CV vs Resume Slides The CV Blueprint
Scholarship Portfolio Strategy
From Employment History to Academic Narrative
Two Identical Students
Applicant A: The Resume
Focuses on job duties
Strictly 1 page
Highlights soft skills
Best for Corporate HR
Applicant B: The CV
Focuses on research & honors
Flexible length (2-3+ pages)
Highlights contributions
Best for Scholars & Panels
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae: "The Course of One's Life."
Unlike a resume which summarizes skills for a specific job, a CV is a comprehensive record of your academic and professional trajectory.
"Resumes are about what you can do for the company. CVs are about what you have done for the field."
Research
Academics
Service
Honors
The Scholarship Skeleton
Education
Institutional honors, GPA, specific relevant coursework, study abroad.
Research
Lab roles, independent study, field work, or major capstone projects.
Presentations
Conferences, symposiums, or even high-level class presentations.
Service
Community leadership, volunteer roles, and long-term civic engagement.
Professional
Internships and jobs, but reframed through the lens of transferable skills.
Skills
Languages, software, technical certifications, and specialized tools.
The Power of the Pivot
Stop listing duties. Start quantifying impact and identifying themes.
Resume Style
"Taught history to 30 middle school students twice a week."
CV Style
"Designed and implemented an 8-week curriculum for low-income students, resulting in a 20% increase in literacy scores."
Ready to Build?
Today, you will audit your experiences and begin reframing your narrative for a scholarship committee.
1
Audit Past 4 Years
2
Group by Theme
3
Quantify Impacts
CV Blueprint Worksheet CV Blueprint Worksheet
Scholarship Portfolio Strategy
Student Name
Target Scholarship
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive academic record. Unlike a resume, it doesn't just list jobs; it builds a narrative of your growth as a scholar, leader, and citizen. Use this worksheet to audit your experiences and prepare them for your first draft.
1. Academic Foundation & Honors
Include: Dean's List, Honors College, Study Abroad, Specialized Certificates, or relevant high-level coursework.
2. Research, Projects & Publications
Include: Lab assistance, independent studies, capstone projects, or conference presentations.
3. Service, Leadership & Engagement
Include: Club leadership, community volunteering, civic initiatives, or recurring peer mentoring.
Refactoring Your Impact
Transform passive "job duties" into active "academic contributions." Focus on Action + Context + Impact/Result.
Before: Employment Duty
After: Academic Contribution
"Helped organize the annual campus blood drive for the Pre-Med Society."
"Coordinated logistics for a campus-wide health initiative, managing 15 volunteers and increasing donation yield by 15% through a targeted social media campaign."
Draft your duty:
Refactored version:
Identifying Your Narrative Theme
Look at your refactored bullets. What common thread connects them? (e.g., Equity in STEM, Public Policy, Community Resilience, Creative Storytelling)
My Core Narrative Theme:
How my CV supports this theme:
Reverse Chronological
Consistent Formatting
High-Contrast PDF
© The Portfolio Blueprint
CV Blueprint Teacher Guide Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: CV vs Resume Blueprint
Teacher Resource
Instructional Intent
The goal of this lesson is to help students pivot from an employment-focused mindset to an academic one. Many undergraduates struggle to fill more than one page because they only consider "jobs" as experience. This lesson expands their definition of "work" to include research, service, and specialized coursework.
Lesson Essentials
Duration: 60-90 min
Format: Workshop
Key Term: Curriculum Vitae
Pacing & Activities
10 MIN
The "Two Applicants" Hook
Display Slide 2. Ask students to guess which applicant is more "employable" vs. more "fundable." Discuss why scholarship committees care about narrative and breadth over specific technical job skills.
"A resume is a snapshot. A CV is a documentary."
20 MIN
Direct Instruction: The CV Framework
Use the CV vs Resume Slides to walk through the categories. Emphasize that the CV can and should grow beyond one page.
Highlight the Research and Service sections.
Explain that "Education" should include more than just the school name (GPA, Honors, Study Abroad).
40 MIN
Workshop: The Blueprint Audit
Distribute the CV Blueprint Worksheet . Students work individually to audit their past 4 years of experience. Circulate and help students identify "hidden" experiences (e.g., that one semester assisting a professor with data entry is actually "Research Assistantship").
Refactoring Tip:
Focus on the impact . If a student was a waiter, don't list "took orders." List "Maintained high-accuracy financial transactions in a high-pressure environment while managing customer conflict resolution."
10 MIN
Closing: The Narrative Thread
Have students share their "Core Narrative Theme" from the bottom of Page 2. Ensure their CV bullets actually support that theme.
Common Misconceptions
"I don't have enough to fill two pages."
Encourage them to include detailed descriptions of academic projects or community service that they would normally leave off a corporate resume.
"Can I include high school?"
For freshmen/sophomores, yes, but only the most significant honors/leadership. By junior year, HS should be largely phased out unless it's a major national award.
Recommendation Protocol Slides The Art of the Ask
Recommendation Protocol
The "Bad Ask" Critique
Subject: recommendation??
"Hey Professor, I'm applying for that big scholarship. It's due on Friday. Can you write me a letter? I did well in your class two years ago. Let me know!"
