How to Describe High School on a Resume: Tips and Formatting Guidelines

When it comes to crafting a professional resume, including your high school education is crucial, especially for students or recent graduates. This brief period in your academic career plays a significant role in demonstrating your basic education and foundational skills. Here are some essential tips and formatting guidelines to help you present your high school experience effectively.

Format and Information to Include

Below is a comprehensive guide to help you format and present your high school education on your resume.

Section Title:

Educational Background or High School Education

School Name:

Be specific and list the name of the high school you attended. For example, 'Springfield High School'.

Location:

Including the city and state can help place your high school within a geographical context. For instance, 'Springfield, IL'.

Dates Attended:

Mention the years you attended. Use a clear format, such as 'September 2019 - June 2023'.

Diploma:

State the type of diploma you received, which is typically a 'High School Diploma'.

Relevant Coursework (Optional):

Include any relevant courses that could be pertinent to the job you are applying for. Examples include 'AP Biology', 'Advanced Math', and 'Computer Science'.

Achievements (Optional):

Highlight any honors, awards, or leadership positions. For example, 'National Honor Society' or 'Honor Roll 2021-2023'.

Example

Educational Background

School Name: Springfield High School Location: Springfield, IL Dates Attended: September 2019 - June 2023 Diploma: High School Diploma Relevant Coursework: AP Biology, Advanced Math, Computer Science Achievements: National Honor Society, Honor Roll 2021-2023, Student Council President, Varsity Soccer Team

Tips for Including High School Education on a Resume

Tailor the Content

Focusing on experiences and skills relevant to the job you are applying for is essential. This approach ensures that your resume highlights aspects that are pertinent to the position.

Be Honest

Only include achievements and activities that are true and accurately reflect your experience. Honesty is crucial in building trust and credibility.

Keep it Concise

This section should be straightforward and not overly detailed, especially if you have other experiences to highlight. Being concise helps keep the focus on more impressive and recent achievements.

Additional Guidelines

Including your high school education on your resume can be valuable, especially if it showcases notable achievements. Consider the following additional tips:

Create a Specific Section

Place a separate section for your high school education after your college experience. This helps maintain a clear organizational structure.

Include Your School's Name and Location

Be sure to list the complete name of the school, along with its location. For example, 'Springfield High School, Springfield, IL'.

Include Recent or Anticipated Graduation Date

Mention the most recent or upcoming graduation date. If you expect to graduate in the near future, indicate the expected year, such as 'Expected Graduation: May 2024'.

Share Your GPA (Optional)

Consider including your grade point average (GPA). If your GPA is above 3.4, it can be a strong selling point. Otherwise, it may not be necessary to include it.

By following these guidelines, you can create a well-presented high school section on your resume that adds value to your professional document.