How to write a brag sheet?

Hi everyone! My counselor asked me to create a brag sheet for my college recommendations. Can you please share some tips on how to write a brag sheet? What should I include and how should I format it? Thanks for your help!

Creating a strong brag sheet can make a big difference in how your counselor crafts their recommendation letter for you. A well-prepared brag sheet helps them understand your achievements, passions, and goals so they can effectively advocate for you. Here are some tips on how to write a brag sheet:

1. Include personal information: Begin with your name, contact information, high school graduation year, and the name of your counselor. This makes it easy for the person reading your brag sheet to reference who you are.

2. List academic achievements: Start by listing your academic accomplishments, such as GPA, class rank (if available), and any academic awards or honors you've received. Include details about difficult courses or advanced classes you've taken, along with your performance in those classes.

3. Detail extracurricular activities: List your extracurricular involvement, including clubs, sports, volunteer work, and any other activities outside of school. Highlight leadership positions you've held and the impact you've had on the organization. Be specific about your role and accomplishments.

4. Highlight awards and honors: Include any awards, honors, or recognitions you've earned outside of academics, whether at the local, state, national, or international level. These can include artistic achievements, athletic accomplishments, or community service awards. Provide context for each recognition, as not all awards are well-known.

5. Mention work experiences and internships: If you've held a job, completed an internship, or participated in a research program, provide details on your responsibilities and any achievements you're proud of. This helps showcase your work ethic, time management skills, and commitment to growth.

6. Share personal interests and passions: Don't forget to mention any personal interests or hobbies you're passionate about, especially if they demonstrate skills or qualities relevant to your college goals. This helps humanize you and gives your counselor a better understanding of what drives you.

7. Use bullet points and concise language: To make your brag sheet easy to read and reference, use bullet points and clear language. Keep descriptions short but impactful, focusing on the most important details of your achievements and experiences.

8. Organize by categories: Separate your accomplishments into distinct categories, like academic, extracurricular, honors, work experience, and personal interests. This will make it easier for your counselor to find relevant information while they're writing your recommendation letter.

9. Include context where necessary: Offer brief explanations for any unique situations or circumstances that will provide context to your accomplishments. For example, if your family experienced a significant hardship during your high school years that impacted your performance, you may want to mention it briefly.

Lastly, review and revise your brag sheet to ensure it's well-organized, clear, and easy to understand. Give it to your counselor with ample time before their recommendation letter deadline, so they have enough time to review the information and craft a strong letter for you. Good luck!