Transcripts, resumes, activities lists, letters of recommendation, and essays are all familiar parts of a typical college application. For many students, however, there is the added responsibility of providing colleges with a portfolio that highlights the best examples of your achievements in the arts, such as music or writing, and possibly even other areas, such as research or leadership. Since portfolios are a collection of work that spans your high school experience, it’s not something students should attack as a last-minute addition to their college applications. Follow our advice to learn more about who should submit portfolios, how and when to get started, what to include, and how to ultimately submit materials.
What are portfolios?
Portfolios are a supplemental component of some college applications, especially for students who intend to major in areas such as visual or performing arts, music, design, fashion, and film. Colleges review portfolios in order to assess the range and mastery of a student’s technical skills as well as to gain a better understanding of his or her interests and passions. Unlike other parts of the Common App, portfolios are specific to each college, so students should be prepared to put together at least five different portfolios that include at least 15 pieces. Pay attention to each school’s specific requirements: one art school may want a self-portrait while others may want selections from your sketchbook, for example.
Although portfolios are primarily used in admissions to visual or performing arts programs, any student can submit what is referred to as a college portfolio as part of his or her application. Why bother if it isn’t required? The simple answer: to stand out. College portfolios feature a selection of items that highlight personal achievements and talents in a way that illustrates a student’s goals or helps elaborate on something mentioned elsewhere in an application. Students applying for admission to STEM programs, for example, could include independent research projects. Instead of being defined by GPAs and test scores, students who submit a portfolio have an opportunity to use the pieces they select to illustrate personal growth and present themselves as well-rounded and committed to a particular field of study.
When do I start building my portfolio?
Students can start building their portfolios as early as freshman year. However, many portfolio requirements ask for more recent items, specifically from junior and senior year. Always pay close attention to deadlines and the specific instructions provided by each school on your college list. Some programs, such as creative writing or music composition, have later deadlines to allow students to include more work from senior year. Time management is key. Not only do you have to juggle deadlines, but you also have to consider the time necessary to prepare work for submission: selecting items, writing descriptions, taking photographs of works of art, etc. Finally, since it’s a good idea to have at least one other person review your portfolio prior to submission, aim to have your portfolio ready at least two months before an application due date. The extra time gives you some breathing room to process any feedback and make any necessary adjustments.
What do I include in my portfolio?
The answer to this question depends on the purpose of your portfolio. Students who are applying to art, music, design, creative writing, or any other program that requires portfolios should seek to include items that showcase their abilities, achievements, passions, and potential in that specific field. If you are not applying to a school or program that requires a portfolio and instead are opting to submit a college portfolio, your task is not that different. You still want to select items that speak to your skills, accomplishments, and goals; however, the pieces you select should support a compelling narrative about your personal growth.
Impress admissions by choosing both older and more recent items that have the potential to reveal your resilience, intellectual growth, and creative problem-solving skills. All items included in portfolios should be carefully considered, so it is clear to reviewers its intended purpose. Before submitting a portfolio, it’s a good idea to have someone else review it for you in order to identify weak spots and make suggestions. Ideal reviewers are teachers or other professionals in the specific field you’re applying to and those who know you well enough to provide considered feedback. If you’re applying to art and design schools, you may also want to consider attending National Portfolio Day, which provides free portfolio reviews from counselors, admission team members, and faculty from accredited art and design schools around the world.
How do I submit a portfolio?
Most colleges that require portfolios will allow students to use the Common Application’s SlideRoom portal. Before accessing SlideRoom, however, applicants must first complete their Common Application. After you have completed your Common Application and selected the box that indicates you wish to submit a portfolio, you will get a link that will enable you to a branded SlideRoom account for each school requiring a submission. Students who submit their portfolios using the Common App’s SlideRoom should expect to pay an additional small fee between $2 and $10 per application. Students who wish to submit a portfolio using the Coalition for College Application can submit materials through its digital locker feature.
How A+ Can Help
Building an impressive portfolio requires skills ranging from time management, organizing thoughts and materials, prioritizing, and self-reflection, which are all executive function skills students can develop with A+ Test Prep and Tutoring’s Executive Function Coaching services. Students work one-on-one with a coach who will help them set goals and create strategies and routines for ultimate success. We also offer College Admission and Coaching services to help guide students through the admissions process whether you’re a freshman or sophomore looking for support with course selection and summer program applications or a rising junior or senior looking for help with college lists, applications, and essays.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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