When applying for college, scholarships, or internships, students often need a strong letter of recommendation to support their application. A helpful tool to ensure that the recommendation letter highlights the applicant’s strengths is a letter of recommendation brag sheet. This document is not just a list of accomplishments; it serves as a guide for the recommender to write a detailed, personal, and persuasive letter. Creating a well-organized brag sheet can significantly improve the quality of a recommendation and boost a student’s chances of success.
What Is a Brag Sheet?
A brag sheet is a document prepared by a student that outlines key achievements, experiences, interests, and future goals. It helps recommenders such as teachers, counselors, or coaches write personalized letters that reflect the student’s accomplishments and character. A brag sheet can include academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, awards, community service, personal qualities, and career aspirations.
Why a Brag Sheet Is Important
Even the most supportive teacher may not remember every detail about a student’s achievements. A brag sheet helps fill in the gaps and ensures that the recommendation letter is comprehensive and specific. It also saves time for the recommender by providing ready-to-use information, quotes, and examples. Additionally, it gives the student a chance to reflect on their journey and communicate what they consider most important about themselves.
Benefits of a Well-Written Brag Sheet
- Provides accurate and detailed information for the recommender
- Highlights achievements that may not be obvious from transcripts
- Improves the quality and depth of the recommendation letter
- Shows initiative and organization on the part of the student
- Offers personal anecdotes that make a letter more engaging
What to Include in a Brag Sheet
A strong letter of recommendation brag sheet should be clear, well-organized, and easy to read. The following sections are commonly included in an effective brag sheet:
1. Basic Information
Start with your full name, contact information, current grade level, and intended college major or career field. Mention the purpose of the letter (college admission, scholarship, internship, etc.).
2. Academic Achievements
List academic honors such as GPA, class rank, AP or honors courses taken, academic awards, and notable accomplishments in specific subjects.
3. Extracurricular Activities
Include clubs, sports, music, student government, and other activities you have participated in. Be sure to note any leadership positions, years of involvement, and accomplishments.
4. Community Service
Detail your volunteer work, the organizations you’ve worked with, your role, the duration of service, and the impact of your contribution. Include any service projects you initiated or led.
5. Work Experience
If you have had part-time jobs, internships, or work experience, list the job titles, responsibilities, and skills gained. This section can help show responsibility, time management, and real-world experience.
6. Personal Qualities
Describe your strengths, personality traits, and values. These can be supported with examples, such as how you demonstrated perseverance, teamwork, or creativity in a specific situation.
7. Future Goals
Share your college, career, and life goals. This helps the recommender understand what direction you are headed in and tailor the letter to support those ambitions.
8. Memorable Stories or Achievements
Highlight one or two specific anecdotes that reflect your character or skills. These can include a time you overcame a challenge, helped someone in need, or contributed to a meaningful project.
How to Write a Brag Sheet
Writing a brag sheet requires honesty, clarity, and reflection. It is not about exaggerating your abilities but about presenting your best self in a structured way. Follow these tips when preparing your brag sheet:
- Use bullet points for easy readability
- Be specific with dates, roles, and outcomes
- Include quotes from teachers or peers if available
- Organize content under clear headings
- Keep the tone positive, but avoid sounding boastful
Sample Entry for a Brag Sheet
Leadership Experience: President of the Science Club (Grade 1112). Organized monthly experiments, mentored new members, and led the team to win first place in the regional science fair. Encouraged collaboration and innovation among members by implementing group projects and lab challenges.
Tips for Submitting a Brag Sheet
Once your brag sheet is ready, consider the following when giving it to your recommender:
- Deliver it well before the letter is due ideally, 34 weeks in advance
- Ask if they prefer a printed or digital copy
- Attach your resume if you have one
- Include a short note thanking them for writing your letter
- Let them know if there are specific points you’d like them to mention
Customizing the Brag Sheet
Each recommendation letter may serve a different purpose. You might apply to a university, a scholarship committee, or a summer program. Adjust your brag sheet to suit the specific application. For example, if the letter is for a music scholarship, place more emphasis on your musical background, competitions, and related skills.
Making a Digital Copy
Consider preparing your brag sheet in a document format you can easily update and share. A clean and professional format shows attention to detail and respect for your recommender’s time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Students sometimes make errors that reduce the effectiveness of their brag sheets. Avoid the following:
- Being too vague or general about accomplishments
- Writing in paragraph form without headings or bullets
- Leaving out important information, such as awards or dates
- Making the sheet too long or cluttered
- Failing to explain how experiences shaped your character
Creating a letter of recommendation brag sheet is a proactive step in the application process. It empowers students to communicate their strengths while helping recommenders craft stronger and more meaningful letters. When thoughtfully prepared, a brag sheet can be the key to unlocking new academic and career opportunities. Whether you’re applying to college or competing for a scholarship, investing time in your brag sheet is an investment in your future.