Why Every High School Student Needs a Resume
In today’s competitive college admissions and job market, a high school resume—often called a brag sheet—is more than just a list of accomplishments. It’s a personal marketing tool that tells your story and helps you stand out from the crowd.
A well-crafted resume highlights your passions, leadership roles, accomplishments, and how you’ve chosen to spend your time in and out of school. It provides a concise snapshot of who you are beyond test scores and GPAs.
But one of the most overlooked benefits of a student resume is how helpful it is to your letter of recommendation writers. When you give your resume or brag sheet to a teacher, counselor, or coach writing a recommendation, it allows them to:
Reference your specific achievements and leadership roles
Speak accurately about your academic strengths and interests
Highlight experiences or responsibilities they may not have personally observed
Personalize the letter to match the tone and goals of your college or scholarship application
Strong recommendations aren’t written from memory—they’re written from great materials. Your brag sheet empowers your recommenders to advocate for you more effectively.
📌 What Should You Include in Your High School Resume?
Academic achievements (GPA, class rank, test scores)
Awards and honors
Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, competitions)
Relevant coursework (AP, IB, dual credit, or CTE classes)
Community service and volunteer work
Leadership experience
Work history and internships
Special skills or certifications
Your high school name and graduation year
Think of your resume as your personal highlight reel. Whether you’re applying for college, scholarships, internships, or part-time jobs, it showcases your strengths and gives others the language to do the same on your behalf.
So build it early. Update it often. And don’t forget to share it with every recommender who’s supporting your journey—because when they win, you win.
Canva has some excellent FREE templates for students, and Grammarly has some action words to get you noticed! Harvard University has also created some great free resources!
Samples:
