Myths and facts about the college resume

Myths and facts about the college resume Credit: stock.xchng image

At some point during your child’s stint in high school, you are likely to hear that it’s important for students to build a “college resume.”

The term itself may give you pause: After all, you probably didn’t have a resume until you were out of college and in the job market-and maybe not even then.

But in today’s competitive admissions environment, many high school guidance counselors advise students to compile a record of activities and achievements that they can submit with their college applications.

“An important part of high school is making sure that you’ve got what it takes to get into college,” says one guidance counselor. “It’s not enough anymore for kids to do well in their academic work. They also need to get involved in extracurricular activities to show they have interests outside of the classroom.”

Unfortunately, students often misinterpret this advice and focus more on resume building than on pursuing their passions, which is really what colleges prefer to see. To help you understand the difference, we separate the myths from the facts:

Myth: A student should join as many clubs as possible to prove that she’s well rounded.
Fact: While it might make sense for a freshman or sophomore to dabble in different activities, by the time a student is in her junior year, it’s better to be highly involved in one or two interest areas. Colleges don’t necessarily look for well-rounded kids; rather they admit a well-rounded freshman class-and that includes the star quarterback who spends all his free time playing football, as well as the captain of the debate team who loves current events but hates sports. What’s important is that teens pursue their passions and strive for recognition and leadership roles by the time they apply to college. Remember, it’s not just school-related activities that count: Involvement in community organizations, political campaigns and faith-based groups is also impressive.

Myth: Volunteer work is more important than a paying job.
Fact: No doubt about it, colleges like to see students who do community service. But kids shouldn’t fret if they aren’t able to spend their summers building houses in Appalachia or volunteering at a camp for special-needs kids. Admissions officers understand that many teens need to earn money to help build their college fund. In fact, holding a paying after-school or summer job while maintaining good grades is an impressive addition to any resume. If possible, though, students should make time for some kind of community service-even if it’s just helping out at the annual fundraiser for a local charity or pitching in to do a spring cleanup at a neighborhood park.

Myth: Study-abroad programs will give college applicants a leg up.
Fact: You might hear this from people who run these pricey programs-or maybe even from your teen who’d love to study art history in Italy or environmental science in Costa Rica. While doing so certainly won’t hurt, such activities are hardly a prerequisite for even the most selective schools.

Myth: Students should do an internship if they plan to apply to a top school.
Fact: A handful of lucky high school kids manage to get work experience in a field they’re hoping to pursue. But in today’s economy, internships are increasingly hard to come by; usually they’re filled by college students and even post-graduates. What’s more, few high school students are focused enough to know what professional field they plan to enter. If you can use your network to help him land an internship, great. But if you can’t, don’t sweat it.

Myth: Unless a student has a great resume, he won’t get into a good college.
Fact: Kids shouldn’t waste too much energy trying to figure out how to impress colleges. Instead, they should focus on working hard, doing activities they enjoy, and being an engaged and contributing member of their school community in a way that works for them. If they do, their college resumes will reflect who they really are-and all students will end up in the right school for them.
 

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME