Formulate a plan for the story you want to tell through your portfolio. You'll want to show how you've developed and grown over the course of your instruction. Before you even select your first piece to present, think about where you started as a student and where you want to end up eventually. For example, if you started out as a print journalism major but now are in the Internet marketing program, highlight some of your best articles written as a journalist at the beginning of your portfolio. Choosing articles or research that relates to how you changed your mind regarding a career would be ideal.
Decide whether you want your portfolio to be in a hands-on binder or online. There are legitimate reasons for either way you decide to present the information. If you choose a paper version, it gives you something to show a potential employer or professor in person during your meeting. If you select the online route, it demonstrates your approach is modern and fresh. Consider that it may be best, depending on your major, to have a version of each so that you are ready for any situation.
Include color and selections that keep the attention of your portfolio's viewer. Again, this portfolio represents you and what you have accomplished as a student so make sure you don't just show off black words on white paper. Even if you are a writer and basically all you can do is print articles, or show them online, add colorful dividers or use a Web page background that pops. Add written references from people who love working with you, or even videos of the same if you have an online portfolio.
Ask your instructors and peers for their input. You don't need to wait until you've completed your portfolio for their feedback. Gather their ideas as you're putting together your best information. Ask what kind of work you've done that they think best shows off your skills. Remember that you're trying to tell a story with your collection; what you think shows off your talent may be different than what someone else sees in you.