FAQs for Portfolio

1. Why should I complete the portfolio and seek Distinction status?

1. Portfolios are required for all STEM pathways. The purpose of portfolio process is to encourage you to be self-aware, inquisitive, purposeful and well-rounded beginning in your freshman year of high school. Your high school years will fly. Learning about what you care about as early as possible is empowering and valuable. Not only will Distinction experiences help you learn a lot about yourself, they can also set up rich topics for college and scholarship essays.

1. Who should I ask if I have questions or need help?

1. Your STEM portfolio advisor (an assigned STEM teacher) will, along with a team, review your final portfolio. If your advisor can't answer a question, he/she will send you to someone who can.  You should ask any questions you have---any time! To find out who your advisor is, click here.

1. When should I start working on my portfolio/Distinction experiences?

1. As soon as possible! You should have the format of your portfolio built no later than the end of freshman year, and you should have four or more experiences documented. Be purposeful about your experiences and set aside time to document them. You will have to meet hard deadlines to show progress and completed the project by April of your senior year.