college unless you had a reason to want to go there, right? Make sure to explain (especially if you need to write a "Why This College" essay ) exactly how you became interested in the school and why you think it's a good fit for you and your goals.

You don't need to be the next Marie Curie or Stephen Hawking, but you should be open to new opportunities and willing to challenge yourself.

Overall, the basic point of a college application is to make you stand out from other applicants in a positive, memorable, and unique way.

This fact is especially important in light of how many first-year applications colleges receive each year. According to the 2019 report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) , the number of first-year applications received by US colleges increased by 6% from fall 2017 to fall 2018.

The report found that "the average number of applications for each admission office staff member (excluding administrative staff) for the Fall 2017 admission cycle was 1,035 for public institutions and 461 for private institutions."

These trends indicate that your application will definitely need to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee if you hope to get into that school.

The degree by which you must stand out from other applicants will depend on how selective a particular school is. In general, the more selective a college is, the more impressive and unique your application will have to be.

Finally, what looks good on an application will vary depending on the college and what the college values. For instance, at colleges that don't place a big emphasis on standardized tests, a high SAT score likely won't be much of a factor in admissions.

This is just a general overview of what colleges look for in applicants. So what looks really good on a college application? Up next, we look at the specific qualities you should strive to include on your application so you can raise your chances of getting accepted.

What Looks Good on a College Application? 7 Key Elements

In addition to key personality traits, such as ambition, passion, genuine interest, and academic curiosity, what looks really good on a college application?

In general, a great application will have most or all of the following elements:

• A high GPA (relative to what admitted students have) and a rigorous curriculum
• Strong test scores (relative to what admitted students have)
• A specific, honest, and well-written personal statement and/or essays
• A unique extracurricular interest or passion (a "spike," as we like to call it)
• Volunteering experience with measurable impact
• Compelling letters of recommendation written on your behalf
• Work experience, particularly jobs related to your academic or professional interests

It's OK if you don't have every single quality listed above, but if you do, your chances of getting accepted to the college of your dreams will go way up!

Now then, let's take a look at each of these qualities in more detail.

#1: Excellent Grades in Challenging Courses

The first important part of the college application is the transcript, which consists of your GPA and the names and types of classes you've taken in high school.

Most people believe a high GPA (the definition of which can vary at different colleges) will make an application stronger. And this is true!

According to NACAC, 75% of colleges ranked grades in high school classes considerably important. In fact, this factor was ranked the most important of any in the report.

What's truly important, though, isn't that you simply have a high GPA overall but rather that you have a GPA that's higher than the average GPA of admitted students at the college you're applying to.

To find a college's average GPA, search "[School Name] PrepScholar admission requirements" on Google and then click our database link to that school. This page will show you what the school's average GPA is, in addition to other admission requirements.

For example, if you want to apply to Notre Dame, you would search for "Notre Dame PrepScholar admission requirements" and click the link to our Notre Dame admission reqs page , which looks like this:

As you can see, Notre Dame's average (weighted) GPA for admitted applicants is 4.06. As a result, if you're applying here, you'll want to have a GPA of at least 4.06, preferably higher so you will be an above-average applicant.

It's not just about getting a high GPA, though; you must also take a range of challenging courses throughout high school if you really wish to impress an admissions committee. According to the NACAC report, 73 percent of colleges rated grades in college prep courses as considerably important. This means you'll want to take not just basic-level classes but also some AP, honors, and/or IB courses, particularly in subjects you are good at and might want to continue to study in college or major in.

The 2019 NACAC report found that a whopping 84% of colleges ranked an applicant's rigor of curriculum moderately or considerably important.

Think about it: though a perfect 4.0 might look great at an initial glance, if you got this high GPA by only taking the easiest classes available and didn't challenge yourself with higher-level coursework, your transcripts aren't likely to impress college admissions officers that much.

Even if you started high school with lower grades, an upward grade trend is a great point to emphasize on your application. This suggests that you're capable of bouncing back from any difficulties you might face and are willing to put in the work necessary for excelling in college.

#2: High Test Scores

Test scores, mainly SAT/ACT scores, are another key part of college applications (unless, of course, you're applying to colleges that don't require test scores ).

On the NACAC report, 83% of colleges believe admission test scores are at least moderately important. This is why it's vital that you try to get as high an SAT/ACT score as you can, ideally one in at least the 75th percentile for your colleges.

The 75th percentile means that 75% of admitted students at a particular school achieved this score or lower. Reaching (or surpassing) this threshold means that you're scoring higher than most other admitted applicants are—and well above that college's average score.

To find the middle 50% (that is, the 25th and 75th percentile SAT/ACT scores) for a school, search on Google for "[School Name] PrepScholar admission requirements." Click the link to our page for the school to see its requirements, including its average SAT/ACT scores.

For example, say you're planning to apply to NYU. Here's what the SAT scores section on NYU's PrepScholar admission reqs page looks like:

Here, we can see the average SAT score for NYU is 1440—that's pretty high, in the 95th percentile nationally !

To really stand out as an applicant, though, you'll want to aim for at least the 75th percentile. For NYU, that's 1510, which corresponds to the 98th percentile, or the top 1% of test takers.

Since you're likely applying to more than just one school, you'll need to set an SAT / ACT goal score , that is, a score high enough to get you into all the colleges you're applying to.

To set a goal score, start by making a chart of all the schools you're applying to. You can make your own chart or download a blank template .

Below is a sample SAT goal score chart:

Next, look up the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores for each of the schools you're applying to using our PrepScholar admission requirements pages. (Follow the steps above for NYU to learn how to do this.)

Once you've got these scores, write them in your chart as so:

Now, look at all the 75th percentile scores in your chart. The highest score will be your goal score, as this is the one most likely to get you into all the schools you're applying to.

With our example chart, the highest score is 1480, or the 75th percentile score for the University of Illinois and UW Wisconsin. By getting a 1480 or higher, you'll be getting an impressive score not just for these two schools, school but also for Marquette and MSU, thereby raising your chances of getting into all colleges you're applying to.

#3: Sincere, Specific, and Well-Written Essays

The personal statement is an important part of your college application as it's one of the only areas where you can really showcase your personality.

According to the 2019 NACAC survey, 56% of schools consider application essays moderately or considerably important. While some colleges don't require essays , those that do usually place at least moderate importance on them.

So how can you ensure your essay will impress the admissions committee? Generally, colleges are looking for three main qualities in a personal essay:

• Honesty: What you write about should have actually happened to you and should be how you actually feel. Exaggerating details and outright lying are big no-nos here!
• Specificity: Using concrete details to effectively convey your thoughts, views, and experiences will make your essay a lot more memorable, personable, and—most importantly—unique.
• Eloquence: Don't expect to get accepted anywhere if your essay is poorly written and full of grammar and spelling errors. A great personal statement has a sensible organization, tells a compelling story, and is completely free of technical errors.

