When it comes to college applications, recommendation letters from teachers and counselors can seriously boost your profile. But here's a secret: those busy educators need your help to write the best letter possible! That's where a brag sheet comes in.
A brag sheet is essentially a detailed resume-meets-highlight-reel that you provide to anyone writing you a recommendation. It gives them a clear, concise overview of your achievements, experiences, and aspirations – all the juicy details they might not remember off the top of their head. Think of it as a cheat sheet for your recommenders.
Providing a well-crafted brag sheet makes their job easier and ensures your recommendation letters are personal, impactful, and truly showcase your strengths.
Why Your Recommenders NEED a Brag Sheet
You might think your teachers know you really well, and they probably do! But they teach dozens, if not hundreds, of students. Remembering every amazing project, every club leadership role, or every time you went above and beyond in class is tough.
A brag sheet helps them:
- Remember Key Details: It jogs their memory about specific assignments, projects, or moments where you shone in their class.
- Highlight Your Best Selves: It reminds them of your unique qualities, passions, and contributions outside of academics.
- Align with Your Goals: It helps them connect your experiences to your future aspirations, showcasing you as a well-rounded candidate ready for college.
- Save Time: It provides all the necessary information in one organized place, making their writing process much smoother.
What to Include in Your Brag Sheet
A great brag sheet isn't just a list; it's a strategic summary designed to give your recommenders everything they need to write a powerful letter.
1. Basic Information & Logistics
- Your Full Name: Easy, but essential.
- Contact Information: Your email and phone number.
- Your School Counselor's Name: If applicable.
- Colleges You're Applying To (and their deadlines): This is CRITICAL. List the names of the colleges and the specific recommendation deadlines for each. This helps them prioritize and meet your needs.
- Recommendation Type: Specify if it's a general recommendation, specific to a program, etc.
- How to Submit: Remind them if they'll be submitting online (e.g., Common App, Coalition App) or via mail.
2. Academic Highlights
This section should focus on your successes within their specific class (if it's a teacher) and your broader academic journey.
- Teacher-Specific Information (for teachers):
- Class & Year: The exact class(es) you took with them and in which year (e.g., "AP Chemistry, Junior Year").
- Favorite Topics/Units: Mention specific topics or units you enjoyed or excelled in.
- Specific Projects/Assignments: Describe 2-3 specific projects, papers, labs, or presentations where you demonstrated strong skills, critical thinking, or unique insights. Quantify your achievements if possible! (e.g., "Led a team project that designed and built a working miniature trebuchet, earning the highest grade in the class.")
- Your Grade: The grade you earned in their class.
- Any Challenges/Growth: Briefly mention any academic struggles you overcame or areas where you showed significant improvement.
- Overall Academic Achievements:
- GPA (weighted/unweighted): Include both if available.
- Test Scores (if you want them to know): SAT/ACT scores.
- Relevant Courses: Any advanced courses (AP, IB, Dual Enrollment) related to your chosen major or interests.
- Academic Awards/Honors: Honor roll, subject awards, academic competitions.
3. Extracurricular Activities & Community Involvement
This is where you showcase what you do outside the classroom and how you contribute to your community.
- List Activities: Include all extracurriculars, clubs, sports, arts, volunteer work, and part-time jobs.
- Dates/Duration: How long have you been involved in each? (e.g., "Varsity Soccer, 3 years").
- Your Role/Leadership: Clearly state your role (e.g., "President," "Treasurer," "Team Captain," "Volunteer Lead").
- Key Responsibilities & Achievements: Don't just list what you did; explain the impact you had. Use action verbs and quantify if possible.
- Instead of: "Member of Chess Club."
- Try: "Organized weekly tournaments for 20+ members, increasing club participation by 15%."
- Instead of: "Volunteered at local animal shelter."
- Try: "Devoted 100+ hours to caring for rescue animals, leading to 15 successful adoptions."
- Skills Gained: What skills did you develop through these activities (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving, public speaking, leadership, time management)?
4. Personal Qualities & Growth
This is crucial for painting a full picture of who you are as a person.
- Adjectives to Describe You: Think of 3-5 positive adjectives that truly describe your personality, work ethic, and character (e.g., resilient, curious, collaborative, persistent, compassionate, innovative, disciplined).
- Anecdotes/Examples: For each adjective, provide a brief example or story that illustrates that quality. This is gold for recommenders!
- Example (for 'resilient'): "When I struggled with the complex integration problems in Calculus BC, I consistently stayed after class for extra help and worked through every practice problem until I mastered the concept, ultimately earning an A."
- Challenges Overcome: Briefly describe any significant challenges you've faced (academic or personal) and how you overcame them, highlighting your growth.
5. Future Goals & Aspirations
Help your recommenders connect your past achievements to your future plans.
- Intended Major/Field of Study: What are you hoping to study in college?
- Career Aspirations (if known): What kind of career are you thinking about?
- Why You're Asking Them: Briefly state why you specifically chose this teacher/counselor to write your letter. What qualities do you admire about them, or how did they specifically help you? (e.g., "Your guidance in AP Lit truly developed my analytical writing skills, which I know will be crucial in my English major.")
How to Present Your Brag Sheet
- Keep it Concise: Aim for 1-2 pages, maybe 3 at most if you have a lot of significant experiences. Recommenders are busy!
- Organized & Easy to Read: Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting.
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Just like your college essays, make sure your brag sheet is flawless.
- Attach Your Resume (Optional but Recommended): A separate, concise resume can complement your brag sheet, providing another overview of your experiences.
- Provide a Photo (Optional): A small, professional photo can help them quickly put a face to the name, especially if they teach many students.
- Deliver Thoughtfully: Hand it to them in person (or email if necessary) with a polite, clear request for a recommendation.