the BRAG SHEET For today’s advisory activity we will be completing a Bragsheet

Transcript (grades, and what classes you take) What Do Colleges Want? Application (essays, extra curricular, etc.) Standardized tests Let’s review: What is it that colleges are looking for in an applicant? The complete package : GPA, test scores-----but they also want the student who is involved outside of the classroom Transcript (grades, and what classes you take)

What is a Brag sheet? It’s very hard for people to brag about their own talents and accomplishments, however, this is not the time to be humble! Since this Brag Sheet will help your counselors and teachers write your college recommendation, you need to brag, Brag, BRAG! We need everything that you have done since the 9th grade, giving thorough details. The more you give, the more it helps us write your recommendation Read and discuss the definition of the bragsheet

Let’s get started!!! Teachers please review questions with students and have them fill out the forms provide for you. Ask students to take their time to think about their answers. Have them complete this assignment in pen if available. If students need more space for their answers please have them attach a sheet of lined paper and have them write their names.

Include professional email and phone (optional) CONTACT INFO: Include professional email and phone (optional) 2. HOBBIES AND INTERESTS   Many employers and college admissions officers want to know any areas of special interest on which you spend your time and energy. In the space below describe any hobbies or interests which you feel to be an important part of your experience. In other words, what do you like to do in your free time?): Teachers: Please remind students about the importance of using a professional email, especially now that they will be including these in their college applications.

What did you like about it? 3. Where have you completed your community service? (Name the place where you volunteered and describe the work you did.)—If you have not completed any community service, remember that you must complete 80 hours to receive your diploma. What did you like about it? Teachers; Please review with the students: 1. Students must complete 80 hours of community service to be able to walk stage during graduation 2. College admission representatives are looking for students that can add to their campus—ie involvement and leadership ***Students who have not completed any community service THEY MUST START ASAP!!!

What are your weaknesses What are your weaknesses? (What areas do you think you could work on to improve your academic performance) What have you done to overcome the challenges in the areas you mentioned above? Teachers: Have student’s write about some of the challenges they face at school in relation to academics and what they have done or what resources they have taken advantage of to overcome these challenges.

5. Counselors would like to know a little more about your family life and your responsibilities. What responsibilities do you have in your home? (For example do you have to complete chores, do you babysit have to babysit your younger brothers and sisters, etc) What is your birth order? (Are you the oldest, middle, youngest, twin, etc) Will you be the first one in your family to apply and/or go to college? Do you have any older siblings (brothers and/or sisters)? If you do what do they do (for example, do they work, go to college, live independently etc)

Where do you see yourself after high school Where do you see yourself after high school? What career do you think you would think you would like to have? Where, geographic location, would you like to live? Teachers: Please have the students share any goals that they may have in relation to what careers they have in mind.

7. What are your passions and commitments 7. What are your passions and commitments? What do you care deeply about? Why?

8. Have you had the opportunity to travel? If so, where have you been?

9. Do you have an intended major, and if so what is it? Teachers: If you do not mind please share a little about your major (s) in college. Also, share how your major relates to your career now or previous careers. Discuss the difference between a : major: what area of study they pursue Career: what occupation/job they pursue

10. Do you have a preferred geographic location in mind for college 10. Do you have a preferred geographic location in mind for college? In-state or out-of state?

11. Colleges and universities want their incoming class to reflect a broad representation of talents and interest. What will you bring to the campus and student body of the college/university you attend? Teachers: Remind students that just like in high school college will not be only about academics. If you do not mind sharing talk about what you were involved in high school and if this transferred over to college activities, etc.

12. Describe your ideal college.

13. List the top 5 college or universities that you are planning on applying to. 1. __________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________ 4.___________________________________________ 5.___________________________________________ Have students list their top 5 choices of colleges at this point.

For Friday: 4/17 Students must research the following information for the 5 colleges they listed: Average GPA Average SAT/ACT scores Teacher please ask for students to submit a typed document with the names of the universities they listed on their bragsheets.

Due date for Brag sheets: Tuesday 4/14 during advisory (if not before) Reminder: Due date for Brag sheets: Tuesday 4/14 during advisory (if not before) Teachers please remind students that they must submit their brag sheets to you on or before 11/12. Collect the forms Provide a signature as stated “ Teacher signature required” Remind students that AFTER YOU HAVE PROVIDE THEM WITH A SIGNATURE THEY MUST HAVE THEIR PARENTS SIGN THEIR PORTFOLIO (acknowledging that they are aware that their students are staying up to date with these requirements). Ask students to please file their bragsheet document in their college portfolio for use at a later date.

Reminder: This document may change due to your summer activities. We will continue to use this document for senior year, SO SAVE IT!!!