What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of documents, transcripts, and work-samples that you can use to support an application for admission or when requesting life-experience credits, as well as for job applications and interviews. It is intended to reflect your knowledge and experience in a particular area. Many schools that offer distance learning will perform a portfolio assessment allowing you to earn credits for your past work and life experiences outside of a classroom, and some even award credits that you can transfer to other colleges.

What Should You Include in a Portfolio?

Your portfolio should include anything you feel is directly relevant to the goal you are seek ing-whether your goal is a certificate, degree, or particular job. Academic transcripts, copies of awards, a resume including work experience and volunteer activities, and samples of your work or writings are all items that you should consider including in your portfolio. When using a portfolio for academic purposes (admission to a program or to earn credits for life experience), it is a good idea to check with the school before creating it. This way you can ensure that you include items that address particular requirements of the school.