Internships, volunteering, and jobs: build your high school resume

Building your high school resume is more than just checking boxes for college—it’s about telling your story. Every internship, volunteer experience, and job is a chance to explore your passions, sharpen your skills, and show colleges who you are beyond your grades.

So, do you really need a resume for college applications?

The answer: sometimes! Most colleges include an Activities List section where you can showcase your extracurriculars—so don’t skip it! The Activities List is part of the Common App, where you can list up to 10 activities (150 characters per entry) and 5 honors. It’s designed to give colleges a snapshot of your involvement, leadership, and contributions.

However, some colleges also allow you to upload a traditional resume. A resume lets you add context, include achievements that didn’t fit into the Activities List, and organize experiences into sections like Work Experience, Skills, and Awards.

Common Activities: What to include in your high school resume

When it comes to activities, here are some of the most valuable experiences to include:

• Internships: Show your commitment to exploring career paths. Summer programs, virtual internships or working at a local business all demonstrate initiative and curiosity.
• Volunteering: Highlight your character and passion for helping others. Examples include tutoring, participating in food drives or volunteering at local shelters. Track your hours and keep in touch with supervisors for future recommendation letters.
• Part-Time Jobs: Showcase responsibility and time management. Babysitting, retail or restaurant work build real-world experience and transferable skills that colleges value.

Why Your Resume Matters

Your resume is your story, told your way. It helps you connect the dots between your experiences and your goals. As you build it, you’ll discover what truly matters to you—and that clarity shines in personal statements and essays. And a polished resume won’t just help with college applications—it will open doors for internships, campus jobs, and leadership roles in college.

In the end, a resume isn’t just a list of activities—it’s your story. Whether you submit a formal resume or rely on the Activities List, what matters most is how you present your experiences. Pursue opportunities that excite you, get involved and let your passion and growth shine through every part of your application. Colleges notice enthusiasm—so be sure to show yours! Book a call with us if you don’t know where to start.