The opportunity to extrapolate a student’s “outside the classroom” portfolio of achievement is a paramount objective and necessary variable for the college application and evaluative process. The resume (or Brag Sheet) is a unique opportunity to articulate in detail the involvement of said student’s leadership, contributions to school, community investment, internship, volunteer work, work for pay, athletics, music/artist mastery, or any other ancillary contribution to that which makes an individual well rounded and whole.
The construct of a college resume varies from a traditional “work” resume and as such, is unique and outlined below.
Colleges are most interested in a detailed written expression of one’s activities inside or outside the school or general community. They are invested in four variables:
- The name of the organization/activity
- Hours per week/ weeks per year
- Leadership accomplishments
- A detailed articulation of YOUR involvement and definition of the activity in which you are involved.
I will afford three examples below, though not limited to these necessary activities:
Athletics
-Varsity Basketball (The Classical Academy)
-20 hours per week/ 14 weeks per year
-Captain (11-12), MVP (12)
-The Classical Academy varsity basketball team/member. Participated in summer practices and AAU tournaments to increase skill level and mastery. TCA won the Florida State District Championship (2021)
Community Service
-Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, FL)
-5 hours per week/ 15 weeks per year
– Volunteer as a research associate and tour guide member
– Mote Marine Laboratory is a Sarasota, FL marine biology research center and museum. I assisted faculty with basic data evaluation and toured visitors and special guests.
Work Experience
-Joe Pape’s Pizzeria (Sarasota, FL)
-10 hours per week/ 12 weeks per year (summer)
-My position as a server provided me with customer service skills, time management, and front/back house experience.
** One can create any category, not just the ones above, which are just brief examples for one’s understanding. Past resume examples and templates are available. Just ask your college advisor.