The rules for listing your high school education on a resume often seem unclear, changing based on your age, experience, and other qualifications. This guide provides clear directions on when to include your high school information, what details to provide, how to format it correctly, and where it belongs on your resume.
When to Include Your High School Education
Deciding whether to list your high school education depends on your current career and educational stage. For current high school students, recent graduates, and those with no college experience, a high school diploma is your most significant educational achievement and should be included. If you are a high school student seeking an internship or your first job, your education is a primary qualification. Similarly, if you have graduated but not pursued higher education, your diploma serves as a baseline qualification.
The guidance changes once you have some college experience. First- and second-year college students can still list their high school information, but it becomes less relevant as you progress. By the time you are a junior or senior in college, your in-progress degree is a more powerful credential, and the high school entry can be removed. For anyone who has graduated from college or has several years of professional experience, a high school diploma should not be on your resume, as your work history and higher-level degrees are the focus.
What Information to Include
The required information consists of the high school’s name, its city and state, and your graduation date. This provides employers with the necessary context to verify your credential.
You can include optional details to strengthen your qualifications, especially if you have limited work experience. A Grade Point Average (GPA) can be included if it is strong, a 3.5 or higher, as it demonstrates academic dedication. You can also list relevant coursework, such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes or specific vocational training that aligns with the job you are targeting. Academic honors, like being on the honor roll or a member of the National Honor Society, also showcase a history of achievement.
How to Format Your High School Education
The format for your education entry should be clean, simple, and consistent with the rest of your resume.
For a High School Diploma
For those who have graduated, the format is straightforward. List the name of the school and its location, followed by your graduation date.
Example:
Central High School, Anytown, USA
High School Diploma, June 2023
For a GED
If you have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, it should be listed clearly in the education section. It is helpful to write out the full name of the credential to ensure clarity for all employers.
Example:
General Educational Development (GED) Diploma, 2023
If You Are Still in High School
Current students should indicate that their diploma is in progress by providing an expected graduation date. This informs employers of your current status and when you will be available for more hours.
Example:
Northwood High School, Springfield, USA
Expected Graduation: June 2026
If You Did Not Graduate
If you attended high school but did not graduate, you can still list the experience. Include the school name and the years you attended. This shows a partial educational history without misrepresenting your graduation status.
Example:
Eastside High School, Greenville, USA
Attended 2019 – 2022
Where to Place the Education Section on Your Resume
The location of the education section on your resume sends a signal to employers about what you consider your strongest qualifications. For recent graduates and current students, your education is likely your most significant selling point. In this case, the education section should be placed at the top of your resume, directly after your contact information and a brief summary or objective statement.
For individuals with established work histories, the emphasis should be on professional experience. The education section should be moved to the bottom of the resume, after your work experience and skills sections. This placement allows hiring managers to focus first on your practical skills and accomplishments.