Preparing for Academic Success

1. Academic Portfolio
Initiatives for All
by Cynthia Olmedo
Discipline
Education
Networking
Success

2. Table of Contents
• What is an Academic Portfolio?
•
•
•
•
Purpose
Contents
Conclusion
Questions and Answers

3. What is an Academic
Portfolio?
• An
organized collection of
personal information, academic
achievements, activities,
community involvement, work
experience, awards, resources,
and contacts.

4. Purpose of an Academic
Portfolio
• Introduce who you are, your skills, and
your goals.
• Provide evidence of your abilities and
development
• Document efforts and contributions

5. Transcripts
GPA : Grade Point Average
Majority of scholarships require a 3.0 GPA
Transcripts
•Dual credit/College credits earned
•AP classes completed
•Class Rank (Top 10%, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th quartile)
•Type of HS program completed
(Core/Recommended /Distinguished Diploma)

6. Testing Dates/ Scores
Testing Dates
• Dates for exams are listed on www.collegeboard.com
Scores
• National Average SAT score is 1500
• National Average ACT is between 20 – 21.
Research
• Research the University for accepted exams and
acceptance scores
– Rice University -Average SAT Score: 2120, Acceptance Rate: 22%
– Texas State University-Average SAT Score: 1570, Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Waiver eligibility

7. Programs include:
• Programs sponsored by organizations, associations,
colleges, etc.
Examples:
Community colleges/universities offers summer
programs:
• Maritime
• Aerospace
• Engineering
Houston Young Lawyers Association
• Teen Court

8. Extracurricular Activities
• Sports (baseball, volleyball, track, football,
tennis, golf, soccer, etc.)
• Clubs (chess, debate, cooking, art, dance.)
• Societies (National Honor, etc.)
•Others organizations (Band, ROTC,
Yearbook, School newspaper.)

9. Community Service
• Church involvement/Community Projects
• Find organizations that support your interests
Talento Bilingue de Houston/MECA/Museums
• Art, Theatre, Music
Houston SPCA/BARC
• Animals
Texas Children’s Hospital
• Health care

10. Honors/ Awards/ Scholarships
• Honors are earned for outstanding
achievement in a particular field
• Academic/ Educational/Performance Awards
• Scholarships/Grants previously received
• These funds must be disclosed
• Detailed record-keeping is important

11. Work Experience/Internships
• Employers seek individuals with previous work
experience.
• Look for student-friendly employers
– Tuition reimbursement programs (Chase, Home Depot,
Starbucks, Target)
– Part-time, Flexible schedule
• Resume building
• Supervisors are great references

12. Scholarship Research
• Local scholarships
-(School, city/county residents, local organizations,
retail stores, parent’s/student’s employer, or parent’s
industry).
• State/National scholarships
-Area of study, ethnicity, prospective colleges
• Unique Scholarships
- Specific characteristics and circumstances

13. Scholarships Examples
• Tall Clubs International (TCI) Scholarship
Tall Clubs International (TCI) offers a $1,000 scholarship for tall
people. Women who are at least 5'10" and men who are at
least 6'2" are eligible for the award.
• David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
The David Letterman Scholarship was established to provide
scholarships for telecommunications students at Ball State
University.
• Al’s Formal Wear - Salute to Education Scholarship
To be eligible to win, participants must be at least 17 years of
age and must be currently attending an accredited high school
in Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, or Wyoming.
• City of Houston Employees Children's Scholarship
The City of Houston has established a scholarship program to
assist employees' children who plan to attend college.

14. Conclusion
The Academic Portfolio is designed to organize and
showcase your abilities, talents, experiences, and
accomplishments.
The portfolio is a life long project.

15. Questions?

16. Initiatives for All (IFA)
Contact IFA at :
(713) 530-4036
For more information:
Email: cynthia.olmedo@ifahouston.org
Visit www.ifahouston.org
Add us on Facebook: ifa Houston