Below are some steps you can take to guarantee that your essay will have all three qualities.

Step 1: Brainstorm Significant Moments From Your Life

What you write about for your college essay will vary depending on the prompt(s) you're given from your school or the prompt you choose (for example, the Common App and Coalition App allow you to choose from among several prompts for your essay).

In general, you'll want to pick a topic that meets the following criteria:

• It really happened and was significant to you: If you're writing about a specific incident, it should be something that actually happened and that had a large impact on how you define yourself, your goals, and/or your interests.
• It's specific and interesting: Don't write about a broad, universal topic that can apply to tons of other applicants as well. Instead, focus on an event, issue, person, or struggle that's unique to you and your life.
• It reveals something important about you: The essay is meant to highlight something you think the admissions committee should know about you, such as a personality trait you have, how you overcame some sort of challenge, or how you became interested in a field of study.
• It has a positive lean: While you don't need to pick a topic that's overly light or cheery, it should still have an ultimately positive lean that reveals something good about you rather than something bad, controversial, or immoral.

Step 2: Write Your Essay

The next step is to actually begin writing your essay. Don't worry too much about grammar and flow at this point; just get down your ideas and start deciding which details and examples might work well in your essay.

As you write, remember to channel your inner voice. This essay should sound like the real you, not an imitation of what you think colleges want to hear. So if you're the sarcastic type, you might want to include a joke or two, for instance. Don't forget that the essay is a way for the admissions committee to learn more about you, so don't shy away from your true self!

On that same note, it's OK to get creative here. The essay isn't an academic essay you'd write for English class—it's a story. Feel free to inject your writing with various literary techniques , such as a non-chronological organization, realistic dialogue, and memorable imagery.

Lastly, make sure you're sufficiently answering the prompt and are abiding by all technical requirements (such as length). You can check a college's essay requirements by referring to its application requirements page or by reading the instructions on the Common App, Coalition App, or Universal College App websites (if submitting your application through one of these platforms).

An essay that's too long might get cut off when you submit it electronically, so be sure it adheres to all the requirements.

Step 3: Edit and Proofread Several Times

Once you have a rough draft of your college essay, it's time to polish it up for submission.

The best way to edit is to put your essay away for a few days. This will give you some distance away from your writing, allowing you to look back at your essay later with a fresher perspective.

As you reread your essay, mark any areas in it that are unclear, awkward, or irrelevant to the main point you're trying to make with it. You should also correct any obvious typos or errors, such as mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

Once you've done this process a few times, give your essay to someone to read. Ideally, this will be a person you trust, such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or tutor. Have the person you choose offer clear feedback on your essay and check that you've met all requirements. Edit your essay as needed in accordance with the comments you get.

After you've finished all of this, you should now have a perfect college essay to submit with your application!

#4: A Spike in Your Extracurriculars

Almost every college will want to know what kinds of extracurricular activities you do or have done in your spare time.

Indeed, 49% of colleges surveyed regard students' extracurricular activities moderately or considerably important. Ask yourself: what are your interests outside of school and how do you engage in them?

The trick here is to provide not a list of all the random activities you've done but rather a detailed overview of one to two of your most passionate interests and any big achievements you've made in them.

In other words, you need to figure out what your "spike" is, a concept which PrepScholar co-founder and Harvard alum Allen Cheng describes in his expert guide on how to get into the Ivy League .

To put it simply, a spike is deep accomplishment in and knowledge of a particular field.

As an example, say you plan to major in biology. You'll stand out as an applicant if you have tons of biology- or science-related experiences under your belt. Maybe you're part of your school's biology club, or maybe you volunteered at a local research lab, which taught you the basics of handling lab equipment.

In addition to having a variety of experiences and sufficient background knowledge in the field, you want to highlight any relevant major accomplishments you have. For instance, maybe you won a science fair your sophomore year of high school; most recently, you submitted an award-winning invention idea to a national science contest. All of these accomplishments illustrate your deep accomplishment and knowledge in the field of science!

As you can see, this concept of the spike is the opposite of being well rounded, which most students assume they need to be (read the next section to learn more about this myth).

If you're not sure what your spike is just yet, take some time to try out new activities and explore any interests you have, both in and outside of school. Over time you should start to get a feel for what you're passionate about and what you can see yourself committing to in the future.

#5: Compelling Letters of Recommendation

Most colleges require at least one letter of recommendation from either your high school counselor or a high school teacher (or both).

The 2019 NACAC survey indicates that 54% of colleges consider teacher recommendations at least moderately important, while a higher 55% consider counselor recommendations the same. Therefore, we can say it's pretty important to secure great recommendation letters for your application.

If you're asking for a letter from a teacher , make sure to choose someone whose class you got a high grade in (ideally an A) and who is familiar with your abilities, ambitions, and interests. Typically, you'll need to submit at least one letter from a teacher who taught a core class (so math, English, science, or social studies/history).

It's a good idea to also get a letter from a teacher who works in the field you plan to major in. So if you got an A in AP English and plan to major in English, asking that teacher for a recommendation letter would give a great boost to your application.

While you don't have to be best buddies with the teacher you ask, they should definitely know you well , beyond the classroom, so they can effectively explain to admissions committees what makes you special, that is, what makes you worth admitting.

For example, if you did research with a particular teacher, are part of a club this teacher coaches or leads, or helped out this teacher with a project, this would be a good person to ask to write a letter for you.

Once you've secured a recommendation letter writer, be sure to provide them with any materials or information they might need to help them craft a compelling letter .

#6: Volunteering Experience With Measurable Impact

Colleges love it when an applicant has not simply volunteered but has also made a measurable impact with their volunteering efforts. What does this mean exactly? If you have volunteered somewhere or for an organization, your assistance should have resulted in a noticeable, positive change to the group, community, or area you were aiming to help.

For instance, say you volunteered at a local library. Maybe the library was struggling to get funds to continue operating, and you came up with the idea to hold a 24-hour reading marathon in order to raise money. The fundraiser ended up making more than $5,000, a figure that would be a concrete indicator of the positive impact your service had on the library. With your college application, then, you could specifically mention how your initiative allowed the library to remain open.

Note that you don't need to have assumed a leadership role in order to have made a positive impact through your service. That said, college admissions committees are often very big fans of students who show evidence of their budding leadership skills.

#7: (Relevant) Work Experience

Although you're certainly not required to work a part-time job in high school, having some work experience on your college applications, especially any jobs that are related to what you want to study or do professionally, will help you stand out in a positive way.

Even if your job isn't connected to a long-term academic or career goal you have, any (part-time) work experience you have will be great to put down on your application because it emphasizes your sense of responsibility, maturity, and willingness to work for your goals, key qualities that are usually considered important for success in college.

