College Resume vs. Activities List: College Application Tips for Lowcountry Students

marydellerobinson
Nov 11, 2024
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

PRO TIP: In the summer before 9th grade, begin tracking your high school involvement in these areas on a Google doc: academics, awards, extracurricular activities/clubs, athletics, work, community service, family service, summer camps, leadership, etc. Note how many weeks you served in each and how many hours per week. Describe four things: What you did, how you showed leadership, what you learned, and what you enjoyed.

Hilton Head activities list for college application

Do You Need a College Resume vs. Activities List | Lowcountry College Advising

For high school students in the Lowcountry—including Bluffton, Hilton Head, and throughout Beaufort County—college applications can feel overwhelming, but understanding a few basics can make the process much smoother. Most colleges use an Activities List (like the one in the Common App) as the main place for students to share what they do outside the classroom, from sports and jobs to volunteer work and clubs. This section is incredibly important and should never be skipped. Some colleges also give students the option to upload a traditional PDF resume.

Even when a resume isn’t required, keeping one updated is a great idea for Lowcountry students planning ahead. A resume helps organize accomplishments. It also should be given to teachers and counselors so they can write strong recommendation letters. It can even spark ideas for college essays and is often needed for scholarships and internships. Think of it as your personal highlight reel: having a clean, professional resume showcasing your volunteer work, job responsibilities, and awards ready shows maturity, preparedness, and a little extra polish that can really stand out for college admissions.

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