<p>This is my first time visiting and posting on this site, and I must admit, I have found it very helpful already. My D is entering her senior year and we have already visited 6 schools this past year, and will be going to 2 more next week. She knows what she wants to major in (Journalism) so that has been helpful, but we are starting to feel a little overwhelmed as we are getting ready to start the application process. My question today is (and if this has already been discussed somewhere, I apologize in advance - just direct me to the thread): should we assemble a portfolio to bring/send to the schools she applies to? If so, what should be included? She writes for a local weekly paper and her school paper, so we have clippings to include. What else should be included? Is there anywhere I could find a sample? Any help would be greatly appreciated! I have a feeling I will be a frequent visitor the next few months - LOL! Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I've never heard of that approach (portfolio) with journalism, but I definitely think it's unique and neat. I can't direct you anywhere specifically (and I doubt you'll find much searching the forums), but I would look to the schools which she is thinking of applying to and review their applications. They should have some sort of note that discusses special attachments, which I have seen typically used for musical and artistic work. Overall, though, I would keep whatever you decide to send basic, as many schools review many applications (and reading all of your d's clippings might take a while). Include the best, forget the rest.</p>
<p>.. wow, sorry that was so long!</p>
<p>Hi and WELCOME!!!</p>
<p>I think a small portfolio of her best work could be appropriate.</p>
<p>If there is a single piece of which she is particularly proud, she should bring it to an alum interview.</p>
<p>I agree with what the previous posters have said. I also would recommend e-mailing the admissions person for your geographic area at each school she's considering and asking that question (better yet, having your daughter e-mail). The reason is that some schools welcome supplemental material while others seem annoyed by having to plow through more stuff.</p>
<p>Or maybe she could put some clips on a web site and direct admissions officers there.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is that journalism is a very popular major, and in some cases (like Syracuse's Newhouse School and the University of Maryland) there is a limited number of kids admitted to the program as freshman. Ithaca's Park school also operates that way. So, for example, a kid could be admitted to Maryland but not into the j program right away. That kid would have to try to get in later. And who knows how easy or hard that would be. That would be another question to ask an admissions officer.</p>
<p>Those colleges I mentioned are all known for their journalism programs. Northwestern, University of Ohio, University of Missouri (Mizzou) are other big names, with Northwestern a superstar. But now I'm answering the question you didn't ask!</p>
<p>I agree that a portfolio is a good idea - just don't make it so large that the committee member will consider it a big chore to read it. You don't want to annoy them. One or two of her best articles should be sufficient to demonstrate her talent.</p>
<p>It's appropriate to bring a portfolio to an inteview with a journalism school. It's also appropriate to include with her application Xeroxed copies of about 3 articles she wrote. The best articles to include would be ones that demonstrate her ability to do research and reporting because those are the hardest articles to write. The more sources she used, and the more obstacles she had to overcome to get those sources, the better because her perserverance demonstrates a great nose for news! The least desireable articles to end would be reviews and personal columns because those don't require reporting and research. It's better to include a well researched article from her school newspaper than a personal column from your local newspaper (though she certainly should mention on her application her local newspaper experience).</p>
<p>I suppose that if she's a candidate for a top scholarship at a J School, the admissions officers may be motivated enough to look at a website where she's put her work. In most cases, though, I don't think that admissions officers would have that kind of time, so she definitely should send articles with her application instead of expecting the adcoms to go on-line to see her work.</p>
<p>If she's editor of a school paper, it would be appropriate to include a copy of the paper.</p>
<p>Before going to interviews or submitting her application, it also would be wise for her to read on-line the student newspapers at any journalism schools that she's applying to. That will not only help her learn about those universities, it will also help her see what kind of journalism is prized by those schools.</p>
<p>There's lots of info in the CC archives about journalism applications, schools and majors so do check that out, too. You can use the "search" function at the top of the page.</p>
<p>Always keep in mind that journalism is a popular major and probably the majority of journalism majors end up in another profession. However, the writing and analytical skills one gains in journalism can help one in a variety of fields. The majority of students who enter college also switch majors at least once, so when your D chooses a college, it would be wise for her to choose a college that would please her whether or not she majors in journalism.</p>
<p>allie'smom,
Welcome! I can't help you with your journalism question, but you might want to sign in on this thread for all rising seniors and their parents:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=141471%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=141471</a></p>
<p>Here is a list of J-schools you might find useful:</p>
<p>Great advice all around - I already feel less stressed - LOL! Will definitely check out some of the sites mentioned. We are visiting two more schools next week - and she has an interview at one of them, so we need to put something together before then to bring with us.</p>
<p>Sorry, but what does LAC and URM stand for? I have been trying to figure it out by reading all of the posts, but unsuccessfully.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Under represented minority, and Liberal Arts College</p>
<p>allie's mom, one day when you have time, there is a neat thread containing all of the abbreviations you could ever imagine, and then some. It's a "sticky" thread (one that's always at the top of the list and has a little push-pin icon next to it) on the Parents Forum.</p>
<p>PS To make you feel better, please know that I never heard of the word LAC before joining CC ... and now I attend a LAC. For some reason, I did not think that a school for liberals artists was that attractive.</p>