How Do You Write a High School Graduate Resume?

A high school graduate resume needs to make the most of education, since formal work history is often limited — and that’s completely normal for this stage of a career.

How to Put Education on a Resume

How to put education on resume sections for recent graduates: school name, graduation date, GPA (if 3.5+), relevant coursework, and any honors. The education on resume section typically sits near the top for graduates, moving lower once real work experience accumulates.

Structuring the Education Section

• School name and location

• Degree or diploma earned, with graduation date

• GPA on resume — include only if strong (generally 3.5+); omit otherwise without hesitation

• Relevant coursework, honors, or academic awards

Resumes for Graduate School and Beyond

• Resumes for graduate studies/resume for graduate school applications lean heavier on research experience, relevant coursework, and academic achievements than professional work history

• Graduate program resume documents should highlight any research assistantships, published or presented work, and academic references

• Education portion of resume entries at this level often include thesis topics or relevant capstone projects

Advanced and Specialized Education Entries

• How to list degree on resume: degree type, major, institution, graduation date — most recent and highest degree first

• PhD resume documents should emphasize publications, research focus, grants, and teaching experience alongside formal education

• Special education teacher resume entries should highlight relevant certifications (special education licensure) prominently alongside degree information

• MBA resume template structures typically foreground leadership experience and quantified business impact ahead of the education section, since MBA candidates are expected to already have professional experience

FAQs

How do I list education on a resume?
School name, degree, graduation date, GPA if strong (3.5+), and any relevant coursework or honors.

Should I include my GPA on my resume?
Only if it’s 3.5 or higher — otherwise, it’s safe and common to omit it entirely.

Where should education go on a recent graduate’s resume?
Near the top, above work experience, until you have substantial professional experience to lead with instead.