Should College Students Include High School Qualifications on Their Resumes?

Introduction

Deciding whether to include high school qualifications on a resume can be a tricky question for college students. Here, we will explore the importance of including such details and provide guidance based on industry norms and experience levels.

General Guidelines

The decision to include high school education on a resume largely depends on the current education level and any relevant experiences the applicant possesses. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

When to Include High School Education

If you are still in high school or a recent graduate with no college experience, it is advisable to include your high school education. If you are in college but have minimal work experience, and your high school accomplishments are relevant, you can also include this information.

What Details to Include

School Name: Include the complete name of the high school. Location: List the city and state if applicable. Graduation Date: Mention the month and year of graduation or expected graduation date. GPA: If you have a GPA above 3.5 or received honors, it can add value. Relevant Coursework or Activities: Include related courses, extracurricular activities, clubs, leadership roles, sports, and volunteer work. Honors or Awards: Highlight any academic awards, scholarships, or honors.

Removing High School Information

Once students gain more experience or complete higher education, it becomes valid to remove high school information, especially if it does not add relevant value to their resume.

College Students' Perspective

For college students, the inclusion of high school qualifications should be evaluated based on a few factors:

Relevance

Significant accomplishments or relevant coursework from high school, such as leadership roles, honors, or skills related to the job, might be worth including.

Experience Level

If you have limited college experience or are applying for an entry-level position, including high school qualifications can help fill out your resume.

Space and Industry Norms

Your resume should prioritize college education, relevant work experience, and skills. In some industries, such as creative fields, early achievements may be more valued than in technical fields.

Recommendations for College Students

If you decide to include high school qualifications, make sure to keep the section brief and place it at the bottom of your resume. As you acquire more college experience and relevant skills, remove high school details in favor of more pertinent information.

Conclusion

While some may argue that high school qualifications are less relevant in a college student's resume, these details can still play a role in job applications, especially if they have a significant impact on the hiring decision.