Using Personal Blogs and Guest Posts to Build Your Writing Portfolio for College and Career (Guest Post)

Written by Cynthia, Platt College 

When it comes to applying for college, having a portfolio for college can set you apart from the competition.
It’s no longer just about grades or test scores—colleges want to see creativity, initiative, and real-world skills.
Building a portfolio isn’t as complicated as it might sound.
It’s all about showcasing your talents and unique voice through writing projects, and one of the best ways to do that is through personal blogs and guest posts.
Let’s break down how you can get started and why these platforms are perfect for creating a portfolio that shines.

What Is a Portfolio for College?

A college portfolio is a curated collection of your best work that demonstrates your skills, passions, and achievements.
It’s not just for artists or designers anymore.
For writers, a portfolio can be a powerful tool that highlights your ability to communicate, create compelling narratives, and engage an audience.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in journalism, marketing, or even creative writing, a well-crafted portfolio shows colleges that you have the chops to succeed.

Why Personal Blogs Matter in Your Writing Portfolio

Personal blogs are one of the easiest and most accessible ways to start building your writing portfolio.
Think of your blog as a blank canvas where you have full creative control.
You choose the topics, the tone, and the pace at which you post.
That freedom allows you to experiment with different writing styles and find your voice.
It’s also a great way to develop a body of work over time.
For example, I know a student named Mia who started her blog in high school.
She wrote about everything from book reviews to her thoughts on social issues, gradually gaining confidence and refining her style.
By the time she applied for college, her blog had become a central part of her portfolio for college, showing admissions officers that she had the drive to pursue her passion for writing.
You don’t need a fancy platform to get started.
Platforms like WordPress, Medium, or even Wix are user-friendly and give you plenty of templates to choose from.
The key is consistency.
It’s better to post once a week with thoughtful, polished content than to post daily with rushed, half-baked ideas.

How Guest Posts Boost Your Portfolio

While personal blogs offer creative freedom, guest posts give you credibility.
When you guest post on other platforms, you’re demonstrating that your writing has value outside of your own space.
It’s like getting published without needing to have a book deal.
Take David, another student I worked with, who was interested in sports journalism.
He started by guest posting on local sports blogs, offering game recaps and player interviews.
By the time he applied for journalism school, he had a portfolio full of published work that showed he could write professionally.
Guest posts are a great way to show diversity in your portfolio.
They prove that you can adapt your style to different platforms and audiences, which is a highly valuable skill in college and beyond.
Not sure where to start?
Find blogs or websites that accept guest posts in areas you’re passionate about.
Many bloggers and content creators are happy to feature fresh perspectives, especially if you bring a unique voice or niche expertise to the table.
Be sure to follow their submission guidelines closely and pitch ideas that align with their content.

Key Elements to Include in Your Writing Portfolio

Now that you’ve started building your portfolio, it’s important to think about how to present it.
A well-organized portfolio makes it easy for colleges to see your range and depth as a writer.
Here’s what you should include:

1. A Clear Introduction – This is where you explain who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you write.
   Keep it concise, but make sure your personality shines through.

2. A Variety of Samples – Include both personal blog posts and guest posts to show that you can write in different styles and for different audiences.
   Diversity is key—showcase narrative essays, opinion pieces, and even research-driven articles if possible.

3. Your Best Work – Quality over quantity.
   It’s better to showcase a handful of well-written pieces than dozens of average ones.
   Choose the work that you’re most proud of and that reflects your writing ability.

4. Links to Your Published Work – If you have guest posts or articles published on other platforms, link to them in your portfolio.
   This adds credibility and gives admissions officers an easy way to verify your experience.
   
   

The Benefits of a Well-Curated Portfolio

A strong portfolio isn’t just for getting into college.
It’s also a fantastic tool for landing internships, freelance gigs, or even your first job after graduation.
I’ve seen students use their portfolios to secure summer internships in fields ranging from marketing to non-profit communications.
Having a portfolio shows that you’re proactive, organized, and able to work independently—all qualities that employers value.
Moreover, building a portfolio helps you reflect on your own growth as a writer.
When you look back at earlier posts or guest articles, you’ll see how far you’ve come and identify areas where you can improve.
This self-awareness is essential for success in college and beyond.

What About Social Media?

In today’s digital age, don’t forget about the power of social media when building your portfolio.
Many writers are using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share their work, build an audience, and network with other writers.
While you don’t need to be active on every platform, consider using social media strategically to promote your blog or guest posts.
It’s another way to show colleges that you’re engaged in the larger writing community.
But remember, it’s all about balance.
Your portfolio should still be the central hub where everything comes together.
Use social media to drive traffic to your blog or guest posts, not the other way around.

Final Thoughts on Building a Portfolio for College

Creating a portfolio for college might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually an exciting opportunity to show off your creativity and skills.
Whether through personal blogs, guest posts, or social media, there are countless ways to build a portfolio that reflects who you are as a writer.
The best part?
You don’t need to wait until the last minute to start.
Start building now, and by the time you’re ready to apply to college or that dream internship, you’ll have a collection of work that speaks for itself.
Your portfolio is a living, breathing document of your growth, passions, and potential.
So take the plunge, start writing, and let your portfolio be the key to unlocking your future opportunities.