College Application Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

One of the biggest challenges people face when applying to college is creating a solid application that stands out from the competition.

With so many applicants vying for a limited number of spots, it can be difficult to showcase your accomplishments in a way that catches the attention of admissions officers.

That’s where these five best college application resume examples come in. Each one showcases a different approach to crafting a standout resume that can help you get noticed by admissions officers.

By examining these examples and learning what makes them effective, you can gain insights into creating a compelling application resume of your own.

College Application Resume Examples

Getting into college is more challenging than ever. Fortunately, including a standout resume with your application can increase your chances of admission to your dream school. Check out some college application resume examples to help draft your own.

Entry-Level College Application Resume Example

Not many college applicants have much experience, and that’s normal. A resume can still be an excellent way to set yourself apart when applying for college. Consider how you can make the most of the experience you do have to get into college.

Objective

Admission into [name of university] as a student in the [desired major department/college/school]

Work Experience 1: Babysitter

• Took care of children while their parents were out, from homework help to food preparation to bathing.
• Communicated with parents in case of emergency and made decisions regarding the children’s care.
• Showed up to the house on time to review emergency numbers and other important contacts.
• Collected payment via cash, check, or digital payment from parents upon rendering services.
• Promoted services to family, friends, and neighbors with children to help bring in more business.

Work Experience 2: Food Service

• Took customer orders at the front counter and/or drive-through window, ensuring order accuracy.
• Packaged to-go orders with all items, including drinks and specialty items, referring to the receipt for completion.
• Helped maintain a clean dining room, restocking lids, straws, and other items before lunch or dinner.
• Assisted the manager with closing tasks, including but not limited to counting cash drawers and cleaning the bathrooms.
• Provided excellent customer service from when a customer entered to when they left the restaurant.

Project Experience

• Planned and coordinated the completion of a Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award, including scheduling and financial management.
• Helped build the sets for the high school theater program, following the needs of the production and director.
• Worked with fellow students to complete class projects on subjects ranging from history to science.

Skills

• Time management
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal communication
• Public speaking
• Organization

Education

• Central High School, Class of [graduation year]
• South Central Middle School, Class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations

• Not applicable

Why This Resume Works

This resume works for an entry-level college applicant for a few reasons. Regarding work experience, it shows that the student has some experience that aligns with most teenagers. The babysitting work shows the applicant has entrepreneurial skills.

Meanwhile, the food service position shows the student can work in a more traditional environment. As far as projects go, the resume includes a variety. Boy Scouts teaches many valuable skills that boys can take into adulthood, including those listed in the skills section.

Since this person is applying to college, including their high school and perhaps their middle school on their resume is acceptable. The high school name and graduation year may help catch the eye of someone on the admissions committee if they have connections there.

Most young college students won’t have any licenses or accreditations. So it’s okay to list that it’s not applicable or to leave out that section entirely.

High School Resume for College Application Resume Example

Perhaps you don’t have much experience outside of high school. Many students prefer to focus on academics and so don’t have work experience. That’s okay, and it won’t necessarily keep you from getting into college. Consider the following resume example.

Objective

Admission to [name of university] as a member of the class of [expected graduation year]

Work Experience 1: Student Journalist

• Enrolled in the journalism class each semester to take part in helping to run the student-led campus newspaper.
• Worked with editors and other staff to brainstorm story ideas and attended regular class meetings to pitch a final story.
• Wrote stories assigned by the instructor or editor-in-chief, completing them before the deadline.
• Responded to edit requests, completing edits promptly and to the newspaper’s standards.
• Helped distribute new editions of the paper across the campus and through online channels, including social media.

Work Experience 2: Student Library Assistant

• Helped the school librarian organize books as students return them to ensure they go to the correct shelf.
• Answered questions from other students who need help finding the books or materials they need.
• Worked the front desk, checking out materials to students and ensuring they have no fees or other issues on their accounts.
• Maintained a quiet workspace for the librarian, library assistants, and other students who needed to focus.
• Kept the library clean and free of trash and other debris, getting rid of such items throughout the day.

