Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Create a Great Writing Portfolio - For the Potential College Writing Major

Serious writers who want to attend college writing programs, compete for scholarships or gain admission to competitive programs need writing portfolios that stand out from the crowd. Portfolios also give non-writers the edge.
Cheryl Carter Creative Classroom
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:
(180)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. Each class will begin with a brief presentation supplemented by an edpuzzle.com video. Then students will ask questions. Some writing websites and other portfolio resources will be shared in class. These topical hyperlinks will be shared with students as each one relates to the weekly goals of the class. Homework will be assigned outside of the class. The exact way to approach the homework will be covered in class. Assignments will be completed independently and then reviewed in class. (1): Students will discuss the purpose of writing portfolios and determine the goal of their writing portfolios. Activities: Completion of writing portfolio focus sheets. Potential digital layout of portfolio using suggested resources (2): Students will determine the direction, theme and approach for their portfolios. Activities: Completion of form stating theme and explanation of theme. Outline of biography and/or reflective essay. (3): Students will collectively compose a theme-based table of contents based on their portfolios. Activities: Completion of them-based table of contents. Compose first draft of biographies and/or writing prompts (4): Students will collectively compose a reflective piece (essay or prose) to connect their writing pieces. Activities: Completion of the first draft of the reflective essay and writing prompt Present a mock-up of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay. (5): Students will discuss writing contests, BFA college/ university programs, special writing programs. Activities: Completion of the sample mock-up portfolio. Present a mock-up (pdf) of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay (6): Students will review the writing portfolio process as it applies to different schools and the tools used to produce their portfolio. Activities: Individual plan to proofread the final portfolio with date for completion. List of colleges, contests and programs students will use their portfolios to gain admission.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Writing Portfolios that Get Results

Serious writers who want to attend college creative writing programs compete for scholarships  or gain admission to pre-college programs often need solid writing portfolios that stand out from the crowd. Writing portfolios are more than just a compilation of a student’s best works.  All portfolios should have a cohesive theme and guiding purpose. 

Clearly, creating a writing portfolio that stands out from the competition requires skill, forethought and an added dose of innovative persuasiveness. In this practical class, students will produce both a digital and print portfolio that will rival the best submission to the most competitive college or university writing program. No matter where your child is in the process, this class will offer valuable instruction and direction.

Writing portfolios might include essays, stories, plays, segments of novels, spoken word, poems, news articles, blogs, etc. and often determining what to include in the portfolio can seem elusive to even the most astute creative student.  Students will learn to narrow the focus of their works. They will also learn to create material based on a specific theme. All students will learn how to masterfully plan or improve their writing portfolio. 

Whether they have started their portfolio or not, students will find this class beneficial because they will be guided step-by-step in the completion or improvement of this seemingly ominous project. They will also have the opportunity to connect with other writers and gain encouragement from them as well.
 
Each class will begin with a brief presentation supplemented by an edpuzzle.com video. Then students will ask questions. Some writing websites and other portfolio resources will be shared in class. These topical hyperlinks will be shared with students as each one relates to the weekly goals of the class. Homework will be assigned outside of the class. The exact way to approach the homework will be covered in class. Assignments will be completed independently and then reviewed in class.  

:In this class learners will: 
(1) Students will discuss the purpose of writing portfolios and determine the goal of their writing portfolios. 
Activities: Completion of writing portfolio focus .and potential digital layout of portfolio using suggested resources
(2) Students will determine the direction, theme and approach for their portfolios. 
Activities: Theme explanation and outline of biography and/or reflective essay.
 (3):Students will compose a theme-based table of contents based on their portfolios.
Activities: Completion first draft of biographies and/or writing prompts
(4): Students will collectively compose a reflective piece (essay or prose) to connect their writing pieces. 
Activities: Completion of the first draft of the reflective essay and writing prompt and 	     Present a mock-up of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay.
(5): Students will discuss writing contests, BFA college/ university programs, special writing programs.
Activities: Completion of the sample mock-up portfolio.Optional-Present a mock-up (pdf) of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay
(6):Students will review the writing portfolio process as it applies to different schools and the tools used to produce their portfolio. 
Activities: Individual plan to proofread the final portfolio with date for completion..
Learning Goals
Students will compose a writing portfolio that gets results.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2018
4.7
180reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
The instructor has eight years experience helping students win contests, get scholarships and gain entry to highly competitive colleges and university BFA programs. Last year one student, who did not take standardized tests,  gained over 300,000 in scholarship money based solely on the student's writing portfolio which was developed with Mrs, Carter.

Additionally here is her other experience: 

Bio
Cheryl R. Carter is a busy homeschooling mother (of five), author, speaker and a college professor with a passion to help others. Besides teaching, she has written broadly on spiritual growth, education, and special needs She is the author of several books including Organize Your Life, Essential Writing Skills for the College Bound Student, Inspire the Writer in Your Child and Organize Your AD/HD Child.  In addition to writing fiction and poetry in her spare time, she blogs regularly on issues of clarity in written communication, college admissions and the family.  She has a BA in English, a MFA in Writing and has done graduate study in Special Education and College Admission. Active in her local homeschool group, she has taught college-prep coop classes for several years. She has also written numerous literary guides and won academic awards for her writing. Her books have been translated into Japanese, Hebrew, German, Czech and Polish. Carter's curriculum and writing classes focus on equipping students with the vital skills for lifetime communication success. Her curriculum and classes are marked by a sense of depth, yet simplicity that nurture a love of writing in students. 



Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$390

for 4 classes
4x per week, 1 week
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-5 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool