In addition to earning strong grades in challenging courses, colleges want to learn more about your character by looking at what you have done outside of the classroom – What type of person are you? What are your interests outside of the classroom? An activities resume is a great way to highlight your strengths and inform colleges about your out-of-class accomplishments and special talents, giving them the full picture of who you are. How do you do this? Let us help.
Here are 7 tips to help you build a college activity resume
- Begin Early
It’s not too late to start (if you haven’t done so already). - Make a List
Include activities such as clubs, sports, summer camps and workshops, as well as work experience, volunteerism, hobbies, special interests, and community involvement/service. Also add any other educational or outside-of-the-classroom experience, skills and capabilities that may enhance your candidacy or strengthen your application for admission. - Organize Similar Experiences
Once you have compiled your list, group similar activities and experiences together. - Define Your Role
What type of role did you play? Indicate whether you served as a member, officer, team captain, etc. Also list the number of months or years of involvement, along with the estimated number of hours served per week or month. Colleges are impressed with students who choose an activity, stay with it, and develop it over a period of years. - Explain the Not-So-Obvious
Write a brief description of an activity that is unique. You may want to include its purpose, mission or meaning (if unclear). - Select a Format
Since your goal is to quickly inform the reader about you, choose a format that works for your information and personal style. - Be Mindful of Mechanics
Use a format and font that are easy to read. Also, use descriptive language to present your information in the most positive way and active words for activities in which you are currently involved. Remember to proofread, proofread, proofread!
More ways to use your resume
Give a copy of your resume to your school counselor, teachers, and others who are writing your college recommendations. You can also include your resume as a part of your application, to hand out for interviews, and as a follow-up with a thank you note to college representatives. Resumes can be included as attachments for scholarship applications or as part of an application to special programs.
Make it your goal to begin, add or revise your activities resume!
