Building a Resume for US/UK Colleges While in School

Sambhavi
Aug 15
3 min read

Updated: Aug 26

Building a Resume for the US/UK starts way before the college application process. The admission committee seeks candidates who demonstrate leadership roles and a dedication to extracurricular activities, while also balancing academics. They want a student who is focused and manages time efficiently in school, because that demonstrates the amount of vigour you will have within you in college as well.

Your achievements should be listed in a manner that shows what you have gained from them and how it has evolved you as a student. Starting resume building early in your school life gives you an extra edge in the admission process and sets you apart from those who start late.

Know the selection criteria:

Understand what the college requires. Some colleges prioritise community service and academic performance, whereas others focus on extracurricular activities, awards, and recognitions. If you have any special talents, mention them in your CV and ensure they are relevant to the major you are applying for, as this helps the college committee understand your passion for the subject. Research the previous CVs of the college alums during the time of their admission in that particular college, and try to inculcate similar ideas in your CV.

Emphasise quality contributions:

Mention 4-5 skills which are the most important to you and the college committee. Don’t add any skill or activity that doesn't provide depth to you and your goals, because most often, they overlook those ideas and see them as “CV fillers.” Highlight 1-2 areas in your CV that you are most passionate about, so that the committee gets to know the authentic you. A CV should not only showcase your talents and skills, but also reveal the core aspects of your personality.

Educational Development Programs:

Include learning enrichment opportunities you have taken up in the school. It could involve learning a different language by taking extra classes or an online certification course in various subject areas, such as coding, digital marketing, etc. (Coursera, Udemy, edX). If you participated in summer school programs at top universities, mention that. Highlighting your involvement in subject-based competitions, such as Olympiads and quizzes, helps you stand out because not many students participate in those areas.

Leadership and Initiative:

If you have started a school club or initiated a community service program in your locality, highlight that and briefly your learnings from it. Taking up leadership roles provides an extra edge to your CV because leadership is one of the most important skills a student can inculcate.

Format:

The format of the resume should be clear, concise, and detailed in its content. Avoid adding any unnecessary designs or symbols in the CV because it diverts the attention of the committee from your actual skills and talents mentioned in the CV. Please note that this is not a portfolio where you attach your creative projects and work samples; it's a CV, which should be brief and concise, providing an overview of your key achievements.

Conclusion

To summarise, we can say that the most crucial idea for a successful CV is to start it early in your school journey, so that the admission committee knows your dedication and determination towards your goals. Ensure that you don't exaggerate your achievements in the CV, as most institutions will verify your claims.

We understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we're here to support you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.