Making a Brag Sheet 101?

A little confused senior here- I'm recently hearing a lot about 'brag sheets.' Can someone explain what they are and how to create an effective one? How did you decide what to include? I feel as though this could be a game-changer and any help would be super appreciated.

Sure, happy to help! The concept of brag sheets isn't as intimidating as it may seem. In essence, a brag sheet is a document that you prepare to help the people who are writing your letters of recommendation. It’s essentially a detailed resume with a little more personality than a professional one.

Creating an effective brag sheet can be accomplished by organizing it into different sections and making sure it is detailed and concise. Let's take it step-by-step.

1. Personal Information: This section is where you include your name, contact information, and some relevant background information. You can also add information about your goals, what motivates you, and your chosen field of study or career (if you have one in mind).

2. Academic Achievements: It's important to include your GPA, class rank (if available), and advanced classes you've taken (like AP's). You should also mention academic awards you’ve received.

3. Standardized Test Scores: Include your SAT/ACT scores, if relevant. Remember that the AP courses you take and the grades you get in them are more important than your AP scores.

4. Extracurricular Activities: This is an area where you can really highlight your 'spike'. Your spike is that one thing you excel at more than anything else. Extracurriculars should be tiered in order of their significance and your achievement level.

5. Community Service: Be sure to include any volunteer work, noting whether you had a leadership role and the amount of time you committed.

6. Work Experience: If you've held a part-time job, an internship, or summer work, these experiences can add depth because they show responsibility and maturity.

7. Skills & Hobbies: Universities are also interested in your non-academic interests! Whether you are a violin player or an amateur gardener, such hobbies add a personal touch to your brag sheet.

Remember, the two most important factors in a brag sheet are honesty and detail. Keep it factual, but do not undersell your achievements. When describing your responsibilities or achievements, be specific. For example, instead of writing "participated in drama club", you might say "performed in four school plays and led a fundraising campaign for new costumes". This provides the letter-writer with much more to work with, which can ultimately make your letter of recommendation more compelling.

Also remember, a brag sheet isn’t a one-and-done document. It should evolve over your high school career as you add more experiences and accomplishments. Good luck!