You’ve been taught from a young age that bragging is not a good look… until now. Creating a strong “brag sheet” as the start of the college admissions process is crucial, as it can be used to elicit glowing letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors (among other things). It’s similar to a resume, but it’s more specific to college-bound high school students. So, what exactly does a brag sheet entail and how can you make sure yours stands out? Let’s dive in.
What’s the purpose of a brag sheet?
Most commonly, brag sheets are given to anyone who is writing you a letter of recommendation. A brag sheet is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – a sheet in which you brag about everything you’ve done and accomplished in high school (inside and outside the classroom). No matter how well a teacher or counselor may know you, they probably don’t remember that you set the fundraising record at the honor society’s fall event, and they might not realize that you actually founded that club you’re currently president of. The brag sheet is your chance to remind them of all the incredible things you’ve done, the stuff you’re most proud of, and basically say, “Hey, don’t forget to mention this in my letters of recommendation (hint hint).” A brag sheet is especially important for students attending big schools, where counselors and teachers are probably writing letters for many students.
Another handy use for the brag sheet is using it as a resume starting point. If/when it’s time to create a more formal resume for your college application, you’ll have one of the hardest parts done! Our advice? Keep a running brag sheet document on your desktop or GoogleDocs that you can constantly update and edit. When you need it, you’ll have everything neatly compiled in one place, ready to go. Whatever you do, don’t throw a brag sheet together halfheartedly, just to get it done or check a box. Take your time, and be thorough and intentional with the information.
What should be included on a brag sheet?
A brag sheet is similar to a resume in that it lists your activities, honors, achievements, and so on. However, it’s typically less formal than a traditional resume, and can contain things that a standard resume does not. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, brag sheets typically include…
- GPA, grades, coursework, class rank, etc.
- Test scores
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership positions
- Employment/work experience
- Philanthropic work/community service
- Honors, awards, recognitions
- Future career goals and academic plans (or hopes) for college
You have more flexibility with your brag sheet than you would with a formal, structured resume. If there is something that you think a teacher or counselor should know about you and you really want it mentioned on your letter of recommendation, put it on the sheet.
A quick brag sheet checklist
Getting ready to do your brag sheet and need some questions to jumpstart things? Just finished your brag sheet and want to make sure you’ve covered your bases? Here are some questions to consider before passing your brag sheet along.
- What would you consider your proudest accomplishment thus far? This could be academic, but it doesn’t have to be!
- Have there been any particularly impactful or transformative events in your life? It might be worth including!
- What are three to five adjectives you’d use to describe yourself? What traits are you most proud of?
- What are your academic strengths?
- What are your personal strengths?
- What do you think you want to study in college? Why?
- What are your career goals/aspirations?
You may not have answers to all of them, but these are questions worth considering as you craft and edit your brag sheet. Remember: this is your best way to help ensure your teachers and counselors write meaningful, specific, glowing letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Need help with your brag sheet? We’ve got you covered. The Enrichery offers 1-1 College Admissions Packages, and our expert coaches can work with you to create your ideal brag sheet (plus your finalized college list, resume, and essays… just saying). Contact us today and let’s get bragging.
