Public Relations portfolio

The Public Relations program admission requirements include a portfolio submission. Your portfolio helps NSCC evaluate your abilities to ensure you have a reasonable probability of success and demonstrates your potential to build on your skills during your time in the program. If your portfolio is not successful, deficiencies will be noted and you will be given the opportunity to address them and re-submit your application, as time permits.

Important: This program uses SlideRoom, a third-party portfolio management software platform, for portfolio submissions. Once you've reviewed the requirements and prepared your materials, you'll need to create a SlideRoom account, upload your portfolio, and complete any required submission forms. An application fee of $15 USD is required for each portfolio submission in SlideRoom.

Portfolio contents

Your portfolio consists of the following items, to be submitted digitally. Early preparation and submission are recommended.

• An original, 300-word (minimum length) essay on why you would like to pursue an education and career in public relations.
• 3 additional writing samples (not including your original essay) for assessment. Writing samples that reflect your experience in a variety of diverse styles are of particular interest and can include business writing, academic papers, journalistic writing or any public relations or promotional pieces you’ve written.

Note that any violations of our Academic Integrity Policy could impact your ability to enter this program.

Original Work and AI Use

Portfolio submissions must be fully original and created solely by the applicant. This means:

• AI tools must not be used to generate any content (e.g., text, images, audio, or video).
• Work created by others must not be submitted.
  • Note: Work created collaboratively as long as the applicants contribution is clearly identified (ex. Newsletter)

The use of standard tools and plug-ins within audio, video, and graphic design software, including those with AI components, is permitted to support your original work. The portfolio is intended to demonstrate your individual creative ability; submissions that do not meet these requirements may not be considered.

How to submit your portfolio

Completed	Portfolio components
	300-word (minimum length) essay
	3 additional writing samples

Portfolio Submission via SlideRoom

To submit your portfolio, follow these required steps:

• Step 1: Carefully review the portfolio requirements listed on this page.
• Step 2: Prepare, create, and gather all required files for your submission.
• Step 3: Once your materials are ready, visit the NSCC Public Relations SlideRoom submission page to complete your portfolio submission.

In SlideRoom, you will be required to:

• Create a SlideRoom account.
• Enter your NSCC Student ID number (included in your most recent email from NSCC Admissions after applying on nscc.ca).
• Upload your portfolio according to the program requirements listed on this page.
• Submit your portfolio by the posted deadline (Atlantic Time).

You may begin your submission, save your progress, and return to SlideRoom at any time before submitting. Once submitted, changes cannot be made.

Upon successful submission, a confirmation screen and submission number will be provided for your records.

For technical support, visit the SlideRoom Applicant Help Centre

For questions about portfolio requirements, contact NSCC’s School of Business and Creative Industries at

File types and upload requirements

Preferred file formats:

• PDF (.pdf) or Word (.docx)

File Size Limits:

• Documents: ≤ 20 MB

Writing samples show a breadth of writing styles. ​Writing samples are similar in nature.​Writing samples are inappropriate or appear to have been written specifically to apply to the program.​Applicant’s role in submissions is clearis identified​Some sources credited.​