Also, if you have any room on the application to elaborate on your job, I suggest explaining why you initially took the job and what values or skills it's taught you, such as the importance of responsibility or how to work with certain equipment that you'll likely use again in the future.

4 Myths About What Looks Good on a College Application

What looks really good on a college application? Many students think they know, but the truth is that there are a lot of myths out there about what you should include on your application.

Below, we introduce to you the top four myths about what looks good on college applications.

Myth 1: Being Well Rounded Is Critical for Success

One of the most pervasive myths out there about what looks good on a college application is the idea of being well rounded.

Many students assume they'll need to have tons of extracurricular activities on their applications; this, they believe, will emphasize their array of interests as well as their knowledge of a variety of fields. But all this really tells admissions committees is that you're stretching yourself too thin and (most likely) lack focus on a specific endeavor in your life.

What colleges actually want to see is a spike, that is, a single passion. This allows colleges to get a clearer feel for who you are, what you're interested in, and what your goals are. Having a spike lets you stand out in a truly meaningful way, whereas being well rounded will make you forgettable and seem too similar to other applicants.

Spikes are especially important at highly selective colleges and universities , such as Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League-level schools . You can read more about how to develop a spike in our guide to getting into the Ivy League . Alternatively, if you're interested in pursuing education at a liberal arts school , check out our article on how to figure out what to go to college for .

Myth 2: Essays Aren't That Important

After Time published a 2014 article on why college application essays don't actually matter all that much , students began to fear that all their hard work on their statements wouldn't mean much in the end, if at all.

But while some colleges don't require personal essays , most colleges do require at least one or two essays—and will place a decent amount of emphasis on it, especially if it is being used as a deciding factor between two otherwise equally qualified applicants.

Even though you should approach the essay seriously, it's still generally rare for an exceptionally well-written essay to make up for tons of low grades and poor test scores. On the flip side, if you have a great application but a badly written essay, that essay alone could get you rejected!

Therefore, make sure that you are following all the steps listed above so you can craft the perfect statement for your application.

Myth 3: An A in an Easy Class Is Better Than a B in a Hard Class

Many students believe it's better to stick to the classes you know you'll get As in, but this piece of advice is misguided when it comes to college applications.

In general, colleges prefer students who challenge themselves by taking an array of difficult classes, such as AP and honors classes. And you don't have to get perfect grades in them. If you get a B in a tough AP class, for example, this will emphasize to the admissions committee that you are willing to take on new challenges and test your limits, traits that are necessary for succeeding in and after college.

On the other hand, getting As in all easy classes, though not totally unimpressive, is not nearly as interesting to colleges, as it suggests you're unwilling to push yourself and further hone your higher-level critical thinking skills.

All of this being said, try to avoid getting very low grades in any classes you take (regular or honors/AP). C and D grades obviously won't look great to an admissions committee, even if you got these grades while challenging yourself in AP classes.

If you can't get at least a B or B+ in a difficult class, it'll probably be better for you to drop it and switch to either the regular version of that class or an entirely different class altogether.

Myth 4: Only Perfect Applicants Get Admitted

Many students assume that if they have one little flaw in their application, such as a below-average test score or slightly low grade in a class, their chances of getting admitted to college will be slim to none.

This just isn't true.

Yes, a very low test score or a very poor transcript may cause you to get rejected from a college, but many colleges use a holistic admission process, meaning they look at and consider each individual applicant as a whole. So even if your application has a not-so-stellar component on it, this doesn't necessarily mean you'll be a reject.

In fact, at particularly selective colleges, such as the Ivy League , you'll often hear of cases in which ostensibly "perfect" applicants got rejected. This is most likely because they didn't have a spike in their applications (i.e., something that made them stand out).

Overall, just try your best to produce the best application you can, and then hope for a good result!

Takeaways: What Looks Good on a College Application

Applying to college is tough, and knowing what to put on your applications to make yourself stand out is even tougher. What looks really good on a college application?

Generally speaking, colleges want to see your passion, intellectual curiosity, willingness to challenge yourself, and academic accomplishments.

More specifically, though, colleges typically prefer applicants who have most or all of the following characteristics:

• Good grades and a challenging course load
• Strong test scores
• Honest, specific, and eloquent essays
• A spike in your extracurricular activities
• Compelling letters of recommendation
• Volunteer experience with clear impact on the groups or places you've helped
• Any relevant or impactful work experience

Finally, as you apply to college and try to think of good things to put on a college application, make sure you're aware of the following truths about the application process:

• It's better to have a spike than to be well rounded
• Essays are important!
• A B in a hard course is more impressive than an A in an easy course
• You can still get into your dream school even if your application isn't perfect

What's Next?

A great college application will get you admitted. Use our college acceptance calculator to get an estimated percentage of your chance of getting into your dream school, based on your SAT or ACT score and GPA.

One thing a great college application can have is a high SAT or ACT score. Get expert tips in our guides on how to get a perfect 36 on the ACT and how to get a perfect 1600 on the SAT .

Need help figuring out which colleges to apply to? Our guide teaches you how to narrow down your college choices so that you're applying to the best schools for you.

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to prepare for college applications

Preparing for college applications is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. Even though the process is intimidating at first glance, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Most students prepare for college applications from junior to senior year, and alongside your peers, there are parents, friends, counselors, and many more that can offer advice and support. With careful planning, thoughtful preparation, and access to the right resources, you can tackle each step of the college application process with confidence. 

Understanding the college application process

Researching colleges and visiting campus, building strong college applications, navigating the financial aid process.

When it comes to applying for college, it’s like putting together a puzzle. Each piece – your personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores – plays a crucial role in showing colleges who you are. It’s important to keep track of the timeline on what action you need to take. Understanding the timeline of the application process, including important deadlines, helps you stay on track and submit everything on time. Getting familiar with certain terms can help you navigate the process. 

The preparation for college applications typically start from junior to senior year of high school. During your junior year, you’ll want to focus on building a strong academic record, participating in extracurricular activities, and researching potential colleges. It’s also a good time to start thinking about standardized tests and when you might want to take them. As you transition into your senior year, the application process kicks into high gear. You’ll be refining your college list, finalizing your personal statement, and requesting letters of recommendation.

Choosing the right college is a significant decision that can shape your academic and personal growth for years to come. Here are some steps you can take to research colleges that will be best fit for you. Consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, size, and extracurricular opportunities. Utilize online resources such as college search engines, virtual tours, and student reviews to explore a wide range of colleges and narrow down your options based on your interests and goals.

It’’s crucial to consider various factors when choosing the right college . Assess the campus culture to ensure it aligns with your values and preferences. Evaluate the location, considering factors like proximity to home, climate, and opportunities for extracurricular activities or internships.

Research the programs offered by each school and determine if they match your academic and career goals. Additionally, weigh the overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, against the financial aid packages offered.By carefully considering these factors, you can narrow down your options.

