What is a student portfolio?
A student portfolio serves an academic showcase and representation of who the creating student is through his/her work. As a collective document filled with academic progress and evidence of subject mastery, a student portfolio can be used as a resumé for future employers.
Graduating from High School is a major accomplishment in a student's life. Through a student's portfolio, he/she can provide evidence that he/she can read, write, and solve problems at a high level.
What is inside of a student portfolio?
A student portfolio serves an academic showcase and representation of who the creating student is through his/her work. As a collective document filled with academic progress and evidence of subject mastery, a student portfolio can be used as a resumé for future employers.
Graduating from High School is a major accomplishment in a student's life. Through a student's portfolio, he/she can provide evidence that he/she can read, write, and solve problems at a high level.
What is inside of a student portfolio?
- Title Page (Home for the E-Portfolio)
- Placement: Inside the front cover of your portfolio. (One inch binder with a plastic sleeve on the outside)
- Picture: Picture or clip of something that is your main focus, or a picture of you that shows interests
- Info: Name, address, phone number, email, and birth date
- Font: any readable choice with 36 point font for name and 16 point font for the rest of info centered in the middle of page
- Activities Page
- Placement: 1st page inside binder
- The same information from the title page should be included at the top of the Activities Page in a smaller font.
- Headings are by type of activity, not grade.
- For example: clubs, sports, community activities, community service, work experience, honors and awards, leadership, etc. are all sample headings.
- These are flexible, but if in doubt, use these:
- After each entry in the activity area, put the grade number in which you were involved like this: 9, 10, 11, 12.
- Make sure all awards go under awards even if they are from a club, sport, or community activity.
- Be detailed. Make sure that you write out the full names of clubs.
- Do not use initials.
- Describe the specific activity performed under community service, include leadership titles.
- If it is a regional or local activity, briefly describe what it is.
- If something requires that you are nominated by faculty, or if you apply for an award, make sure that is noted.
- You may include 12th grade if it is a continuing activity.
- Remember that you are selling yourself.
- You need to phrase things in the most positive light.
- Statement of Intent
- Two or three paragraphs minimum, but no more than one page
- Statement of Intent for those going to work-
- Write about vocational aspirations.
- Statement of Intent for those going to college -
- Pick a school to which you are applying, and write on the following:
- Why do you want to attend this institution?
- What will you bring to the school?
- Do you have any prior affiliation? Etc.
- Both will be improved by a personal anecdote. This is a detailed story relating to your aspirations or current choices.
- Make writing clear and concise. Write at the top of your writing ability level. Seek advice.
- Persuasive Essay
- Two or three paragraphs minimum, but no more than one page
- Explain why you deserve the scholarship/job through painting a word picture with a powerful introduction and conclusion
- Letters of Recommendation
- You must have a minimum of two letters of recommendation
- Teachers, employers, family friends, etc. may all be used for these letters.
- Approach: Make sure you are friendly when asking for a recommendation. Remember you are asking for a favor.
- Prepare: Before asking, prepare the Request of Letter of Recommendation Sheet to give to them as a reminder.
- This will include your name, the date you need the letter by, general directions, and a little information about yourself.
- General directions for letters:
- MUST be on a school or business letterhead if from a school or business,
- MUST be signed,
- MUST include the person’s title, and it is preferred that the letter not be a generic form letter.
- You should ask someone who can relate at least one specific event or character trait that will show a positive aspect of your character.
- CD/.pdf with Photos (CD optional)
- If you have digital pictures of activities that you have been involved in, burn these to a disc to be kept in your portfolio.
- Consider creating a slideshow of all your activities for an extra punch.
- If you do not wish to create a CD/DVD with Photos, a printed sheet with photos will replace this requirement.
- E-Portfolio
- You will create an e-portfolio online through a free program of your choice.
- I use Google Sites through my Gmail account.
- It is easy and straightforward.
- If you have another avenue to create a website, you may most certainly use it.
- It will include all of the above information.
- Letters of recommendation will have to be scanned and saved as files for e- portfolio.
- Additional Information
- DO NOT include all the certificates or awards that you have received in the portfolio.
- However, you should keep all of these in a safe place where they cannot be easily destroyed in case you need to them to provide documentation.
- Use 12 point font for any other typed information
- Choose an appropriate font style—attractive and readable.
- It is a good idea to purchase plastic sleeve protectors for your portfolio.
- They add a polished look to the finished product.
- **We will not be including a copy of your transcript since it must be sent to any university through the guidance office.