Write a Standout Resume

There’s a cold, hard truth when it comes to how universities read students’ applications: admissions officers spend an average of just six to ten minutes on your entire application. That means your resume – if you have the option to include one – must be concise, attractive, and strategic. Done well, resumes will strengthen your application, help you stand out from the competition, and even open doors to internships and scholarships. Done poorly, they can look repetitive and overstuffed. Read on to learn how you can build an exceptional resume. 

Why Have a Resume?

For high school students, resumes offer value well beyond college admissions. They provide an organized summary of academic and extracurricular achievements that can help you secure work experiences before university, as well as internships once you reach campus. For college applicants, they add even more value by:

• Showcasing what’s meaningful to you

• Identifying gaps in your experiences that you can address

• Helping you decide what to put on your Common App activities list or in your UCAS personal statement

• Supporting the teachers who will write your recommendation letters

Of course, not every university will review a resume; UK universities and US schools like Duke, Tufts, and the University of Virginia typically do not. However, others will – for example, ESCP and IE in Europe, as well as Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, and Babson in the USA. Some programs even require a resume, including Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre program, and some scholarship applications, such as those at the University of Texas. But even if a college doesn’t request a resume, creating one is valuable. It sharpens your ability to present your experiences clearly and ensures you’re ready to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

What Not to Do

Your resume is not a flashy brochure, so avoid crafting a glossy marketing piece; admissions officers are looking for substance, not gimmicks. Once you reach campus, your university’s careers department will encourage you to create a simple one-page resume; a good high school resume shows admissions officers that you already know what they expect! Additionally, don’t confuse a resume with a CV, which is typically longer and used in academic or research settings. Unlike a job seeker’s resume, universities are happy for you to share experiences such as sports, music, clubs, and community service, so don’t omit these important activities. Finally, try not to use identical words on your resume and on your Common App activities list; universities dislike repetition. 

The Structure of a Strong Resume

Your resume should present your accomplishments in a clear, accessible way. Campus career centers provide college students with templates, and many more can be found online. Ivy Options offers a selection of professional resume templates for our students. Keep your formatting clean, with margins of at least half an inch and an easy-to-read font that’s at least 10 points. Most importantly, limit your resume to two pages; if you need to share more, try creating a LinkedIn profile – but even there, use succinct descriptions.

Most resumes will include the following sections. Within each, be sure to list activities in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

• Contact Information: name, home address, phone number, and email address

• Profile or Objective: one or two sentences summarizing who you are and your ambitions

• Education: high school name and curriculum, important courses, and academic enrichment experiences either online or in-person

• Work Experiences: formal or informal internships, including contributions and skills developed

• Leadership and Activities: school clubs, athletics, creative pursuits, or organizations where you’ve made an impact

• Community Service: areas you’ve helped others on a large or small scale, ideally over time 

• Awards: academic, artistic, athletic, or leadership recognition

• Skills: languages, computer programs, music, and certifications

How to Write About Your Experiences

The key to a strong resume is not just the items you include, but how you describe them. Each bullet point should begin with an active verb, such as created, organized, led, launched, or presented, with descriptions kept to two lines or fewer. There is no need to write in full sentences or use personal pronouns. Instead, be specific and quantify wherever possible: “Published a 24-page school newspaper every two months” or “Led a team of 14 students in organizing a debate tournament for 90+ teams in the MENA region.”

Admissions officers also value evidence of continuity, contribution, and growth. Think about your level of involvement in terms of tiers: 1) participant/member, 2) minor role/achievement, 3) major role/achievement, and 4) national/international impact or recognition. By emphasizing accomplishments, particularly in higher tiers, you’ll showcase your initiative, leadership, and long-term commitment.

Personalizing Your Resume

While clarity is key, your resume can also reflect your personality. Choose a template that suits your style, and feel free to use small touches like bullet shapes or a preferred font. Just remember: simplicity, professionalism, and readability matter most.

The Bottom Line

A resume may not be required by every college, but creating one is a wise move. It strengthens your profile, helps you envision yourself as a university applicant, and prepares you for the internships and leadership roles you’ll pursue at college. Start building yours in Grade 9/Year 10, and keep it focused and polished. By crafting a strong resume, you’ll make the most of those six to ten minutes when your application is under review. Contact your Ivy Options counselor or info@ivyoptions.com to ensure your resume shines!