While portfolios are standard for art and design programs, some colleges require them for other majors including architecture, journalism, creative writing, and certain STEM programs. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare materials early.
Nearly all architecture programs require portfolios:
Schools Requiring Architecture Portfolios:
Architecture portfolios typically include drawings, sketches, design work, and creative projects (not necessarily architectural).
Some journalism programs require writing portfolios:
Schools With Journalism Portfolio Requirements:
Writing portfolios include published articles, essays, creative writing samples, or multimedia projects.
Select creative writing programs request portfolios:
Creative Writing Portfolio Schools:
Writing samples typically include short stories, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Film programs commonly require portfolios:
Film Portfolio Requirements:
Film portfolios may include scripts, short films, storyboards, or creative media projects.
Some specialized engineering programs request portfolios:
Engineering Portfolio Programs:
These portfolios showcase design thinking, prototypes, coding projects, or technical work.
Architecture portfolios assess creativity and design thinking, not technical architecture skills.
Length varies by school, typically 10-20 pages total.
Format requirements vary significantly by program.
Focus on process and thinking, not just final products.
Common Timelines:
Portfolio deadlines often differ from application deadlines. Check each program carefully.
Start Early: Begin compiling work junior year or earlier.
Quality Over Quantity: 10 excellent pieces beat 20 mediocre ones.
Show Process: Include sketches, drafts, or development work showing your thinking.
Diverse Media: Demonstrate versatility with different techniques or subjects.
Personal Voice: Let your unique perspective and interests shine through.
Most programs now require digital portfolios:
Digital Submission:
Physical Portfolios:
Most college programs don't require portfolios:
No Portfolio Needed:
These programs evaluate academic performance, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars instead.
Required: Application incomplete without portfolio.
Optional: Supplements application but not required.
Encouraged: School suggests portfolio for competitive applicants.
Always submit required portfolios. Consider optional portfolios only if they genuinely strengthen your application.
Art Teachers: Can review visual work and provide guidance.
English Teachers: Help with writing portfolios.
Mentors: Professionals in your field offer valuable perspective.
Admissions Officers: Some schools offer portfolio review sessions.
Peers: Fellow students provide fresh eyes.
Avoid having parents do work for you. Portfolios must reflect your own abilities.
Including Assignments: Avoid homework unless exceptionally strong.
Poor Quality Images: Photograph or scan work professionally.
No Organization: Structure portfolio logically with clear labels.
Ignoring Guidelines: Follow page limits, file formats, and requirements exactly.
Too Much Explanation: Let work speak for itself with minimal text.
Building a strong portfolio while maintaining academic excellence and completing college applications requires careful time management. At LifeWorks, we help students develop organizational skills and maintain strong academic performance throughout the application process.
Get in touch to learn how we can support you.
Can I use high school assignments in my portfolio?
Only if they're exceptionally strong and meet the quality standards of professional work. Most successful portfolios include personal projects beyond assignments.
How many pieces should I include in my portfolio?
Most programs specify requirements (typically 10-20 pieces). Follow guidelines exactly. Quality matters more than quantity.
What if I don't have enough work for a portfolio?
Start creating work now. Architecture programs understand applicants haven't studied architecture yet. Show creativity through any medium.
Should I hire a professional to help with my portfolio?
Teachers and mentors can provide feedback, but the work must be entirely yours. Admissions officers can tell when work doesn't match an applicant's skill level.
Do I need to show only polished final pieces?
Include some process work (sketches, drafts, iterations) to show your creative development and problem-solving approach. Programs value thinking, not just finished products.
What happens if my portfolio is late?
Contact admissions immediately. Late portfolios often disqualify applications since programs can't evaluate incomplete submissions fairly. Submit before deadlines.
