Building A College Portfolio: How Students Can Display Creative Works

Last week’s post was all about helping students create a well-crafted college résumé that shines a spotlight on their academic and personal achievements as well as their potential for future success. This week, let’s dive into the types of creative works that students should include in their college portfolios.

What Are Creative Works?

Creative works are showpieces that represent the student as a multifaceted person. These masterworks are more than just bulleted lists and brief synopses, they are mixed media compositions that are presented as a means of highlighting the student’s artistry, ingenuity, and originality.

What Types of Creative Works Should Be Included in a College Portfolio?

The content of a college portfolio can vary depending on the student’s field of interest or intended major, but generally, a well-rounded portfolio should showcase their creativity, skills, and passion. 

Here are some ideas for creative works that students might consider including in their college portfolio:

Art & Design

• Drawings, paintings, or digital art pieces

• Photography

• Projects showcasing composition and editing skills

• Graphic design projects: websites, posters, logos, or branding materials

• Pictures of 3D art such as sculptures, jewelry, pottery

Writing

• Samples of their best essays, short stories, or poems

• Excerpts from a novel or screenplay they've written

• Blog posts or articles demonstrating their ability to express ideas clearly

• Any student publications: articles or interviews in their school newspaper, school newsletter, club newsletter, etc.

Film & Media

• Short films or video projects they've created or worked on

• Storyboards or scripts for film projects

• Editing reels showcasing their skills in post-production

• Participation in school morning shows or technology club projects

Performing Arts

• Recordings of theatrical performances or monologues

• Dance performances or choreography

• Choreography they’ve created

Music

• Musical compositions or recordings

• Recordings of musical performances

• Sheet music for compositions they've written

• Any music-related projects, such as arranging or producing

Technology & Design

• Websites or apps they've designed

• Coding projects or software they've developed

• UI/UX design samples

Science & Research

• Research papers or projects they've conducted

• Science fair projects

• Lab reports showcasing their analytical and research skills

Community Involvement

• Documentation of community service projects

• Initiatives they've taken to make a positive impact within their community

Sports & Athletics

• A highlights reel of athletic achievements

• Records or awards they've received in sports, sporting events

Innovations & Projects

• Any independent projects or innovations they've worked on

• Prototypes or physical products they've created

Additionally, students should provide context or explanations for each piece to help admissions officers understand their thought processes and the significance of their work. These additional descriptions should be brief, but clear. The idea is to ensure whoever is reviewing the student’s portfolio understands the purpose of each submitted work and why the student feels it was important enough to be shared as a representation of themselves as an applicant and prospective student.

A well-curated college portfolio should reflect a student’s strengths and interests and should include a variety of creative works that demonstrate their artistry, originality, versatility, and/or dedication to their chosen field. Remember, this portfolio is a college-bound student’s opportunity to provide an admissions committee with a more holistic view of who they are and how they’d be an exceptional match for their prospective college or university.

Our next post will look at a new way for students to create an original personal essay that will undoubtedly make an impression on college admissions. Subscribe to our blog and stay in the know!

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