Attending college fairs and information sessions can help you take advantage of gathering more information and asking any questions with admission representatives. You can also schedule campus visits online, which can help you get a better sense of what to expect on campus. 

Crafting a strong application is key to catching the eye of college admissions. They want diverse students with unique talents and experiences. Your application is your chance to show them what makes you special and how you can contribute to campus life. 

Academic achievement forms the foundation of your application profile. By maintaining a rigorous class schedule and striving for high grades in all classes (especially if you can earn a GPA above 4.0 by taking AP, IB, or college credit classes ), you can demonstrate your ability to be responsible. Admission officers are also interested in how you are as a person outside of the classroom. Participating in clubs, sports, artistic pursuits, or community service can show how well-rounded you are. Showcasing your passions can reveal your character and personality, which will be beneficial to your application. 

Using your personal statement and essays to provide context, depth, and personality to your application. Share stories, thoughts, and passions that reveal who you are and why you’re excited about your chosen field or future plans.

Let’s start with the bad news – the financial aid process is definitely complicated. However, it is not insurmountable, and it can save you thousands or tens of thousands of dollars per year on your college tuition, room and board, books, and more. By using online research and asking your counselor for help, it can be seen as less taunting. Make sure to check on whether your school hosts any workshops that may explain and break down how financial aid works.

Going on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) website and getting a taste for what the website is like can help you familiarize yourself with the process. When filling out the FAFSA, attention to detail is key. Double-checking your information and ensuring accuracy can prevent delays or errors in your application. Don’t forget to meet any deadlines imposed by your school or state

With the right resources, support, and preparation, you can successfully navigate the journey towards securing financial assistance for college. Remember to stay informed, proactive, and persistent in pursuing your financial aid goals, and don’t hesitate to seek help and guidance whenever needed.

As you start your journey of college applications, remember that while it may be challenging, it’s also an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and exciting possibilities. By prioritizing self-care, breaking tasks into manageable steps, using organization tools, building a support system, taking breaks, and maintaining perspective, you can navigate the process with greater ease and confidence.

Don’t forget to explore all available resources to support you along the way. In addition to the strategies outlined in this blog post, consider taking advantage of specialized resources like our ACT course to best prepare for college applications! 

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Just graduated from college? Follow these job-hunting tips from a career expert.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: May 30, 2024 / 5:28 PM EDT / CBS News

Most of the 4 million students who are graduating from college in the U.S. this year will face a challenging labor market as they search for their first jobs.

On the bright side, 32% of all the job openings posted on LinkedIn are for entry-level positions, meaning suitable for candidates with little or no work experience. For young job seekers, meanwhile, the mission will be to stand out from the crowd both on paper and in job interviews. 

"The first thing is have an open mind. The job market is going to be a little bit tough. So what you may have thought your career path was going to be right out the gate may change," LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher told CBS News.

That means freshly minted grads should consider positions in a variety of fields and geographic locations, she noted. Another top tip Fisher offered is one that applies no matter the market conditions. 

"You also want to really work on that network," she said. "Network should be your full-time job until you get a job. But never give up on networking, even when you get that job."

While graduates who are just beginning their careers may not have many professional contacts, reaching out to professors, coaches and even classmates is a good way to get started. 

More generally, when it comes to entering the working world, grads should get comfortable with the idea that they'll be doing many things for the first time, Fisher said. "You're going to have to write your first resumé, you're going to have your first interview, you're going to have so many firsts, it's going to be challenging. Get used to it."

Being open-minded and adopting what Fisher called a "growth mindset" can also go a long way in any job hunt. Your first job doesn't have to be a perfect fit; rather it could be a stepping stone to something better. 

Not surprisingly, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with artificial intelligence skills, or at the very least comfort level working with AI tools. 

"We hear it all the time," she said. 

Be flexible on location

By contrast, grads shouldn't necessarily pin their hopes on landing a job in New York City, San Francisco or other major cities. 

"Maybe you're going to end up in Arizona. Tucson is hiring a lot, so we're seeing lots of entry-level jobs there," Fisher said. She identified Gainesville and Tallahassee, both in Florida, as other hot spots for entry level jobs at large employers. 

As far as interviewing tips, Fisher advised focusing on your strengths, not your weaknesses. 

"A lot of these companies will give you the training, and your skills are probably transferrable. So make sure you're really playing up the skills that you have that they're looking for," Fisher said. 

And practice, practice, practice. 

"Be really creative in terms of that storytelling. Get your story down pat, practice with friends," Fisher said. "Think about how do you communicate that you're a great communicator."

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Admit-a-bull // official admissions blog, should you do a summer learning program before college.

By Joni West | Last Updated: May 29, 2024

Ah, summer vacation. Total freedom from the evils of textbooks, homework, and dubious cafeteria food. The days are long and warm and full of potential. The first day of the new school year seems like just a speck in the distance.

It’s a necessary reprieve from the stress that piles up as a student, but as college approaches, the free time that comes with summer break becomes more valuable, enabling you to pursue programs and activities that will develop your interests, equip you for higher learning, and sharpen your college application. Summer learning programs have a lot of benefits, and I’m here to convince you that the juice is definitely worth the squeeze of giving up some of your break.

In fact, it might be one of the most enjoyable, transformative experiences of your life.

Defining Summer Learning Programs

What exactly is a summer learning program? A lot of people hear that term and think, “Summer school” — a term that has some stigma attached, unfortunately. The common narrative is that the kids who succeeded get a break, but the ones who came up short must spend the summer learning — yuck!

If you picture summer learning as the same mandatory classroom regimen you’re used to during the school year, it probably feels like something to avoid at all costs — and it’s often thrown around as a threat: “Pass this test, or else you get… SUMMER SCHOOL !”

But summer learning programs are very different. The Close the Gap Foundation , which helps students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds succeed in college, explains that summer learning programs are “a chance for students to grow year-round, typically in preparation for a new phase of learning…Sometimes, these enrichment programs have a traditional school curriculum similar to the courses that the student takes during the school year, and other times, they have extracurricular activities that the students can choose from.”

To say there is variety would be an understatement. There is a whole world of summer learning programs out there, matching every interest. Instead of being stuck in a classroom, you might be in Chicago, exploring the Art Institute. Instead of homework, you may be urged to conduct a science experiment and given the tools to do it.

Let’s look at some kinds of summer learning programs and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Exploring Types of Summer Learning Programs

What are your interests? What are your goals? These are the first two questions you should ask before you begin “shopping” for a summer learning program to join. After you’ve found a few that appeal to you, consider accessibility; some private summer learning programs and pre-college programs can be pricey, and nearly all limit the number of students they can accept for practical reasons.

Fortunately, opportunities abound, so if your first choice doesn’t work out, you’ll have backup options. Here’s what you can expect.

