In today’s competitive job market, showcasing your achievements during high school can set you apart from other candidates.
Highlighting your extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments, and leadership roles can provide prospective employers with a well-rounded view of your skills and character.
Here are the top 20 high school achievements you should consider including on your resume. Including these quantifiable achievements on your resume is important. They give potential employers a clearer picture of your capabilities. These achievements highlight your contributions during high school.
Top 20 High School Student Achievements for Resume
- GPA Achievement: Graduated with a GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.
- Honor Roll: Maintained a place on the Honor Roll for six consecutive semesters.
- Standardized Test Scores: Scored 1500 on the SAT or 32 on the ACT.
- Extracurricular Leadership: Served as President of the Student Council, leading a team of 15 members.
- Volunteer Hours: Accumulated over 200 hours of community service through various local organizations.
- Debate Awards: Won first place in regional debate competitions for three consecutive years.
- Sports Achievements: Lettered in varsity soccer for three years and led the team in goals scored with 15 in the senior year.
- Academic Competitions: Placed in the top 5% at the state science fair with a project on renewable energy.
- Membership in Academic Societies: Elected as Treasurer of the National Honor Society with a membership of over 50 students.
- Fundraising Initiatives: Raised $5,000 for a local charity through a sports tournament organized by the student body.
- Yearbook Contributions: Contributed to a yearbook that received a national award for excellence in design and layout.
- Art Exhibitions: Featured artist in a local exhibition showcasing over 10 pieces of original artwork.
- Music Accomplishments: Played in the school orchestra for four years, including performances at state competitions.
- Internships: Completed a summer internship at a local tech company, resulting in a documented 20% increase in project efficiency.
- Work Experience: Worked part-time at a retail store for two years, achieving the highest sales record in the district.
- Science Club Participation: Led a science club project that resulted in a published paper in a local journal.
- Technology Proficiency: Acquired certifications in Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite, completing over 50 hours of training.
- Peer Tutoring: Tutored fellow students in mathematics, helping 15 students improve their grades by an average of one letter.
- Clubs Involvement: Actively participated in at least 5 different clubs, balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities.
- Successful Event Coordination: Organized a school-wide charity event that attracted over 200 participants and raised $2,000 for a local cause.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I include high school achievements on my resume?
Including high school achievements can demonstrate your skills, commitment, and dedication to potential employers. This is especially true if you are a recent graduate with limited work experience.
How do I choose which achievements to include?
Select achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Focus on those that highlight skills or qualities that align with the job description.
Can I list achievements from middle school?
It’s typically best to focus on high school achievements. However, if you have a significant accomplishment from middle school that demonstrates relevant skills, you may include it.
How do I format achievements on my resume?
Use bullet points to list your achievements clearly, ensuring they are concise and relevant. You can use categories such as academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
Should I mention my GPA or academic honors?
Yes, include them if you have a strong GPA. Being a valedictorian or a member of the National Honor Society can also strengthen your application.
Conclusion
Your high school achievements should be emphasized on your resume. This not only showcases your dedication and skills. It also provides evidence of your potential as a valuable team member. Tailor your achievements to fit the job you’re applying for, and remember to keep them relevant and concise.
Comments
Sarah M.: “This list is super helpful! I never thought about including my debate awards on my resume.”
James T.: “Great suggestions! I’m definitely going to add my National Honor Society membership. Thanks!”
Emily R.: “I love how detailed the descriptions are. It makes it easier to know what to highlight!”
Michael S.: “These tips are exactly what I needed as I update my resume for college applications.”
Katie L.: “I appreciate the FAQ section! It’s answering all the questions I had about how to format my achievements.”
Should high school students include non-academic achievements on their resumes, such as sports accomplishments or community service projects, to showcase a more well-rounded profile to potential colleges or employers?
Hi Fiona:
Yes, high school students should definitely include non-academic achievements on their resumes. Showcasing accomplishments in sports, community service, and extracurricular activities can provide a more well-rounded profile to potential colleges or employers.
These achievements highlight essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, dedication, and time management, all of which are valuable traits in any academic or work environment. Including a variety of experiences not only reflects a student’s interests but also demonstrates their ability to engage with their community and commit to various pursuits outside of academics.