The unschooler who has pursued one or more interests in depth will have little trouble in making a good presentation. In some cases the transcript magnifies weaknesses and obscures strengths. An award-winning artist or a computer programmer who has successfully marketed his ideas may find himself in a similar position. Some colleges and universities consider themselves highly innovative. A portfolio submission usually impresses admissions officers at these non-traditional schools.
Portfolios do present difficulties.
This is particularly true at some large state colleges and universities. Portfolios can make the job of reviewing candidates so onerous that admissions officers at some larger institutions will simply suggest that the student apply elsewhere. Additionally portfolios run the risk of being rejected by the occasional admissions officer who tries to ft the portfolio data into the list of recommended college preparatory high school courses. Reports also indicate that portfolios are more likely to baffle junior college admissions personnel. Consider writing a home-brew master transcript.