Last updated September 18, 2025

In this article

• What is a brag sheet? How can my brag sheet help my recommender?
• How to create your brag sheet
• Send your brag sheet

Whether you’re applying for a job, a scholarship, or to college, you will most likely be required to submit letters of recommendation or references. Letters of recommendation and references, written by individuals you have previously worked with in an academic or professional setting, can highlight your skills, experience, and qualities that make you a great candidate for the opportunity you’re applying for.

Because letters of recommendation and references are important supplements to your applications, it’s important to give your recommenders as much information about your strengths, skills, and experiences as possible so they can write you the best, most accurate recommendation possible. That’s where a brag sheet can come in handy! Here’s everything you should know about brag sheets– like how they work and how to start creating yours!

What is a brag sheet? How can my brag sheet help my recommender?

A brag sheet is similar to a resume. It’s a place where you can list all of your accomplishments, work and academic experience, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and employment and volunteer history. Simply put, it’s a high-level overview of all of your relevant experience that your recommender can look at when they’re writing you a letter of recommendation or providing a reference for you.

How to create your brag sheet

Brainstorm

Starting from your first year of high school, brainstorm, write down, and organize your achievements and experiences into categories. These categories can include things like:

• Academics
• Leadership
• Employment
• Extracurriculars/clubs
• Awards received
• Volunteer experience
• …and more!

Shape your story

Narrow down the experiences in each category to two or three activities that had the biggest impact on you, and then use these activities to create your story. For example, if you are in the drama club at school or act in local theater productions, you might describe your favorite performances, how these roles have helped you grow as a person or an actor, and what your experience was like balancing school with an extracurricular activity. As you weave these stories about your activities and accomplishments throughout high school together, you will have a cohesive, compelling story that shows what makes you unique. That’s your brag sheet!

Send your brag sheet

When someone agrees to write you a letter of recommendation or provide a reference for you, be sure to send them any and all important information about the opportunity you’re applying for. This can include things like what the opportunity is (a college application, a scholarship, a job, etc.) when they will need to submit their letter of recommendation or provide their reference, and when you can expect to have a decision. In addition to all of this information, send along your brag sheet and let your recommender know that they can contact you if they have any questions. Lastly, don’t forget to stay thank you! Be sure to share your appreciation with them for their willingness to make time for you!

Want more tips on creating a brag sheet for your letters of recommendation or references? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 16, 2025

In this article

• What is a letter of recommendation?
• How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?

As you work on your college or scholarship applications, you will likely be required to submit letters of recommendation. In this article, we’ll help you understand the purpose of letters of recommendation and how to ask for them! 

What is a letter of recommendation?

When applying to colleges or scholarships, you may be required to submit a few letters of recommendation as part of your application. A letter of recommendation is a formal letter written on your behalf that highlights your strengths, skills, and experiences in school and extracurriculars. These letters should be written by influential adults in your life, such as educators, bosses, coaches, or mentors. Strong letters of recommendation can be a powerful addition to your application because they tell the bigger story of who you are—one that your test scores or GPA may not fully capture.

How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?

Ask the right people

When beginning to work on your college and scholarship applications, we recommend securing at least two letters of recommendation. Take some time to consider who can highlight your skills, strengths, and passions. You will ideally want to ask adults who you have an established relationship with, such as educators, bosses or supervisors at work, coaches, or mentors.

We recommend asking adults who can write about different aspects of your experience. For example, your volunteer supervisor can write about your passion for community service and ability to juggle school with extracurriculars. Your boss at your part-time retail job can speak to your communication skills and work ethic, and your math teacher can highlight your analytical problem-solving skills and commitment to your academics. Taking some time to consider which parts of your experience you want to share with admissions and scholarship committees can help you decide on who to ask!

Ask early

It’s important to ask for letters of recommendation with plenty of notice—at least one month in advance. While it’s appropriate to ask over email, it’s always preferable to do it in person. Always thank the people you ask, regardless of their response, for their time and consideration.

When someone agrees to write you a letter, make sure they have all the essential information they need, including submission details, application requirements, and deadlines. Some applications will require recommenders to create accounts on their website and upload their letters there. Others may accept them via email. Others will allow you to submit them on their behalf. Be sure you have all of this information for your recommender before they start writing.

Make a brag sheet

In addition to giving your recommenders information about when and how to submit, it can also be helpful to give them your brag sheet. A brag sheet is a place to list all of your accomplishments, work and academic experience, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and employment and volunteer history. Simply put, it’s a high-level overview of all your relevant experience that your recommender can refer to when they’re writing. Be sure to send them your brag sheet as soon as possible.

Send a thank you note

Always send a thank you note–either handwritten or via email–to your recommenders! They put in time and effort to help you take an important step toward your future, so be sure to take a moment to express your gratitude. Be sure to also keep your recommenders in the loop about the outcome of your applications. 

Do you have any questions about asking for a letter of recommendation? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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