CV / Resume

A curriculum vitae (CV), or a resume, records all of the experiences that make you employable. You can think of it as your life story, but only the parts that are relevant to the working world.

A professional and well-written CV is often the first and therefore essential part of the application procedure. Your CV is the first piece of information that the University you’re applying to is receiving, so you need to make sure that you leave a good first impression. Keep in mind that an application officer will pay attention to a wide range of aspects and that they will be most capable about drawing conclusions themselves whether you are fit for the program you’re applying for.

Your CV can stand out amongst all other applications not only through your past experiences and education, but also through a clear structure and apprehensive layout. Your CV should reflect your positive qualities as much as possible and your accomplishments listed on your CV should speak for themselves; you do not need to draw conclusions about what they say about you.

Some important tips!

• Divide your CV into sections, such as education and qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and interests, additional information and skills.

• In each section, put the most recent information first, and work backwards.

• Start with the most relevant section first. In the case of an Undergraduate course application, this will be your education. Briefly list the relevant courses you have taken. Also list relevant projects or extended essay.

• Describe what you have done and what you have learnt. Provide the necessary information for the reader to draw his/her own conclusions.

• Be concise: limit your CV to 2 pages, preferably 1 page.

• Make sure the layout is very clear and easy to skim over. Make use of headings, bullet points and spacing.

Universities have varying demands with regards to the content of your CV. Try to find information on the website of the University to which you’re applying to; see whether they have indications about what they would like to see on your CV. 

Source: https://students.uu.nl/en/university-college-utrecht/student-life-and-career-orientation/masters/cv-and-motivation-letter (accessed on 3rd December, 2023)

What to include in the profile section of your CV

NOTE: The wording below is provided as an example to help you understand the structure of a strong profile section. Please do not copy it directly. These are possible aspects you can cover in your profile. 

1. Opening statement (1 sentence)
   Who you are: Mention your current status as a high school student and any standout academic attributes.
   Example: "Motivated high school student with a strong academic record and a passion for STEM subjects."

2. Academic achievements (1 sentence)
   Key accomplishments: Highlight your academic successes, such as HL courses or notable projects.
   Example: "Consistently achieved high grades in IB DP HL Mathematics and Physics."

3. Extracurricular activities (1 sentence)
   Involvement and leadership: Emphasize participation in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or leadership roles.
   Example: "Active member of the robotics club, serving as team captain, and volunteered over 100 hours at the local community center."

4. Skills and Interests (1 sentence)
   Relevant skills: Mention any skills or interests that align with your intended field of study.
   Example: "Proficient in programming languages such as Python and Java, with a keen interest in engineering and technology."

5. Career or educational aspirations (1 sentence)
   Future goals: State your aspirations for university and beyond.
   Example: "Eager to pursue a degree in Computer Science to further develop my skills and contribute to innovative tech solutions."

A possible format

Other resources

Remember that Unifrog has a CV / Resume writing tool that can help you.

​Check this interesting resource to excel at writing about your activities:

If you ask your university counsellor for feedback, please share your CV as a Word document online to make it easier for them to review.

Once you have a final version, you can use different tools to view more samples (search for "student resume") or create a more polished format. For example, you could use Europass CV or Canva. Please note that some external platforms may charge fees, and remember to be very cautious when sharing your personal information.