5 Tips for Writing a Successful Extracurricular Resume

Introduction

Creating a successful extracurricular resume is an essential part of your college application process. While test scores and essays are important, showcasing your extracurricular activities can set you apart. This tutorial provides five actionable tips to help you craft an impressive resume that highlights your involvement, skills, and achievements.

Step 1: Choose the Right Format

• Select a clean, professional layout: Use a format that is easy to read and visually appealing.
• Include sections: Common sections are Contact Information, Education, Extracurricular Activities, Skills, and Awards.
• Use bullet points: This will help organize information clearly and make it easier for reviewers to skim through.

Step 2: Prioritize Your Activities

• Focus on relevance: List activities that are most pertinent to your intended college major or career path.
• Highlight leadership roles: If you've held any positions like president or team captain, make sure these stand out.
• Include duration and commitment: Mention how long you've been involved and the level of commitment (e.g., hours per week).

Step 3: Describe Your Contributions

• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs (e.g., led, organized, created).
• Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, provide numbers or results to showcase the impact of your contributions (e.g., increased club membership by 30%).
• Be specific: Provide details that clarify what your role involved and what skills you utilized or developed.

Step 4: Showcase Skills and Awards

• List relevant skills: Include skills you've gained from your activities, such as teamwork, communication, or project management.
• Mention any awards: Include any recognitions or honors you've received related to your extracurriculars, as these can strengthen your resume.

Step 5: Edit and Review

• Proofread for errors: Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as these can undermine your professionalism.
• Seek feedback: Have a teacher, mentor, or family member review your resume and provide constructive feedback.
• Keep it concise: Aim for one page, ensuring every word adds value to your application.

Conclusion

An effective extracurricular resume can significantly enhance your college application by highlighting your unique experiences and skills. By following these five steps—choosing the right format, prioritizing activities, describing contributions, showcasing skills and awards, and thoroughly editing—you will create a standout resume. As you prepare your application, remember to keep your resume updated and tailor it to each college you apply to for the best results.