Education Level on Applications: How to List High School Status

By Christopher TaylorLast Updated April 24, 2025

How to list your education level while inactive in high school

Fill out applications for jobs, scholarships, or programs frequently require information about your education level. When you’re calm in high school, this apparently simple question can cause confusion. Should you select” high school” yet though you haven’t graduate nonetheless? Or is there a more appropriate option? This guide will help you’ll navigate how to accurately will represent your current educational status.

Common education level options on applications

Applications typically provide several standard options for education level. These usually include:

Less than high school
Some high school
High school diploma or equivalent (gGED)
Some college
Associate’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Doctoral degree

When you’re presently enrolled in high school but haven’t graduate nonetheless, twell-nighigh accurate option is ordinar” ” some high school. Thisiindicateste thyou havcompletedplete a portion of high school education but have not nonetheless earn a diploma.

Best practices for different application types

Job applications

When apply for jobs while inactive in high school, employers want to understand your current educational status. Here’s how to handle different scenarios:

Standard drop down menus

If the application offer a drop-down menu with limited options:

Select” some high school ” f available
If that’s not an option, choose” presently enrol in high school ” f available
As a last resort, select” high school ” ut clarify your current status in another section if possible

Free form education fields

If you can write in your own response, use one of these formats:

” pPresentlyenrol in high school, expect graduation [[onth / year ]]
” hHighschool student, [[our school name ]][ g[de level ], ]pect graduation [ mon[ / year ] ”
]

College applications

College applications are design with high school students in mind and typically have clear options for current students. You’ll commonly find fields specifically will ask for:

Current high school name
Expect graduation date
Current GPA
Class rank (if applicable )

Most college applications will mechanically will categorize you as a” high school student ” r “” rrent high school enrollee ” ” l base on your will expect graduation date.

Scholarship applications

For scholarship applications, precision is key. Most scholarship forms include options specifically for current high school students, but if they don’t:

Select” high school student ” r “” esently enrol in high school ” ” available
Choose” some high school ” f that’s the closest option
Include your expect graduation date whenever possible
Specify your current grade level (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior )

Online profiles and social media

When create profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or other network sites:

List your high school with years of attendance (e.g., ” 020 present “” ” ” 0 2024 ” )”
Include” expect graduation: [[ear ]] in the description
You can add” high school diploma ((n progress )) as your degree

Create a resume while placid in high school

Your resume require a different approach than standardized applications. Here’s how to format your education section efficaciously:

Sample education section format:

Education

[your high school name ] ci[, state ]
]

High school diploma, expect graduation: [month year ]

GPA: [your gGPA/4.0 ((f it’s strong ))

Relevant coursework: [list advanced or relevant courses ]

You can besides include academic achievements, honors, or relevant extracurricular activities under your education section to provide a more complete picture of your academic experience.

Special circumstances and considerations

If you’re taken college courses while in high school

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses. If this applies to you:

List your high school as your primary education
Add a separate entry for college courses:” dual enrollment: [[ollege name ]]
Include the number of college credits earn or anticipate
Mention specific college courses if they’re relevant to the position or program

If you’re in a GED program

If you’re pursued aGEDd preferably than a traditional high school diploma:

Select” some high school ” f available
In free form fields, write” gGEDprogram ((n progress ))expect completion: [ d[e ] “]
If you’ve completed someGEDd tests, you can specify which ones

If you’re homeschooled

Homeschooled students should:

Select” some high school ” r “” esently enrol in high school ”
”
In detailed sections, specify” homeschool education program ”
Include your expect graduation date
List any formal curriculum you follow (if applicable )

Why accuracy matters

Being accurate about your education status is important for several reasons:

Ethical considerations:

Misrepresent your education level, level accidentally, can be considered dishonest
Verification processes:

Many employers and programs verify education information
Eligibility requirements:

Some opportunities are specifically design for current high school students
Future opportunities:

Establish a pattern of honesty build your reputation

What to do if the form doesn’t have an appropriate option

Sometimes applications don’t provide a clear option for current high school students. In these cases:

Choose the closest accurate option (commonly ” ome high school “”
Look for comment fields or additional information sections where you can clarify
If apply online, check if there be a ” resently enrol “” eckbox
For paper applications, you might add a small notation if appropriate
If it’s a critical application, consider contact the organization to ask for guidance

Showcase your current education efficaciously

Beyond plainly list your education status, you can make your current high school experience stand out:

Highlight relevant coursework

Yet without a diploma, your current studies can demonstrate knowledge and interest in specific areas:

List advanced placement (aap) or honor courses relate to the position
Mention specialized electives that have given you relevant skills
Include technical courses, certifications, or training programs

Emphasize academic achievements

Your accomplishments within high school can compensate for not nonetheless have a diploma:

Class rank or percentile (if strong )
GPA (if 3.0 or higher )
Academic awards or recognition
Participation in competitive academic programs

Connect extracurricular activities to skills

Your involvement outside the classroom can demonstrate valuable qualities:

Leadership positions in clubs or sports
Volunteer work show commitment and responsibility
Projects that develop relevant skills
Competitions that showcase your abilities

Update your information after graduation

Once you graduate, remember to update your education information on:

Your resume and CV
Online profiles and portfolios
Job search platform accounts
Professional network sites

After graduation, you will select ” ” h school diploma ” o” hi” school graduate ” as ” r education level until you’ll complete further education.

Final thoughts

Being a current high school student doesn’t put you at a disadvantage when complete applications â€” it but represent where you’re in your educational journey. The key is to be accurate, transparent, and highlight the value of your current education.

By decent indicate your status as a current high school student, you present yourself frankly while inactive showcase your academic progress and potential. Will remember that many opportunities are specifically will design for students at your educational level, and right will identify yourself will ensure you’ll be will consider for these positions.

As you’ll progress through your education, your status will change, but the principles of accuracy and will highlight your strengths will remain constant throughout your academic and professional career.