With a completed resume you’ll find you have much of the information you need to fill out college applications.  Writing your resume can also help you think of experiences to use as the basis of your application essays.  Here are some tips to help you get started:

• List your achievements.  Include high school course list and any academic achievements, such as awards or honors.  Include any academic or other competitions you’ve entered.
• Don’t be shy.  Brainstorm with friends and family to see if you can discover achievements that you’ve overlooked.
• Use action words.  For example, “organized weekend softball game;”  “volunteered at the local senior center;”  “edited club newsletter.”
• Include details.  Describe what you’ve achieved with your hobbies and interests, rather than just the interests themselves.