Abstract and Resume

Abstract

The Project Portfolio is introduced with a formal Abstract. An abstract is a brief written document that summarizes and highlights the major points of the Senior Project. The purpose of the abstract is to provide the reader with an overview of the project while not including details. The abstract should be no longer than one page in length. The abstract should be the first item in the final digital portfolio.

Written in MLA format, third person with no personal pronouns, the abstract should begin with a topic sentence that conveys the subject and scope of the project. Other relevant material may then be combined for conciseness and clarity, eliminating unnecessary words and ideas.

Because of the unique nature of the Senior Project, the following specific topics are to be included in the abstract:

  • Brief description of the project

  • Brief description of the product (if applicable)

  • Brief description of research component

  • On-site Advisor(s), their credentials, and their role in the project

  • Site of the project development

  • Major outcome (the learning stretch of the student)

Exemplar Abstract

Example 1

Guided Abstract Worksheet

Guided Abstract Handout

Abstract – Checklist/Rubric

The Abstract for the Senior Project should include the following:

Criteria: (8 points)

  • Abstract is written in 3rd person

  • Abstract is no more than one page in length

  • Abstract includes a brief description of the project

  • Abstract includes a brief description of the product

  • Abstract includes a brief description of research components

  • Abstract includes On-Site Advisor’s name, credentials, and their role in the project

  • Abstract includes site of the project development

  • Abstract includes the “major outcome” (learning stretch)

The Project Abstract must also meet the following Writing Standards: (2 points)

Organization

  • Sequencing is effective

  • Transitions are smooth and effective

  • Details are appropriate and developed

Conventions

  • MLA Format

  • Grammar and usage are correct

  • Paragraph structure is sound

  • Punctuation and spelling are correct

  • Little or no editing is required

10 Points

Resume

One way of introducing yourself and your work to others is through a resume. The purpose of a resume is to show your accomplishments and experiences in a snapshot.

The following information must be included in your resume:

Objective – Write one sentence in third person describing what you are trying to accomplish. This can be short term (graduation), mid-term (go to college), or long term (become President).

  • Your objective should be very short, written in third person, and it is acceptable if it is a sentence fragment.

  • Example: Dedicated CIS graduate pursuing a help-desk position

Tips for Writing Your Own Objective Statement (from Monster.com)

  • Focus on how you would benefit the employer, not on how the employer would benefit you. Stay away from resume objectives that state your working preferences, such as "seeking a team-oriented environment that fosters professional development."

  • Do not be vague. Steer clear from statements that say nothing substantial about your career goal (e.g., "seeking a challenging position with potential for growth and advancement").

  • Keep it concise and targeted. Hiring managers often sort through hundreds to thousands of resumes to fill one job opening. Make it easy on them by keeping your objective short and to the point. The best resume objectives contain a desired job title or target.

Education – You only need to list your high school education. Include any classes you want people to know you took. For example, if you want to be a doctor and you have taken Anatomy & Physiology or AP Biology, list it! If you have earned honors or awards, list them!

Skills – If you have any skills that set you apart from other seniors, you should list them. These might include fluency in a foreign language, computer programming languages or certifications, other certifications you have earned in or out of school (i.e. CPR certification), etc.

Sports/Extra Curricular Activities – This can include sports, clubs, and non-school activities

Work or Volunteer Experience – You can share any jobs you have had, or any volunteer experiences you have had. These should be things of significance – if you volunteered once for five hours, do not include that. If you have completed 25+ hours for an organization, that might be something to share.

If there is any other important or pertinent information you may include that too. This might include your community service experience.

References – Include a list of 3-5 personal references. You should ALWAYS ask someone before you list them as a reference! Note that this is just a LIST of references – you do not need to ask these people to write you letters of recommendation. The following information needs to be included:

  • 3-5 people should be listed. These can be teachers, coaches, employers, advisors, or other people that have had interaction with the student. Relatives and personal friends are not acceptable sources for a list of references.

  • The person’s job title or relationship to the student (English teacher, project advisor, etc.) needs to be listed.

  • The person’s contact information including their address, phone number, and email address, needs to be provided.

The list above can be used as an order. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Pages have templates that can be utilized, and examples can be found below.

Examples

Resume – Checklist/Rubric

The Professional Resume must contain the following:

Objective (2 points)

  • Statement is specifically tailored to suit the position for which you are applying

  • Includes a concise statement of why you are a qualified candidate

  • Use of key words or phrases that demonstrate your skill set

Education (2 points)

  • High School(s) and projected graduation date

  • Specific completed coursework that pertains to the job (Honors, AP, KAP, CC+, electives)

  • Anticipated awards, accolades, honors

  • Prospective colleges, universities, or training programs (if applicable)

  • Prospective areas of study (include majors and minors, if applicable)

One Extra Entry of Personal Choice (2 points)

  • (This may include Extra-Curricular, Work Experience, Volunteer Experience)

  • Dates of Participation

  • Certificates, Licensure

  • Leadership Roles

  • Awards, Honors, Responsibilities

  • Include organizations/groups of relevant experience

3–5 References (2 points)

  • Person’s name

  • Person’s place of work and title

  • Contact Information including address, phone number, and email address

Formatting (2 points)

  • Chose an aesthetically appealing format that will highlight or match your skill set

  • All headings, sub-headings, and ancillary information is distinguishable by font, size, and style

10 Points