How to Build Your Resume for College Applications
Dean Einstein and Mike Caldwell, Executive Director of TCU's Center for Career and Professional Development, answered questions about building resumes for the college application process in a live chat. Watch the entire video or check out key takeaways and links below for answers to your questions.
There’s no magic formula of activities that will guarantee college admission
Don’t get too fixated on a set number or specific types of activities that will get
you into selective colleges. What’s more important to TCU admission counselors is
that you’ve chosen activities that are meaningful to you. You may not have figured
out what you’re passionate about during your early years of high school, so take time
to explore and try things that interest you. Join an athletic team, a student organization
and volunteer in your community to find activities that interest you.
It’s a myth that we’re looking for well-rounded students
While we do look for a well-rounded class of students, that doesn’t mean that each
individual person must be well-rounded. If you decide that you don’t like something,
find another activity that speaks to you. We focus on depth, not breadth, meaning
more isn’t always better. If you’re really passionate about what you do, that will
come through in your application.
Use your space effectively and efficiently
Be strategic in what you include on your resume. Try to focus on one or two really
meaningful pages. So don’t include activities that you did in elementary school unless
that’s something you’ve carried on through high school. Emphasize the things that
you’re passionate about and that will make you stand out. And don’t forget, there
are many ways to include your experience and personality in the college application.
Every piece of writing that you submit to us is a representation of you and your professionalism.
Provide clarity on your resume when needed
There’s no need to explain something we all know about like playing basketball, but
if your school or community has a unique club or activity, make sure to provide clarity.
Write out acronyms and explain the organization or club mission as well as your involvement.
- Is there a preferred TCU resume template? – 17:35
- Which activities are best to leave off your college resume? – 20:08
- How do I work on the awards part of the application relating to interests? – 21:50
- What does a good transfer resume look like? – 25:38
- What is the intern scholarship program? 27:48
- What can I do to boost my resume and make me stand out? – 33:06
- How do you view summer programs that students complete to explore a major they’re interested in? – 41:39
- If all of a student’s time is spent in one area of focus, should they be concerned about lack of experience in other clubs or work experience? – 45:43
- Will TCU take into consideration that many extra-curricular activities have been limited during the pandemic? – 48:12
- Regarding letters of recommendation, if you were a virtual student this past year, would you ask sophomore teachers for recommendation since they knew you personally or ask your virtual teachers? – 55:57
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