Resume for USC's Application

[cheesygal]

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USC asks for a resume to be submitted with their application. They want us to include extracurricular activities, work experience, volunteer service honors and awards. I'm not sure if I should follow that order or if I should think "outside the box" and have a section specifically for pharmacy experience. I'm also hesitant about including my GPA. 1) because it's really not something I'm proud of and 2)don't they have it in their files anyway? I know I'm being a super worrywart , but did you guys use a resume template off of microsoft word or did you use your own template? 😕 For those applying to USC or go to USC, what have you guys done?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[KUMoose]

I would place the most relevant information at the top of the page, likely that's pharmacy experience followed by, volunteering or clubs based on which is more pharmacy/health care related.

I would include your GPA, including a broken out science GPA. If the GPA is low, either you can discuss it on the application OR in the interview. Yes they know about it (or should), but it's too late to be ashamed of it. Own up, explain what happened (not in the resume, what you took from the experience and why it won't be repeated.

While I don't have to write a resume for the schools I'm applying that seems most reasonable. I do have to explain low GPA (accum of a 3.ish, after 30 hours of .1 GPA). So I completely empathize with not wanting to shout the GPA from the rooftops! 😉

 

[crazyrice610]

i go to usc right now and we had a lecture about how to make a CV/resume a few weeks ago so maybe i can throw in some of my notes (it's really general so hope it helps - but most likely u already know most of this stuff) 😎

Rusume:
* Short
* Concise
* Follows format (word)
* emphasis on work related experience
* Intended to "grab attention"

Header: name, address, telephone number, email (at top of the page) - can be centered or left justified. name should be larger but do not use dark extra-large type

Education: list degrees in reverse chronological order, with most recent first: you can include relevant courses, education abroad, minor, or emphasis. If GPA is above average, you may choose to use it

Honors: section is optional and used for recognized academic accomplishments

Experience: reverse chronological order but if you have a mixture of experiences, you can break them into categories. focus on your accomplishments and responsibilities rather than a general list of duties. numbers can enhance credibility; they can show volume, percentages or dollar amounts. consolidate info and avoid repetition whenever possible. use action verbs to describe your skills and accomplishments, and be sure to use past tense for any positions you do not currently hold

Activities/Awards: List the most relevant activities and offices held first. Include college, professional and community. Focus on accomplishments and leaderships

Skills: certification, foreign languages, knowledge on computer software/hardware/equipment

*in writing a resume: honesty, 12pt size, info that applies only for the purpose, readible, lists skills and accomplishments rather than duties

* thye also mentioned using really nice paper (but i don't know if it is relevant in this case

 

[cheesygal]

thanks crazyrice, i've sent ya a pm. please check. 😛