Project Experience

• Took part in regular speeches in a public speaking class, completing research on the topic beforehand.
• Auditioned for placement in the school band and practice for upcoming concerts and other performances.
• Completed a science project for the annual science fair, choosing a suitable topic and researching it.

Skills

• Project management
• Attention to detail
• Organization and cleanliness
• Social media communications
• Teamwork

Education

• North Central High School, Valedictorian, Class of [graduation year]
• Oak Middle School, Class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations

• International Baccalaureate participant

Why This Resume Works

While this student doesn’t have traditional work experience, they have taken part in a couple of on-campus jobs, one of which is through a class. This resume is a good example for students who chose to focus on academics during their high school education.

However, both work experience examples showcase how a student can work as part of a team. The jobs also helped the student develop skills they can use to succeed in college.

In some cases, a student who didn’t work had time to focus on their studies to become the valedictorian or earn similar recognition. You can see this applicant is proud of that accomplishment, which can make up for a lack of work experience.

Also, participation in the International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement programs is a great thing to add to your resume.

Artistic College Application Resume Example

Whether you’re looking to study music, theater, or visual arts, you can make your resume unique. These programs often require more than a college application. Sending your resume could help you secure an audition for your top college.

Here’s an example you can use to format your resume for entry into an artistic college.

Objective

Admission to [conservatory or university name] as a music performance student studying [instrument] with [professor]

Work Experience 1: Private Music Tutor

• Prepared lesson materials for private students, including method books, etudes, and advanced repertoire.
• Scheduled lessons and makeup lessons, coordinating times with the teaching studio to avoid conflicts.
• Communicated with parents about their child’s progress in lessons, including sharing practice tips for at home.
• Coordinated a studio recital for private students, from booking the venue to hiring an accompanist.
• Organized teaching materials, including one’s notes for each student, sending copies to families as requested.

Work Experience 2: Youth Symphony Member

• Auditioned for the orchestra at the beginning of each academic year to ensure placement in the proper seat and ensemble.
• Practiced individual parts before rehearsals to avoid holding back the rest of the orchestra from making progress.
• Attended rehearsals and concerts, showed up early for warmups, and ensured instruments were in tune and ready to play.
• Kept instrument(s) in good condition, maintaining a backup instrument in case of emergency repairs.
• Supported fellow young musicians, including scheduling sectional rehearsals and other events outside of orchestra rehearsals.

Project Experience

• Chose repertoire for the state solo and ensemble contest, and practiced and rehearsed the music before the event.
• Performed in the pit orchestra for the high school musical production, including attending rehearsals.
• Coordinated a high school senior recital, including the music, rehearsals with collaborative musicians, and scheduling the event.

Skills

• Ability to work in a team
• Leadership skills
• Time management
• Organization
• Entrepreneurship

Education

• Central High School, Class of [graduation year]
• Oak Summer Music Festival, [attendance year(s)]
• Private lessons with [teacher’s name], [years studied]

Licenses & Accreditations

• Music Society Young Artist winner, [competition year]

Why This Resume Works

This resume showcases the applicant’s skills as a young musician. The objective is very clear: they want to study music performance in college. Meanwhile, the work experience has to do with music education and performance, both of which are important.

The project section also focuses on artistic projects the student completed. Having that experience can set you apart from other music school applicants. Of course, the resume also lists transferable skills that music can teach you.

Along with listing your high school, it’s a good idea to list any summer festivals you’ve attended as well as who you’ve studied music with privately. Sharing the years of study can help the admissions panel understand your musical background.

Finally, while most high schools won’t have licenses or awards, some musicians do. Listing any competitions you’ve won can further help you stand out.

Dance Resume for College Application Example

Dance isn’t the most popular major for college students. However, some conservatories and universities offer the program. If you want to attend college to study dance, you can format your resume based on an example.

Consider the following to help create your next resume.

Objective

Admission to [conservatory name] as a student majoring in dance.