Private Summer Learning Programs

Private summer learning programs are very common. They are offered by most organizations that center education in their mission, including museums, non-profit organizations, and universities, eager to attract bright young minds.

Consider the Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) , which consistently ranks as one of the best private summer learning programs in the nation. Each summer, TASS brings students to college campuses, where engaging lectures give students an in-depth understanding of sociological topics within the zeitgeist. During free time, students are allowed to democratically plan activities, outings, and community and are expected to navigate disagreements civilly and with as little adult intervention as possible. That’s a far cry from summer school — that’s full-on preparation for life as a grown up!

In Central Florida, the region surrounding USF, local chapters of global philanthropic organization Rotary International band together to plan and fund the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders (S4TL) , a week-long program for local incoming seniors that sharpens their leadership, public speaking, and collaboration abilities. Alumni call the program lifechanging, providing them with valuable lessons, strong bonds, and treasured memories that they look back on fondly for decades. I’m speaking from personal experience — one of those alumni is me!

There’s a private summer learning program out there for everyone. Interested in computer programming? There’s the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program . Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? The LaunchX program at MIT will guide you through the process of starting a real business. Do you live for the stage? Choose one of the Tisch Summer High School Drama Program options. There are so. Many. More !

• Private summer learning programs range from general to highly specialized. You have a lot of options to choose from, and better odds of finding a program that matches your interests and goals.
• They are often able to attract prominent experts as speakers, so the quality of programming is outstanding.
• Many private summer learning programs have long histories and have built excellent reputations for themselves. Their reputation might make your college application shine a little brighter by association.
• Many private summer learning programs are hosted on university campuses, giving you a preview of college life.
• Travelling to a private summer learning program gets you out of your comfort zone, adding an extra level of challenge that will help your confidence grow.

Disadvantages

• Accessibility can be an issue with private summer learning programs. The competition to get in can be fierce. Even if you bring your A-game to essay writing, it might not be enough.
• Cost is another huge issue for many programs. Some cost you nothing, like TASS and S4TL, mentioned above. Others, like the Tisch drama program, can cost as much as a semester of college. It’s worth noting that many of these programs offer financial aid to less privileged students. Additionally, some federally-funded summer learning programs, like the Governor’s Schools that exist in around 20 states, provide a comparable experience at a discounted rate.

Public Summer Learning Programs

Public summer learning programs are usually funded by a school district and hosted at public schools within the district. While traditional summer school retreads material already covered during the school year, these summer learning programs offer an opportunity to learn something new.

Commonly, these will include opportunities to dive deeper into subjects like math, reading, and language, but there are K-12 summer learning programs that do much, much more. Consider as an example the summer learning programs offered by the public school system of Fairfax County, VA . They offer the typical general education and credit recovery courses, but two additional program options stand out.

Fairfax County Schools’s Institute for the Arts (IFTA) offers over 60 classes students can choose from, providing a wide range of practical arts training by certified educators. Quality art instruction can be hard to find, so IFTA provides definite value.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Academy allows students to explore and experiment with different career paths through a personalized experience that matches their areas of interest: business and IT, medical science, technology and engineering, and various trades, to name a few of the options. Many people won’t have the opportunity to try out multiple careers before enrolling in college courses, so CTE is a unique experience that influences the way participants will approach critical personal decisions.

And Fairfax County is just one example! All over America, school districts fund and plan similar programs for students. It shouldn’t be difficult to find one near you.

• Public summer learning programs are provided by school districts close to your home. Managing the commute is much simpler.
• Familiar faces will be involved, like teachers and students you know, or other people you recognize from around town.
• Public summer learning programs are affordable: compare the $530 fee of our IFTA example with the $14,000 price tag for the private Tisch drama program referenced earlier.
• Enrolling in a public summer learning program locally won’t do much to get you out of your comfort zone. Surrounded by familiarity, you may not be challenged as much as someone who travels for a summer learning program.
• Working with limited public funds, the quality of the educational experience will likely be lower than what you’d get from a private summer learning program.

Pre-College Programs

Few summer learning programs can do more to prepare you for college or enhance your college application than a pre-college program that’s planned and hosted by a university.

These programs are built to give outstanding high school students a taste of college life. For up to a month, participants live in dorms on campus, eat in the cafeteria, benefit from campus resources, and complete college coursework — sometimes for real college credit.

Almost every university in the nation has some form of pre-college program, so you can take a few different approaches. Will you aim for a prestigious school with a strong reputation, like Stanford or Harvard — names that will stand out on your college application? Or will you attend a pre-college program at your college of choice, gaining a better understanding of what the school offers before committing?

The decision is yours, but either way, it will be a beneficial experience. Tallo, a career readiness service for students , says, “Pre-college programs are honestly a great way to get a feel for college life and explore your academic interests on a deeper level.”

• Pre-college programs are the most authentic college experience that a high schooler can have. They are a fantastic way to get exposure to that environment early.
• Since these programs are common, most of the schools on your short list will probably offer one, giving you a chance to gather valuable information before making your final decision.
• Similarly, pre-college programs will be a great chance to meet other prospective students — maybe a future study buddy or roommate.
• Earning college credit is a huge bonus, if offered. That gives you more bang for your buck.
• Pre-college programs demonstrate your keen interest in academics, which may enhance your college application.
• Attending a pre-college program at a school you’ve applied to may put you on their radar early. Attending one at a prestigious school can make you appear to be a stronger student.
• Pre-college programs have the same accessibility issues as private summer learning programs: many are expensive, and the application process for others can be highly competitive.
• The coursework will be difficult. You may not feel ready to take on college courses just yet.
• Not all pre-college programs offer college credit, so you may feel like you endured a tough courseload for nothing.
• Attending a pre-college program will not guarantee you admission to that college.

Are Summer Learning Programs Worth It?

Summer Learning Programs as Resume Enhancers

When reviewing applications, admissions personnel consider the overall student, looking at more than grades and test scores. The College Board advises students to “present a well-rounded picture of their skills, experience, and personal traits. Applications should highlight their ability to succeed at each institution and what they can contribute to student life on campus.”

To paint this flattering picture of themselves, high school students are advised to highlight their community service, extracurriculars, and other resume-building activities, in addition to academic achievements. If you are lacking in one or more areas, a summer learning program might be the perfect way to shore up those gaps. An academically-focused summer learning program can help you demonstrate your scholarly prowess. As the College Board points out, “It shows colleges that you’re committed to learning.”

Beyond that, community service-oriented programs are an opportunity to gain valuable volunteer hours. A training program for your extracurricular activity of choice can help build that skill into an impressive feature of your resume. In short, thanks to freedom from your usual school commitments, summer is the time to strengthen your overall applicant profile.

Review your current resume as a college would. Do you have any areas that need improvement before you can secure your acceptance letter? If the answer is “yes,” your last few summers should be focused on those activities, and a summer learning program may be an efficient way to achieve your goals.

