How to Put Together a Portfolio That’ll Get You Into Uni

Here’s what you need to know.

When you’re in Year 12, it’s only natural to feel a great deal of pressure to perform well in your final exams. Of course you want to get the best ATAR possible, particularly if you want to head to university.

However, it’s somewhat comforting to know that if you don’t get the marks you need, there are other ways to get into your dream course. One of those ways is portfolio entry.

Instead of using your ATAR, you can create a portfolio of work that demonstrates your abilities and showcases your skills. The thing is, the prospect of actually putting your portfolio together can be quite daunting. You probably have loads of questions, like: What work do I have to include?

It can be a tad overwhelming, so let’s break it down together.

Does my uni accept portfolio entry for the course I want to do?

Before you even think about putting your portfolio together, the first thing you should do is double check whether your university accepts portfolio entry for the course you want to apply for. 

To do that, head to your uni's website and search for your course. Read that page carefully, as it should tell you what admission pathways are available. Alternatively, your uni might have a separate portfolio entry page that lists courses you can apply for. 

If you're stuck and can't find the information you need, you can always call your uni and ask for some help.

What work should I include in my portfolio?

Good question.

The work you will include depends on what course you’re applying for. A good rule of thumb is to choose work that you’re proud of. For example, if you’re seeking entry into a visual arts course, you should select drawings, prints, collages and any other types of artwork that you’re confident in.  

Additionally, it’s also vital to show diversity in your portfolio. Drawings might be where your artistic talents really shine, but it’s also essential to include examples of other types of artwork as well.

Regardless of what course you’re applying for, it’s likely you’ll need to provide an introductory letter. This is an explanation of why you want to attend the university, your motivation behind the course you’ve chosen, and your future career goals.

Plus, for many courses you will also need to include a resume, academic records and written references from a teacher or employer.

Every course and university has different requirements, so it’s best to check the admission criteria for your chosen course so you know exactly what you’ll need to include.

When should I start putting my portfolio together?

Start as early as possible. You want to make sure your portfolio stands out, and that’s hard to do if you’re frantically trying to put it together an hour before the deadline for submissions. 

While you can start creating your portfolio whenever you want, make sure you also leave room to include some of your Year 12 coursework. If you worked really hard on a final year project, you'll definitely want to show that off. 

How do I present it?

Once you've selected the work you want to include, then it's time to put your portfolio together. Although, the presentation of your portfolio will largely depend on what course you're applying for, and what university you're heading off to.

For some arts courses, you'll need to create a physical portfolio. That means presenting your work on thick black or white card, and keeping a consistent design throughout. Remember to show off your best work at the beginning and the end of your portfolio. Start and finish strong! 

Other courses will require you to submit your portfolio online via email or an admissions portal. In that case, you must ensure you scan your documents to your computer and upload them. While universities will have different rules about submission, most will ask you to scan the original document in colour.

Again, make sure you check your university's website so you can follow their instructions for submission. 

Should I ask someone else to look over it? 

If putting together your portfolio suddenly becomes the most stressful task on the planet, you can always ask your teacher for assistance. It can be difficult to decide what your best work is, and sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes to help you out.

Even if you feel like you've got it all sorted, asking someone else to take a look at your portfolio is never a bad idea. 

Now, go forth and put your portfolio together! 

Header Image: NKS_Imagery / E+ via Getty Images