Work Experience 1: Dance Tutor

• Taught dance to younger children and adults, ensuring they maintain proper form for the given genre.
• Helped students attain new, more difficult moves, such as pointe, tap, and others.
• Assisted the main dance teacher to ensure students get as much attention as needed during class.
• Ran dance class when the main teacher had a conflict to keep the class from falling behind.
• Helped coordinate the dance recital at the end of the semester, from ordering costumes to scheduling the venue.

Work Experience 2: Dance Studio Clerk

• Worked the front desk of the local dance studio, checking students in before class and directing them to the right room.
• Took cash and check payments from parents and set up auto-payments for credit and debit cards.
• Opened and closed the studio at the beginning and end of the day, including cleaning the facility and locking the doors.
• Answered the phone lines as calls came in from current and prospective students and families.
• Maintained enrollment records, ensuring classes aren’t too large

Project Experience

• Participated in competitive dance, including regular competition performances in the city and around the region.
• Auditioned for and participated in school dance and theater productions, serving primarily as a backup dancer.
• Coordinated and performed a solo dance recital, including choosing the music and working with a choreographer.

Skills

• Ability to work in a team
• Time management
• Leadership abilities
• Interpersonal communication and public speaking
• Adaptable

Education

• South High School, Class of [graduation year]
• Local Dance Academy, [years attended]
• Private dance coaching with [teacher] [years attended]

Licenses & Accreditations

• Regional Dance Competition winner, [competition year]

Why This Resume Works

This resume emphasizes the student’s dance experience, from work to school. The work experience includes teaching and administrative duties for a dance studio. While many dancers perform, teaching is a great way to form a diverse, more stable career.

The list of projects shows how the dancer can use their skills in various settings. That can help them stand out from someone who’s only performed as a soloist, for example. Similarly, the skills section lists skills that are vital for dancers.

After listing the student’s high school, this resume showcases their dance education. It includes group and private study and the years of study. Showing how long you’ve been dancing can help a school gauge your current level.

Finally, listing any competitions you’ve won is another excellent option. You can differentiate yourself from other dancers with similar backgrounds.

College Admission Application Resume Example

Some college applicants have specific goals and need resumes to accomplish those. However, many incoming students simply want to get into college. If that applies to you, it helps to consider a more general college application resume example.

Objective

Admission to [university] for the expected class of [graduation year]

Work Experience 1: Retail

• Greeted customers upon entrance to the store, asking if they need any help or would like to browse.
• Organized clothing to ensure the displays look presentable and showcase the clothing in the best light.
• Worked the register, ringing up items and collecting customer payments via cash, card, or digital payment.
• Cleaned the dressing rooms after each use to ensure proper sanitation and a good shopping experience for each customer.
• Opened and closed the shop, ensuring the facility is secure, and all tasks have been completed.

Work Experience 2: Summer Camp Counselor

• Attended pre-camp training for all counselors, including training of the facilities and CPR.
• Greeted campers and their families on the first day and directed campers to their tents or other lodgings.
• Ran one of the camp activities and maintained a clean workspace for each group of campers.
• Walked campers to their next activity for the day, ensuring everyone stays safe and taking kids to the nurse when necessary.
• Maintained a list of emergency contacts for the camp and individual students, using the list when applicable.

Project Experience

• Planned and coordinated the completion of the Girl Scout Gold Award, ensuring the project meets the organization’s standards.
• Participated in a poetry reading competition, representing the school at the regional level and beyond.
• Worked as a teacher’s assistant during one’s free period, helping with classroom organization and other tasks.

Skills

• Ability to lead a team
• Work as part of a team
• Can empathize with others
• Time management
• Organization

Education

• West High School, Class of [graduation year]
• West Central Middle School, Class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations

• CPR training, completed in [year]

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because while it’s general, it showcases multiple sides of the student. It shows they can work in a retail environment as well as with kids. Both work experience listings cover specific tasks the student had to complete.

When it comes to projects, it lists big projects, including the Girl Scout equivalent of the Eagle Scout Award. It also shows how the student has contributed to their school as a teacher’s assistant.

All of that experience leads to the list of skills included in this resume. You can list skills based on your work and project experience to further emphasize what you have to offer. The CPR training leads back to the student’s experience as a camp counselor.