Personal Growth from Summer Learning Programs

Most summer learning programs will give you experiences you wouldn’t have had otherwise, building your confidence and helping you excel at admissions essays and interviews.

In fact, while a summer learning program is likely to add some oomph to your college application, the most important reason to do one is personal growth. The transition from high school to college is tough (which is why USF offers the special Summer ACE program, easing the transition for incoming students). So is committing to a major — a lot of people struggle because they lack the experience that would help them rule out options and make informed choices. Participation in a summer learning program can help you navigate unfamiliar waters by providing a reference point that many of your peers will lack if they spent their summer breaks tanning and TikToking.

Getting more specific, summer learning programs help students grow by providing:

• Exposure to new settings, getting you outside your comfort zone.
• Exposure to new topics, helping you decide whether you like them or not.
• Exposure to new people, helping you build a network.
• A chance to preview college life, if hosted on campus.
• A chance to hear from distinguished speakers — and maybe meet them.
• A chance to gain hands-on experience through activities and exercises.
• A chance to build new skills and knowledge.
• A supportive environment for passionate students.
• A way to avoid “summer slide:” the loss of academic skills and knowledge during summer break.
• Opportunities to speak publicly and practice presentation skills.
• Treasured memories and friendships.
• An achievement to be proud of.

All these benefits will help shape you as a person. At this time in your life, you’re undergoing a lot of growth and change. Embracing new experiences will help you navigate this turbulent period and prepare you for the big shakeup that’s right around the corner: starting college.

Summer Learning Program Recap

To recap, summer learning programs come in a multitude of forms. They can appeal to any kind of interest and are designed to get you closer to your goals. Many give you a preview of college life, setting your expectations and helping you make informed decisions. They can be a big boost to your college application because they shore up gaps, making you appear more well-rounded. Finally, they help you grow as a person and give you a chance to step outside of your comfort zone before the major transition of high school to college occurs. That way, you can approach that monumental life shift with confidence.

That’s extraordinary value in exchange for a few weeks of summer break! Speaking from my own experience, the summer learning programs I attended as an incoming high school senior provided valuable lessons and experiences that still stick with me. They helped form my college mindset and helped build the person I am today. My advice: find a program that meets your needs, goals, and interests and go all in!

One note: if you are an incoming freshman who has already committed to a school, starting college during the summer semester , rather than the fall, is probably more beneficial than attending a summer learning program — unless it’s a can’t-miss opportunity in an exclusive, high profile program, like a NASA summer internship.

If you have questions about the effect a summer learning program can have on your college application, trust our admissions counselors to give you their expert perspectives. Email [email protected] or call 813-974-3350 to speak to the USF admissions team!

About Joni West

Joni West is a freelance content producer, native of Tampa Bay, and USF grad. Through her writing, she wants to give students the power to shape their own college story.

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How to write an entry-level resume.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

As a recent college graduate, you’ll likely have to craft an entry-level resume before you start applying for jobs . If you’re stressing over how to go about it, particularly because you don’t have much work experience to include at this stage in life, know there are ways to craft a resume to set yourself up to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.

Just as a quick refresher, entry-level jobs usually refer to roles geared toward people entering the workforce for the first time – like recent college graduates. These roles are often designed for people who don’t have a lot of work experience.

Continue reading as we break down what to include on a resume if you’re an entry-level candidate, how long your resume should be, and more.

What do I include on a resume for entry-level jobs (and in what order)?

While there isn’t one resume template guaranteed to get every recent college graduate a job, there are some elements to consider including.

You may want to consider a specific order as you build your resume as an entry-level candidate that’s slightly different from what you’d do if you were further along in your career, too.

Your contact information

Make sure you have your contact information listed on your resume and that it’s easily accessible to anyone viewing it. If employers or recruiters want to contact you or refer you to another hiring manager, it’ll be important that they know a way to contact you and don’t have to dig around for that information. Many experts suggest that you put your contact information at the top of your resume.  

Your education and relevant coursework you’ve completed

“Early in your career, when you get out of school, your education needs to go on top,” Stacie Haller, Chief Career Officer at Resume Builder, told CNBC. “That flags you as entry-level.”

If you’re a recent college graduate, employers don’t expect you to have several full-time roles on your resume. They often want to see information about your education, your major, and any relevant coursework you have under your belt that may relate to the job you’re applying for. Depending on your college grade point average (GPA), you may want to include that information in this section as well.

Consider putting this section at the very top of your resume, underneath your contact information.

Professional experience

If you have internships, part-time, or even full-time roles under your belt, you'll want to build a section on your resume listing this experience. You may want to list each professional experience , with your title, the months or years you worked in each role, and key accomplishments for each.

Writing this section may feel tricky if you’re an entry-level candidate. You may not have work experience that feels relevant to the roles you want to apply for. Because of that, as you think through your work experience, consider thinking about the transferable skills you’ve gained with the work experience you do have. For instance, highlighting that you gained leadership, project management, or technical expertise may be as impactful to share with hiring managers as the tasks you were responsible for. Chances are you have more transferable skills than you think you do, too.

Relevant skills

You may consider including a relevant skills section on your beginner resume that includes a combination of technical and soft skills. From spreadsheet prowess to AP-style writing expertise, every industry prioritizes different skills, and you may have some of them without having gained them from work experience.

What top skills do recruiters and employers want to see on a beginner resume?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), problem-solving is the number one skill employers seek on a candidate’s first job resume. In fact, according to the NACE’s Job Outlook 2024 report , 88.7% of employers said they value problem-solving skills, while less than half value skills and traits such as strategic planning, an outgoing personality, creativity, and fluency in a foreign language.

Other top skills employers look for from recent college graduates include:

• Ability to work in a team (78.9%)
• Written communication skills (72.7%)
• Strong work ethic (71.6%)
• Flexibility or adaptability (70.1%)
• Verbal communication skills (67.5%)

If you’re applying for roles where a portfolio or personal projects may help showcase your skills, you may choose to include a portfolio link on your resume or figure out how to showcase a personal project.

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level social media content position. In this situation, if you’ve built up your own social media following, you may decide to highlight this on your resume, as well as the skills you’ve gained as you’ve done this.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer experience

In addition to listing your professional experience and skills, you may want to include an extracurricular activities and volunteer experience section . This section is where you can include that you participated in collegiate clubs, sports teams, theater, a volunteering role, or other activities you did during your time as a student (along with those outside of school).

Languages you speak

Some roles look for candidates who know another language besides English. If you speak another language other than English, you may want to consider including that information on your resume, as some hiring managers may find value in that.

What’s the best resume format for a beginner?

While there isn’t a “best” resume format that all successful job applicants or recruiters expect, several experts advise against one that includes your picture.

“You don’t want the reader to be distracted by your photo,” according to Amanda Augustine, a counselor at TopResume told CNBC .

