Activity Resume

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. An activities resume is a great way to highlight your strengths and inform colleges about your out-of-class accomplishments and special talents.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

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!

Ways to Use Your Resume. Give a copy to your school counselor, teachers, and others writing recommendations. You can also include your resume as a part of your application, as a give-away at interviews, and as a follow-up with a thank you note to college representatives. Resumes can be included as attachments to scholarship applications or as part of an application to special programs.

Make it your summer goal to begin, add or revise your activities resume!

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