Hey guys, my guidance counsellor's been nagging me about getting my brag sheet done. What's the best format to follow for this? Any tips on how to make it effective?
Your guidance counselor is definitely onto something. A well-prepared brag sheet can serve as a valuable source of information for your recommenders and give them a more complete picture of who you are beyond your academic performance. Below are some suggestions to help you structure and perfect your brag sheet.
1. Student Information: In this section, include all the basic introductory information such as your legal name, contact information, date of birth, your home situation, and any work you do outside of school.
2. Academics: List out your GPA, class rank if available, AP classes taken, and any academic awards you've received.
3. Standardized Test Scores: If they're available and you feel comfortable adding them (based on the competitiveness of the schools you're applying to), you might include ACT, SAT, or other scores.
4. Extracurriculars and Community Service: Here's where you can list your extracurricular activities, ideally those falling in the top three tiers of extracurriculars. Include roles you've held, the size of the organization, and the impact of your contributions. Don't forget to include any community service work too.
5. Special Achievements: Perhaps you've received a high-tier recognition, or you've developed a unique project or initiative. Be sure to detail these achievements, specifying the outcome and impact.
6. Work Experience: List any jobs you've held, including part-time jobs, internships, or entrepreneurial ventures. Here you should focus more on skills acquired and responsibilities, rather than just the type of job.
7. Summer Activities: Include any meaningful summer programs, internships, jobs, or other activities. This shows how you utilize your free time to further your knowledge and skills.
Each section should include specifics and quantify achievements where possible, using action words like "initiated," "organized," or "led," to bring your contributions to life.
Keep in mind to make your brag sheet as organized and concise as possible without undermining your accomplishments. Include as much detail as necessary, but do consider the reader — highlighting your most significant accomplishments could make a stronger statement.
Good luck!
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