Personal essay (Max of 40 points) How effectively does the applicant present an essay that demonstrates a clear and thoughtful motivation for pursuing education and a career in public relations?	Excellent (9 to 10 points)	Above Average (7 to 8 points)	Average (5 to 6 points)	Below Average (3 to 4 points)	Poor (0 to 2 points)
Original, well-developed ideas (300+ words).	Original, well-developed essay (300+ words).	Well-developed essay (300+ words).	Essay is at or near word requirement (300+ words).	Essay is incomplete (less than 300 words).	Essay is missing or well below 300 words.
Clear explanation of motivation to attend PR program and participate in industry.	Applicant provides a clear, compelling, and well-developed explanation of motivation to attend program.	Clearly explains motivation with good detail.	Applicant explains desire to attend program but lacks insight or details.	Applicant provides an unclear or underdeveloped explanation of motivation to attend program.	Applicant does not explain motivation to attend program.
Includes personal reflections to support essay.	Applicant includes thoughtful personal reflections.	Applicant includes high-level personal reflection.	Applicant draws on some personal experience or reflection.	There are few or no personal experiences or reflections.	Applicant does not include any personal reflection or experiences.
Demonstration of originality, reflection, and personal insight.	Applicant demonstrates strong originality, insight, and personal reflection in essay.	Applicant shows originality and some thoughtful personal reflection in essay.	Applicant demonstrates some originality, but limited insight in essay.	Applicant shows limited originality or reflection.	Applicant does not demonstrate any originality, reflection or personal insight.
Writing samples (Max. of 30 points) How well do the samples demonstrate the applicant’s experience with diverse writing styles, their contribution to each piece, and academic integrity?  *To assess for equivalency, a resume must be part of an applicant’s sample submissions.	Writing samples show a breadth of writing styles.	Some breadth in writing samples.	Writing samples are similar in nature.	Writing samples are similar.	Writing samples are inappropriate or appear to have been written specifically to apply to the program.
Applicant’s role in creating each piece.	Applicant’s role in submissions is clearis identified.	Applicant’s role in developing most pieces is identified.	Applicant’s role in developing most pieces is identified.	Applicant’s role in development is unclear.	Applicant’s role is unclear.
Applicant properly credits sources.	All sources credited.	Some sources credited.	Minimal (1-2) sources credited.	No sources credited.	Sources unclear.
Applicant’s writing proficiency (Max. of 30 points)	Excellent (9 to 10 points)	Above average (7 to 8 points)	Average (5 to 6 points)	Below average (3 to 4 points)	Poor (0 to 2 points)
Grammar and writing mechanics - Submissions are neat with few typos. They demonstrate accurate grammar, punctuation, spelling, and use articles correctly (e.g., “a,” “the”). There is consistent subject-verb agreement. Sentences in submissions are complete, varied and free of run-ons or fragments.	Clear, polished writing with minimal errors. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are accurate; sentences are complete, varied, and well-structured.	Minor errors present but do not affect clarity. Generally correct grammar and sentence structure with some variety.	Noticeable errors in grammar and mechanics. Sentence structure is sometimes awkward or repetitive but meaning is usually clear.	Frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Limited sentence variety; errors sometimes hinder clarity.	Persistent errors in grammar, spelling, and structure. Frequent run-ons/fragments; meaning is often unclear.
Organization and structure – Submissions are well-organized with proper paragraph breaks, clear transitions and logical flow.	Well-organized with clear paragraphs, smooth transitions, and strong logical flow.	Generally well-organized with clear structure and mostly effective transitions.	Basic organization is present; transitions or flow may be inconsistent.	Weak organization with unclear structure and limited transitions; flow is uneven.	Disorganized with little to no structure; ideas lack flow and connections.
Clarity and readability – Submission clearly and concisely expresses ideas, with appropriate language for the audience.	Ideas are clear, concise, and well-expressed; language is appropriate for the audience.	Ideas are mostly clear and concise; minor issues with wording or tone.	Meaning is generally clear but may be wordy, vague, or uneven in tone.	Ideas lack clarity or conciseness; language may be inappropriate or hard to follow.	Unclear, confusing, or overly wordy; inappropriate or ineffective language for the audience.
Criteria	Excellent (9 to 10 points)	Above average (7 to 8 points)	Average (5 to 6 points)	Below average (3 to 4 points)	Poor (0 to 2 points)
Adherence to Application Specifications - Extent to which the applicant follows all application specifications, including completing required components and submitting materials correctly.	Fully adheres to all application specifications; all required components are complete and submitted properly with no errors.	Largely follows all specifications; only minor deviations in details that do not impact overall completeness.	Moderate inconsistencies with specifications; some minor missing elements but core requirements are mostly met.	Significant deviations from specifications; missing components, or incorrect submission elements.	Does not follow key application specifications; submission is incomplete or incorrectly submitted.

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