If you are planning to study in the US, you need to submit a college resume along with many other documents as a part of the university application process. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) outlines your educational and work-related history, accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and more. So, if you want to know the right format for a resume, its template, and other exciting information, this is the guide for you.

Key Highlights

• Key elements to include in the United States resume format
  • Contact information
  • Resume objective
  • Educational background
  • Extracurricular activities
• Work experience
• Skills
• US resume template
• American format resume: Do’s and Don’ts

Key elements to include in the United States resume format
Knowing the right United States CV format enhances your chances of securing admission to your chosen varsity. The main elements that you must include in your college admission resume are:

Personal information: This section is known as a resume header, and it must include the following details:

• Full name and address
• Phone number
• Professional email address

Resume objective: A resume objective briefly expresses your interest to study in the United States, career goals, and motivation to study at a specific university and the chosen course. A concise yet attention-grabbing resume objective encourages the admission officers to read your resume further.
Educational background: Give due importance to your educational records, as admission officers will keenly look at this section. Therefore, highlight your academic records by including:

• College name and location
• Academic qualification
• Your GPA (Grade Point Average), class rank, or test scores
• Graduation date
• Additional certification courses

Pro-Tip: Add some relevant educational achievements to make your academic records stand out.

Extracurricular activities: Extracurricular activities are of great importance in a college resume, as your academic records alone cannot paint a complete picture of who you are. Additionally, universities are keen to allow admission to well-rounded students who demonstrate their unique skills outside the classroom. Thus, try creatively showcasing your skills so admission authorities can notice them and grant you some extra points.

Work Experience: You will gain a competitive advantage if you have completed a part-time job or internship. Though work experience is not mandatory, it creates a good impression. As per the curriculum vitae US format, list your work experience in the following manner:

• Include your company name, job title, and duration
• Include 2-3 job responsibilities in bullets
• Your achievements (if any)

Pro-Tip: Include work experience as per the US resume formats, i.e., in chronological format, by mentioning the present position followed by previous ones.

Skills: This is a section to highlight attributes that are relevant to your field of study and to prove that you are a prospective aspirant for admission. Showcase your technical knowledge (relevant to your field of study) and soft skills to give a fair idea about your overall personality. 

US resume template

If you are planning to study a master’s program in Fine Arts from a well-ranked US university, here is the resume template:

Summary

Passionate and highly motivated, with an intense desire to study a master’s in Fine Arts program at your reputed university. Willing to become a skilled Graphic Designer after gaining expertise and knowledge.

Personal details

Name: XYZ
Address: ABC Street, State, Country
Mobile: XXX,
Email ID: xyz@abc.com

Education

ABC University,

• Bachelor in Fine Arts (2019-2022)
• GPA 7.5
• 6 months certification course in Fine Arts and Illustration

Extracurricular activities

• Two-time winner of the inter-state graphic designing competition (designed brochure and logo on various themes).
• Conducted 4 workshops in a 6-month period for 30+ students on how to create web and print designs in Photoshop.
• Won a runner-up prize in the school’s painting competition

Work experience

Pearl Business Solutions
Graphic Designer Intern (9 months)

• Developed illustrations, logos and brochures for various industries
• Worked closely with copywriters to finalise designs

Technical Skills

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Corel Draw

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Detail-oriented

So, this information will help you to write an engaging college application resume and realise your dream to study in the US. If you are facing financial constraints, apply for an education loan for study abroad programs. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans to study abroad with multiple benefits. Get in touch with us today to know these benefits and an education loan rate of interest.