Beyond that, stick to a clear and concise format that you think matches the experience and skills that you have to share. Keep the design simple and professional and avoid any distracting fonts or colors.

You may want to search online for a resume template to use as your base. There are many options to consider, and finding a template may be helpful as you go about crafting a resume.

How long should an entry-level resume be?

For entry-level job candidates, a resume should ideally be one page long. This length encourages conciseness and will allow you to focus on including only your most relevant experience. Keeping it to one page makes it easier for hiring managers to assess your qualifications quickly without having to sift through too much information as well.

As you progress in your career and gain more experience, you can then consider extending your resume beyond just one page.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to writing a winning entry-level job resume. As you craft your resume, you may consider tailoring it to specific jobs you want to apply for. That may mean slightly changing language and what you’re choosing to highlight on your resume as you apply for jobs. 

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how do act scores factor into college admissions.

I've been researching a lot about ACT scores and their importance for college applications. How much weight do colleges put on ACT scores when considering an applicant? Also, what's a good ACT score for a competitive college?

ACT scores are one component of a college application that many institutions consider when evaluating applicants. The importance of an ACT score can vary depending on the institution, as some may place more emphasis on other aspects of an applicant's profile, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. However, it is generally true that a higher ACT score can benefit your chances of admission at selective colleges.

A good ACT score for a competitive college varies depending on the specific institution you're applying to. To get a better idea of what constitutes a strong ACT score, you can research a college's middle 50% ACT score range, which indicates the score range where most admitted students fall. A score within or above that range could be considered a good score for that college. For example, many highly selective colleges have middle 50% ACT ranges from around 32 to 35.

It's important to keep in mind that while a competitive ACT score can increase your chances of admission, it doesn't guarantee acceptance, as colleges typically use a holistic review process to consider all aspects of an applicant's profile. Conversely, a lower-than-average ACT score doesn't automatically disqualify you from being admitted, particularly if you have other strong elements in your application, like, exceptional extracurricular activities, strong grades, or impressive essays. If you're unsure of what score you should aim for, it's always a safe bet to aim for the highest score your abilities allow.

Lastly, note that some schools may still be test-optional due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while others, like the University of California and California State systems, have gone test-blind, meaning they no longer consider ACT or SAT scores in their admissions decisions. Be sure to check the specific testing policies of the schools you're interested in.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

U.S. News Guide to College Majors

Options for selecting a college major are numerous and wide-ranging.

Choosing where to attend college is a big decision. But even if you’ve had your sights set on attending your dream school since you were a kid, what will you study there? Some majors, like business, offer courses on a broad range of related topics, while others, like mechanical engineering, present a more specialized track. Deciding what to major in can be overwhelming, but learning about the variety of majors available, coupled with understanding your own strengths, interests and goals, can help you decide which one is right for you.

This guide presents information about some common college majors, the pay associated with those majors and what to expect if you find yourself wanting to change your major.

Understanding College Majors

A college major is a focused area of study. While many undergraduate students must meet general education requirements like taking an English composition or a world history class, the courses associated with a major provide a deeper dive into a subject or specialty area, usually to prepare students for careers in that field.

When considering potential college majors, students should think about the following factors:

• Interests and passions. What do you love and care about? How do you spend your free time? Can you picture yourself still caring about those things throughout your college and professional careers? 
• Aptitudes and strengths. What are you good at? Are you an excellent problem solver (in complex situations or when doing math homework)? Do you have a knack for writing or public speaking? Consider how your strengths might benefit you in a variety of careers. At the same time, be aware of your weaknesses. If you faint at the sight of blood, the medical field might not be the right fit for you, for example.
• Career goals and prospects. What do you want to accomplish in your professional career, and how might a college degree help you achieve that? Do your goals align with the demands of the job market? What skills might you need to obtain and which topics might you need to study to reach your goals? 
• Flexibility and exploration. Do you want to define your own path and figure out what interests you most throughout your college journey, or do you have more rigid or focused career goals?

Exploring Common College Majors

Stem majors.

The science, technology, engineering and math – collectively known as STEM – fields present a wide variety of in-demand and potentially high-paying jobs. Students with an aptitude and interest for math and science might consider one of these majors, which include:

• Computer Science . 
• Engineering . 
• Biology . 
• Mathematics . 
• Physics . 

Many STEM subject areas can be subdivided into more focused areas of study, such as mechanical engineering or microbiology , for example.

Social sciences and humanities majors

Chances are, you’ll take some introductory courses for social sciences and humanities regardless of your major. But students who choose to major in one of these subject areas go deeper, on their way toward becoming experts in their field. Social sciences and humanities majors include:

• Psychology . 
• Sociology . 
• Political Science . 
• English Literature . 

Business and economics majors

If you declare a business major, you’ll be in good company on your campus. Business is one of the most common undergraduate majors, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . While some majors in this field, like accounting, are more tailored toward a specific career, others, like a general business degree , can provide a broader scope of the subject area. Business and economics majors include:

• Accounting . 
• Finance . 
• Marketing . 
• International Business . 
• Economics . 

Arts and communication majors

Arts and communication majors likely won’t receive paychecks as large as those their peers in some science or business roles get, but they use their skills to tell stories and convey messages, whether for education or entertainment. Some popular majors for students who want to hone their arts and communication skills include:

• Fine Arts .
• Graphic Design . 
• Film and Media Studies. 
• Journalism . 
• Communication Studies . 

Health and medical majors

Jobs in the health care field are always in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs including physical therapist, registered nurse and pharmacist are projected to grow by at least an average rate by 2032. While some roles in this field can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, others require further schooling. And for students who hope to be accepted into medical school, majoring in a related field for their undergraduate education can lay a firm foundation for the rest of their studies. Health and medical majors include:

• Nursing . 
• Premedical Studies . 
• Pharmacy . 
• Physical Therapy. 
• Public Health . 

Education majors

Students who have a passion for learning may also desire to foster that same trait in others. Whether they plan to teach at a certain grade level or in a specific subject area, or they hope to be a principal or superintendent someday, students who choose an education major learn how to effectively instruct others. Education majors include:

• Elementary Education . 
• Secondary Education. 
• Special Education . 
• Early Childhood Education . 
• Physical Education. 

Exploring niche and emerging majors

While college students have been majoring in areas like education and business for decades, other majors have developed over time in response to growing areas of need or interest. Students who want to explore careers in newer or more niche fields might consider majors such as:

• Environmental Science . 
• Data Science and Analytics. 
• Cybersecurity . 
• Sports Management . 
• Digital Marketing. 

Degrees in more niche subject areas may not be offered by as many schools as the more common majors, so prospective students should keep this in mind as part of their college search.

