Brag Sheet Questions

So, I'm working on putting together a brag sheet to help my teachers write me strong letters of recommendation for my college applications. What are some essential questions I should answer, and are there any tips on how to make my brag sheet stand out? Thanks!

It's great that you're working on a brag sheet! A brag sheet is an organized document highlighting your achievements, activities, and personal traits that you can provide to your recommenders to help them write stronger letters for your college applications. Here are a few essential questions and tips to make your brag sheet stand out:

1. Academic achievements: List any awards or honors you've received during your high school years. This can include being on the honor roll, AP Scholar, National Merit Scholar, or any subject-specific awards.

2. Extracurricular activities: Describe your involvement in clubs, sports, or organizations. Focus on showcasing your leadership roles, commitment, and any achievements within those activities. Don't forget to include any Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars, as these can greatly enhance your brag sheet.

3. Community involvement: Include any volunteering or service projects you have participated in, along with the number of hours you dedicated to each project. If you've been involved in any community activism or started a local initiative, be sure to mention that as well.

4. Work experience and internships: List any part-time jobs, internships, or research opportunities you've had, highlighting the skills and experiences you gained from them.

5. Personal qualities: Reflect on your strengths, work ethic, and values that make you a unique candidate. Make a list of adjectives that describe your character, and provide brief examples or anecdotes that demonstrate those qualities.

6. Future goals: Briefly describe your short-term and long-term goals, both academically and personally. Mention your intended major or career aspirations, as well as any personal growth objectives.

To make your brag sheet stand out, follow these tips:

- Be concise: Keep your descriptions brief but informative. This will make it easier for your recommenders to review your achievements and personalize their letters.

- Be specific: Instead of just listing your accomplishments, provide context and quantify your achievements when possible (e.g., "Raised $2,000 for a local charity by organizing a 5k race" instead of "Organized fundraising event").

- Include unique experiences: If you have any nontraditional experiences like study abroad, gap year projects, or significant personal challenges, include them in your brag sheet to offer a more comprehensive picture of your background.

- Organize and format: Use headings, bullet points, and tables to make your brag sheet visually appealing and easy to read. This will help your recommenders quickly find relevant information when crafting their letters.

- Tailor to recommenders: If you have different recommenders for different categories (e.g., academic, extracurricular, work experience), consider customizing your brag sheet to focus on the aspects that are most relevant to each recommender.

By answering these questions and following these tips, you'll create a comprehensive and engaging brag sheet that can greatly assist your recommenders in writing strong and personalized letters of recommendation. Good luck!