Should students include a resume for their college application?

Application Process

A resume is a document that lists your experience and qualifications. It is often used when applying for jobs, but it can also be helpful when applying to colleges. Many students wonder if they should include a resume with their college applications.

There are pros and cons to including a resume with your college application. On the one hand, having a resume can give you a leg up on the competition by helping you stand out from other applicants. On the other hand, resumes can be time-consuming to create and may not be necessary for all colleges.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to include a resume with your college application:

The type of college you are applying to.

  • Some colleges, such as liberal arts schools, may require a resume.
  • Other colleges, such as engineering schools, may not even accept applications that include a resume.

The kind of program you are applying to.

  • Certain programs, such as business or law school, typically require a resume.
  • Other programs, such as art school, may not place as much emphasis on resume.

What should you include in a college resume?

Your resume should list your education, work experience, and any other relevant information. It is important to tailor your resume to the specific program you are applying to. For example, if you are applying to a business school, you would want to highlight your work experience in the business world.

Do you put transfer schools on resume?

If you are transferring from one college to another, you should include both colleges on your resume. This will show that you have both experience and credits from another institution.

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A resume is a shorter document that highlights your qualifications and experience. A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a longer document that includes a list of your publications, awards, research experience, and teaching experience. CVs are typically used for academic or research positions.

Our Counselors Answered:

Should students include a resume in their college application?

Steph HartOwner, Principle ConsultantEssential Elements: Comprehensive College Planning

Should students include a resume in their college application?

Absolutely! But only when requested as part of the application.

For example, many larger, public institutions base their admission decisions off of a test scores and gpa matrix and, even if one is sent, will not look at a student’s resume because it is not part of their process. However, those same schools may require a resume for scholarship consideration.

But when it is an option or a required aspect of the application, be sure to include a well-crafted resume that will help the admission representative get a full picture of how you choose to spend your time outside of the classroom.

Some schools offer leadership and/or service scholarships in addition to academic awards and they consider your credentials for these awards based on the information presented in your resume.

Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting

Should students include a resume in their college application?

Though some schools do ask for students to include a resume, this is generally unnecessary. The items that you would include on a resume (club memberships, work experience, awards, etc.) are all things that are already being asked of you on your application. Though a resume does streamline this information, some admission officers may just bypass your resume as an additional piece of paper with repetitive information.

Kathleen HarringtonOwnerNew Jersey College Consulting

Should students include a resume in their college application?

If the application allows for a resume to be submitted, then yes include it. It is more than likely that you have included all this information in the body of your application so if there is an option to upload a resume than do so however, if not, then it is best that you not include another document. The college admissions counselors have an abundance of paperwork they receive on thousands of other applicants…following directions is important.

Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

Should students include a resume in their college application?

Yes, and it better be more than 1 page, or you surely haven’t accomplished much. Don’t include one if the school forbids it, otherwise, talk to some admissions experts in advance to see if your resume has all the right stuff.

Lin Johnson III

Should students include a resume in their college application?

Absolutely Yes! Including a resume in your college application is advantageous for two reasons. First, a resume serve as a great summary of your leadership examples and achievements in and outside of the classroom. Instead of provide a list of extracurricular activities, achievements, and leadership roles, you should provide the admission team with a story through your resume. Second, a resume can be an useful tool to elaborate on experiences not mentioned in other places in your application. Overall, a resume is helpful as a quick summary of who you are as a person, a student, and a leader.

Scott Herrmann-KeelingCollege Counselor

Should students include a resume in their college application?

The reason to include a resume is if you have information that cannot be conveyed through the designated spaces on the Common Application. If you are able to tell admissions officers what they need to know with just the Common App, don’t bother. But if you have more to say than what fits, use a resume.

Zahir RobbCollege CounselorThe Right Fit College

Should students include a resume in their college application?

A resume can be a valuable addition to an application for some of the smaller liberal arts colleges. You will find that some ask for them within their application materials, while others will accept them in a separate mailing. Once you have a well composed resume, contact the admissions office and ask them about their receptivity to such an item. Larger campuses may not have the time or simply the space to store such an item.

Nancy MilneOwnerMilne Collegiate Consulting

Should students include a resume in their college application?

If a school has indicated that they they welcome a resume, then by all means provide one. Some schools prefer to manage with the categories and blanks provided in their application. It never hurts to create a resume at this point in your career. You may need it to share with the person you are asking for a recommendation. You may need it for a scholarship application. Once you’ve created a template, it will be easy to continue to update over the years. You will be so happy when you really need one down the road.

Tira HarpazFounderCollegeBound Advice

Should students include a resume in their college application?

If you honestly feel that the common app spaces for extracurricular activities as well as the essays do not allow you to describe your extracurricular activities in enough depth, then you can add a resume or at least expand on some of your extracurricular activities in the additional info section. In addition, if you have a particular expertise, for example in performing arts, then you could add a resume highlighting your accomplishments and training in that particular field. However, what you don’t want to do is just regurgitate the common app answers without adding more substance, because the admissions office might think that shows poor judgment.