You Helped Your Kid Fill Out a Brag Sheet — Now What?

6 practical ways to use it — and how it could open doors to scholarships, stronger letters, and college connections

So you sat down, filled out that brag sheet, and now you’re wondering:

“Okay… what do we actually do with this thing?”

You’re not alone. A lot of parents create it – and then feel stuck.

Here’s the good news: this simple document can quietly open doors for your son or daughter, if you know how to use it.

1. 🧑‍🏫 Give It to the Teachers Writing Recommendation Letters

At some point, your kid is going to need a teacher to write a letter – for a scholarship, the honors college, or part of their college application.

The problem? Teachers are busy. They may not remember much beyond the classroom.

A brag sheet helps them:

• See your child’s strengths and activities outside of school
• Use real examples in their letter
• Write something that actually sounds personal

What to do: When your kid asks a teacher for a letter, have them say:

“I’ve put together a brag sheet with all my activities, jobs, and plans. Would it help if I sent that to you?”

2. 🏫 Share It With the School Counselor

Even if your counselor knows your child, they’re often responsible for hundreds of students. A brag sheet gives them something solid to work from when colleges ask for school forms or counselor input.

What to do: Email or hand-deliver the brag sheet to your school counselor and say:

“I wanted to make sure you had a copy of this in case any colleges ask for supporting information.”

3. ✍️ Use It to Help Write College Essays

Scholarships and applications often ask things like:

• “Tell us about a time you led something.”
• “Describe a challenge you faced.”
• “What are you most proud of?”

If your kid is like most teenagers, they’ll freeze up. They won’t know what to say.

A brag sheet gives them a list of real moments to choose from — so their essay actually sounds like them.

Tip: Before writing an essay, have your child skim the brag sheet. Ask:

• “Which of these things shows leadership or growth?”
• “What’s something here that felt like a win?”

4. 📋 Use It to Fill Out Applications Faster

You’ll see the same blank boxes over and over on college and scholarship forms: Activities. Jobs. Volunteering. Leadership roles.

What to do: Keep the brag sheet open while you fill out applications. You can copy and paste from it or just use it to jog your memory.

5. 💌 When an Admissions Officer Reaches Out — Respond

Sometimes after your child submits a test score, fills out an interest form, or starts an application, they’ll get an email from a college rep. It might say:

“Hi [Student Name], I’m your admissions counselor for your region. Let me know if you have any questions!”

Most families don’t respond. But here’s what you might not realize:

• That person may be the one who reads your kid’s application.
• They may also influence scholarship decisions, honors invites, or interviews.
• And yes — a thoughtful reply from a parent is perfectly fine.

What to do: Send a polite reply (from your child or yourself) and attach the brag sheet. Here’s an example:

Subject: Thank You + Brag Sheet Attached for [Student Name]

Hi [Rep Name],

Thanks so much for reaching out to [Student Name]. We’ve been learning more about [College Name], and we appreciate the personal connection.

I’ve attached a copy of [his/her] brag sheet in case it’s helpful. It gives a quick overview of their academic background, extracurriculars, and goals.

If there are any scholarship opportunities, early deadlines, or honors invitations we should be aware of, we’d be grateful for any insight.

Thank you again for your time and support,
[Parent Name]  
[Student Name], Class of 2025  
[High School Name]

6. 🧠 Don’t Just File It Away — Keep It Handy

The brag sheet isn’t a one-and-done worksheet. It’s a tool your kid can keep coming back to — for letters, essays, scholarships, and interviews.

Parent tip: Print one. Save a digital copy. Stick it on the fridge. Update it when something new happens.

By senior year, your kid will have a record of everything they’ve done — and they won’t forget the small wins that might actually make the difference.

📎 Quick Recap: How to Use a Brag Sheet

• Give it to teachers writing recommendation letters
• Share it with your school counselor
• Use it to help write better essays
• Reference it during scholarship and college applications
• Reply to admissions reps with it attached
• Keep it updated and visible — not buried in a drawer