Of course, listing your high school and middle school can also help you stand out. This is particularly true if you went to any special school, such as a magnet school.

Common Skills & Action Verbs To Include on a College Application Resume

Whether you’re applying to a state university, private college, or conservatory, you should add some skills to your resume. The right skills can help you set yourself apart from other applicants with a similar GPA and background.

Some skills may seem obvious, but others aren’t as clear. Of course, consider what skills you have before adding any of them to your resume. That way, you can stand out without lying to potential colleges.

Common Skills for College Application Resumes

• Time management
• Organization
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal communication
• Public speaking
• Project management
• Attention to detail
• Cleanliness
• Social media communication
• Money management
• Foreign language fluency
• Creativity
• Writing
• Computer literacy
• Study skills
• Problem-solving
• Research
• Collaboration
• Adaptability

Common Action Verbs for College Application Resumes

• Achieved
• Exceeded
• Completed
• Pioneered
• Coached
• Developed
• Engaged
• Coordinated
• Entertained
• Performed
• Communicated
• Transformed
• Contributed
• Succeeded
• Taught

Tips for Writing a Better College Application Resume

As you compare college application resume examples, consider how you can make yours better. While an example is useful, it’s your job to personalize it based on your experience and goals.

You should consider what to include on your resume and how to format it. There’s no one correct answer as it depends on the school and what you want to study.

Keep the following tips in mind.

1. Don’t Make It Too Long

One of the best things you can do when writing a resume for college is to keep it short. You probably don’t have a ton of experience, but you may need to leave some things out. That way, you won’t bore the admissions committee.

If you need to leave things out, focus on the most relevant experience. For example, if you’re applying to dance school, your retail job doesn’t need to be on your resume. Try to keep your resume to one page for both length’s sake and to help save paper.

2. Showcase What Your Other Materials Can’t

Consider what you want to share with the admissions committee that you can’t do so in your application, cover letter, or other materials. Use your resume to mention that, whether it’s a previous job, a project, or a skill you’ve developed.

Be sure to put your education near the top, especially if you don’t have much work experience. Then, you can fill in the rest of the page with experience to help set you apart from other applicants. Sharing unique details can also keep your resume from feeling redundant.

3. Honesty Is Key

It can be tempting to lie on your resume, especially if you’re applying to a reach school. However, it’s always best to be honest. You never know if you may get into a school with an honest resume, and you won’t have to maintain a lie if you get into the school.

As you decide where to list the GPA and other accomplishments, make them accurate. You may not get into your dream school, which can be frustrating. But it’s better to get into a school on your own merit rather than a made-up persona.

If you don’t get into your dream school, spend a year elsewhere, work on your resume, and apply to transfer later.

4. Spend Time on Formatting

After you write out the content of your resume, it’s time to design and format it. Many word processing programs offer a resume template to help you start. However, designing a custom format can make your resume more eye-catching to the admissions board.

Make sure your format highlights elements like your objective. You can do so with a larger font, bolding, or a different font color. Send your draft to a few teachers for feedback to ensure your document is easy to read. You can also make different resumes and tailor them to each school you apply to.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions about writing a college application resume, here’s what you should know.

Similar Resume Types To Reference

If you’d like more examples of what to cover in your college application resume, consider a few similar types of resumes and their examples.

• High School Student Resume: A high school student’s resume is similar to that of a college student, highlighting grades and academic achievements.
• Student Resume: A general student resume may include academics and some professional work experience, and including both can help you get into a college.
• Student Loan Payments Resume: Many college students will incur student loans, so this type of resume is a good model for any incoming college student. While you don’t have loans yet, a good resume may help you get a scholarship to avoid loans.

Wrapping Up

Applying to college is exciting but also intimidating. If you need to include a college application resume, consider some examples to help you.

Whether you want to study liberal arts, dance, or any other subject, a resume could help you stand out from similar applicants. You may just get into your dream school or even land a nice financial aid package.

Do you have any thoughts about college application resumes? Share them down in the comments and share the article with your friends who are also applying to college and need a resume.