Additional college majors

High school students who explore a variety of subject areas might discover a college major they’d never thought about before, so be sure to learn as much as you can about anything that interests you while considering your college plans. To assist you in learning what it’s like to major in a variety of areas, U.S. News provides guides on what you need to know about majors like:

• Animal Science . 
• Anthropology .
• Architecture . 
• Astronomy . 
• Biochemistry .
• Biomedical Engineering . 
• Business Administration . 
• Chemistry . 
• Cognitive Science . 
• Computer Engineering . 
• Criminology . 
• Geography . 
• Human Biology . 
• Human Resources . 
• Human Services . 
• International Relations . 
• Linguistics . 
• Management Information and Services . 
• Music . 
• Nutrition . 
• Philosophy . 
• Physiology . 
• Public Policy . 
• Public Relations .
• Real Estate .
• Social Work .
• Statistics .

Pick the Perfect Major

Discover the perfect major for you based on your innate wiring. The Innate Assessment sets you up for success by pairing you with majors, colleges and careers that fit your unique skills and abilities.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Crucially, what a student chooses to major in sets the course for their next steps after graduation. A company looking to hire a graphic designer is more likely to be interested in a candidate who has a degree in graphic design and built a portfolio of design projects while in school than it is in someone who majored in an unrelated field.

While many students’ formal education culminates in a bachelor’s degree, that’s not always the case. For careers that require a master’s, doctorate or professional degree, undergraduates should plan ahead as much as possible. Some graduate programs may only consider applicants who meet minimum GPA requirements, have a bachelor’s degree in a related field or completed relevant coursework in undergrad. Students who know they want to apply for dental school, for example, should look at the prerequisites for dental programs and make sure their major and the courses they take while earning their bachelor’s degree is in line with those requirements.

Other students may want to enter the workforce after graduation and apply for graduate school after gaining a few years of relevant professional experience. Master’s in Business Administration programs tend to prefer applicants who have real-world experience, for instance.

Because jobs in some fields pay more than others, a student’s college major can ultimately affect how much money they make in the future. For example, while both elementary school teachers and information security analysts can obtain their jobs with a bachelor’s degree, their mean annual salaries are dramatically different. Elementary school teachers make an average of $68,000 per year, while information security analysts, who typically have a degree in computer science or a related field, make $119,860 per year on average, according to the BLS.

Highest-paying college majors

Students who major in the STEM fields tend to see some of the highest starting salaries in the workforce. Those who major in engineering or computer science might see a particularly good return on their investment . According to the BLS, computer hardware engineers made an average salary of $140,830 in 2022, while computer network architects made an average of $129,490 and aerospace engineers made an average salary of $127,090. Some employers may prefer employees in these roles to have a master’s degree, while others may hire bachelor’s degree-holders.

Health care professionals like surgeons, emergency medicine physicians and anesthesiologists also have high salaries, but these jobs require years of postgraduate education.

Lowest-paying college majors 

While undergraduate students may pay similar tuition rates regardless of their major, the resulting payoff isn’t always the same. Majors in the arts and humanities tend to lead to lower-paying jobs than some roles STEM majors can obtain. According to the BLS, graphic designers made an average of $64,500 in 2022. Archaeologists and anthropologists, many of whom need a master’s or doctoral degree to advance their careers, made an average annual salary of $68,310 in 2022, according to the BLS.

Despite the gap in pay between majors, a college degree generally can pay off in the long run. According to a Georgetown University study , bachelor’s degree holders earn 31% more than associate’s degree holders and 84% more than people whose highest level of education is a high school diploma.

Strategies for Choosing a College Major

When choosing a college major, students should consider their interests and talents as well as career goals and potential future earnings. If multiple options are on the table, think about other resources that might help you narrow your choices, like:

• Meet with a guidance or career counselor at your school. They may be able to help you prioritize what you’re looking for in a career or inform you about a major you haven't considered. 
• Learn about programs at your preferred colleges and universities. Sometimes, the decisions of what to study and where to study can go hand in hand. What majors do your dream school and backup schools offer? Which of those majors pique your interest?
• Job shadow or conduct informational interviews. Do any adults in your life have jobs that look like something you might want to do in the future? Do you know any current college students who might want to provide you with insight into the coursework for their major? It’s not uncommon for people to talk to high school students about what they plan to do after graduation, so don't be afraid to ask people about what a typical day on their job looks like. If possible, apply for a job shadowing or internship program with an organization so you can get hands-on experience with that industry and a better idea of whether you might want to pursue it in college. 

Majors in high demand

While majors like business have remained consistently popular over the years, others have seen higher or lower enrollment rates depending on the needs of the ever-evolving workforce. Students who major in a STEM or health care field can expect their skills and expertise to be in demand: Among the 10 jobs from which the BLS expects to see the fastest growth by 2032 are nurse practitioners, data scientists, information security analysts, medical and health services managers, physician assistants and software developers. While nurse practitioners and physician assistants typically need a master’s degree, these other roles typically require only a bachelor’s degree.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 , which examines how jobs might evolve over a five-year period, states that the fastest-growing occupations relative to their size include roles in technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists, as well as sustainability, like renewable energy engineers.

Flexibility and Adaptability in Choosing a Major

While choosing a college major is a big decision, it’s not uncommon for students to change majors at some point during their undergraduate career. But switching majors doesn’t come without risk – you may find yourself taking extra classes to meet the degree requirements for your new major, which can lead to you spending more time and money than it would have cost to follow one degree track from the beginning of your time in college.

Many colleges and universities don’t require students to declare a major until their sophomore year, or until they have completed a certain number of credit hours. So if you’re undecided at the start of your college journey, register for required core classes and take advantage of campus resources and elective courses that can help you find the right major.

Some majors allow students to specialize further by choosing a concentration within their major based on what they intend for their career path. Concentrations vary by institution, but for example, students majoring in sports management might be able to specialize in topics like sports business, analytics, marketing or administration, depending on what area of sports management they want to work in.

Some students find that declaring a double major might help them reach their career goals. Students who double major still only earn one degree – and therefore can still complete their bachelor’s degree in four years – but double majoring means they’ve earned enough credits in two (often related) subject areas for both to be considered a major.

In addition to a major, students commonly declare a minor , a secondary subject area in which to focus. A minor can complement your studies without requiring as many courses in a specialty area as a major. Your chosen minor might not be directly related to your major, but it could help equip you for reaching your career goals. For example, a journalism major who ultimately wants to cover politics may minor in political science, and a fine arts major who hopes to open their own studio someday might choose to minor in business or education.

But even with all these options, students aren’t necessarily limited to specific majors offered at their chosen college or university. Many schools offer an interdisciplinary studies major , or custom study path that incorporates coursework from multiple subject areas to align with a student’s career goals. Students who are interested in interdisciplinary studies or a custom degree should meet with their academic adviser and learn their school’s process for assembling a custom program of study.

Tags: students , education , colleges , college majors , STEM jobs , STEM

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