For students just entering high school, it’s an exciting time filled with changes, challenges, and new opportunities. The years until graduation stretch far into the distance and may feel like they will last forever. For parents with an eye toward college, however, those same four years can feel more like the blink of an eye! All too soon, students will be touring colleges, filling out applications, and vying for essential scholarships.
And these days, the competition can be fierce.
For even the most accomplished student, the landscape of college applications has changed dramatically in recent years. For example, today’s colleges and universities receive a veritable avalanche of applications each fall. According to College Match Point, “application inflation that started during COVID-19 will continue to be the new normal for the most selective schools and majors. The Common App reports that the share of students applying to more than 10 colleges increased from 8% to 17%...”
So, how can parents help their student prepare for the college application process?
If your 9th grader has just started high school, the time to prepare for college is now. And one of the easiest ways to make sure your student is ready when the time comes, is to begin working together to develop a resume of events, activities, volunteer engagements, awards, and recognition.
By keeping all of this information in one document and organized by topic, event, and activity, your student will have an edge over others who will have to search for the data, sponsoring organizations, or the name of an award, during crunch time when multiple applications are due.
What goes into a high school resume?
Grades, Classes, and Standardized Test Scores. Keeping an updated record of a student’s GPA, a list of honors and AP classes, any college courses taken, and standardized test scores (PSAT, ACT, SAT) is absolutely essential. Filling out college applications is time-intensive and having accurate, up-to-date information instantly accessible will make the process go much more smoothly.
Job Experience. Has your student worked at a paid job at any point during high school? Have them note where, when, and what was learned. A few paragraphs written during the job experience or immediately afterward is important to keep events from fading from memory. And, the experience – whether as a pool lifeguard, a pre-K teacher’s aide, or working on a dairy farm – may spark a deeply meaningful college application essay answer.
Sports, The Arts, Activities. Is your student a gifted athlete? Maybe they showcased their artistic talents at a district-wide art show? Or starred in a school musical? Whatever your student is passionate about, from Student Government, to French Club, to playing the flute in the marching band, have them document all events, performances, and competitions, as well as notes about why they find this activity compelling.
Volunteerism. According to College Data, “It’s no secret that selective colleges look beyond the numbers when reviewing applicants. They also look for various personality and character traits. In a survey administered by the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), 70% of college admission officers said character traits were “considerably” or “moderately” important in their admissions decisions. Key among these traits? Compassion, open-mindedness, and social consciousness. So, your student should document those community service hours and see if a pattern emerges. Do they most enjoy helping the elderly? Or are they passionate about the environment? Working with animals? Improving education? Eradicating homelessness? These insights may even lead to the choice of a college major!
Awards and Recognition. Has your student received recognition for academics, activities, or volunteerism? A comprehensive list of awards should begin in 9th grade, unless a previous award was significant or national. The list should include the exact award name and year, sponsoring organization (including links to their website), and a blurb about how and why it was awarded. Note any letters of recommendation or commendations for service.
How a resume helps students win scholarships
College tuition costs are surging. A recent U.S. News article, “A Look at 20 Years of Tuition Costs at National Universities” cites the following adjusted-for-inflation rates:
“Tuition and fees at private National Universities have increased about 41%.
Out-of-state tuition and fees at public National Universities have risen about 32%.
In-state tuition and fees at public National Universities have grown about 45%.”
To put those percentages into perspective, the average cost of attendance at the University of Delaware (before any aid) is $32,444 per year. And, most highly selective schools can give parents serious sticker shock: Notre Dame ($80,211), Yale University ($85,120), Columbia University ($86,097) and Northwestern University ($89,394) are just a few examples.
Need-based aid is one solution for cash-strapped families. But scholarships are another essential way to defray the myriad expenses that come with sending a child to college. However, the competition for scholarships has also increased significantly in recent years.
Having a robust, complete resume in place will help your student more easily identify the scholarships that are the best match for their interests, background, and experience. For example, have they received awards for their music? Placed at the Science Fair? Been written up in the local newspaper for an achievement? Or consistently been named MVP in their chosen sport?
When it comes to winning scholarships, it pays to investigate early. In fact, there are numerous scholarships available for 9th – 11th graders. Waiting until your child’s senior year to apply can mean many missed opportunities.
Where to Find Scholarships
Scholarships, like students, come in all shapes and sizes! From scholarships that are limited by geography or age, to those that celebrate a specific heritage, interest, or ability, there’s something for everyone.
Some scholarships, are very narrowly focused, such as the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation Scholarship, which is created exclusively for residents of a property owned, in full or in part, by Leon N. Weiner and Associates and managed by Arbor Management, LLC. (Click here to learn more about these college scholarships for aspiring students who have demonstrated initiative, talent, skill, and need.)
Others have a much broader applicant pool. These scholarships often have a long laundry list of requirements, from essay questions to letters of recommendation. While the rewards can be great, the process can be challenging. And, having a comprehensive resume on hand will make the process go much more smoothly, especially when applying for multiple awards simultaneously.
Several excellent scholarship databases are available. Students can search by category, country, interest, and more. Some of the best include:
Final Thoughts
A resume is a working document that should be reviewed at regular intervals, as well as updated in real time, when new information (standardized test scores, awards, commendations, jobs) becomes available.
By keeping the information in one place, your student will have an accurate snapshot of their achievements and progress. The document will also allow them to evaluate in which categories more effort may be needed.
Creating this resume together can be an important learning tool for your student, allowing them to explore their preferences, motivations, and goals. And, it’s a no-risk way to help them take the reins as they move forward to college and greater independence!