Timing
Too late (due Friday!)
Support
No context/CV provided
Strategy
Vague & unprofessional
Selecting Your Squad
Don't just ask the person who gave you an 'A'. Ask the person who can speak to your Character, Contribution, and Potential.
The Academic
A professor who knows your research style, intellectual curiosity, and classroom leadership.
The Mentor
A supervisor or club advisor who can vouch for your professional reliability and teamwork.
The Golden Timeline
4-6 WEEKS OUT
Initial request & meeting invitation.
3 WEEKS OUT
Send the "Briefing Packet" (CV + Brag Sheet).
1 WEEK OUT
Gentle, professional reminder email.
POST-SUBMISSION
Handwritten thank-you note & status update.
The Briefing Packet
Don't make them guess what to write. Give them the "ammunition" to advocate for you.
Updated CV
Shows your full breadth beyond their class.
Brag Sheet
Highlights specific interactions & achievements.
Prompt Info
Explicitly state what the scholarship values.
Recommender Briefing Brag Sheet The Recommender's Briefing
Brag Sheet Template
Student Name
Purpose: This document is not for the scholarship committee. It is for your recommender. It provides them with specific examples and context so they can write a detailed, high-impact letter that aligns with your overall application narrative.
1. Scholarship Context
Scholarship Name & Selection Criteria
Submission Deadline & Link/Portal Info
2. Our Interaction
Remind the recommender of specific moments where you demonstrated the qualities they should highlight.
Course(s) taken / Projects supervised / Years known
Specific project, paper, or classroom contribution I am most proud of in your presence:
One specific challenge I overcame (and what it showed about my character):
3. The Global Narrative
Help the recommender understand how their letter fits into your whole application.
My Core Narrative Theme (e.g., "Advancing Rural Healthcare")
Three adjectives I hope my application conveys (and why):
My long-term academic or professional goals:
4. Beyond the Classroom
What else should they know that might inform their "holistic" view of you?
Protocol Checklist
I have updated my CV and attached it to the packet.
I have included the official scholarship prompt/criteria.
I have double-checked the spelling of the recommender's name/title.
I am sending this packet at least 3 weeks before the deadline.
Recommendation Protocol Teacher Guide Facilitation Guide
Lesson 2: Recommendation Protocol
Teacher Resource
Instructional Intent
Letters of recommendation are often the "black box" of applications. Students feel they have no control over them. This lesson empowers students to influence the quality of their letters through strategic selection, professional etiquette, and the provision of a "Briefing Packet." The core shift is from asking for a favor to providing a professional opportunity for advocacy.
Lesson Essentials
Duration: 45-60 min
Format: Critique & Drafting
Pacing & Activities
10 MIN
The "Bad Ask" Critique
Show Slide 2. Ask students to put themselves in the shoes of a busy professor. Why is this email frustrating? (Lack of lead time, lack of specific info, overly casual tone). Brainstorm what information is missing.
15 MIN
Direct Instruction: Strategy & Timing
Review Slide 3 and 4. Focus on the concept of "Academic vs. Mentor" recommenders. Discuss the "4-Week Rule."
"A recommender isn't just a witness to your past; they are a partner in your future. Treat them as such."
25 MIN
Workshop: Drafting the Packet
Hand out the Recommender Briefing Brag Sheet . Students begin filling out Section 2 (Specific Interactions) and Section 3 (Global Narrative). This is often the hardest part—reminding professors of specific "moments" in their class.
Teaching Tip:
If a student says "I don't have a specific moment," tell them to look through old papers or lab reports. What comments did the professor leave? Use those as a starting point.
10 MIN
Closing: The Initial Ask Email
Have students write a 3-sentence email draft on the back of their sheet.Context: Remind them who you are.The Ask: Ask if they can provide a strong letter.The Offer: Offer to send a briefing packet or meet for coffee to discuss the opportunity.
Strategic Pro-Tips
The "Strong" Qualifier
Always ask: "Do you feel you know me well enough to write a strong letter?" This gives them an out if they can only write a generic one. You want a passionate advocate, not a neutral one.
The Coffee Meeting
If possible, invite the recommender to a 15-minute meeting or Zoom. Verbalizing your goals helps them hear your voice, which often translates into more "personal" language in their letter.
Digital Presence Slides Digital Proof
Branding & Presence
The Incognito Test
When a scholarship committee Googles your name, who shows up?
What are the top 3 images?
Are there any outdated profiles?
Is your LinkedIn the first result?
LinkedIn: The Live CV
Social Proof
Endorsements and recommendations from professors/peers provide external validation.
Active Narrative
Posting updates about your research or projects shows you are engaged right now.
The Scholarship Hack:
Committees use LinkedIn to see if your paper CV matches your digital reality. Consistency across both is key to building trust.
Supplemental Portfolios
When a scholarship asks for "Optional Supplemental Materials," it's rarely actually optional.
Tech
GitHub repositories / Projects
Arts
Behance / Digital Portfolio
Writing
Research papers / Medium articles
Curated
Personal Website / Linktree
The "Red Flag" Cleanup
Aggressive or controversial social media posts.
Unprofessional usernames (e.g., partyguy2024@gmail.com ).
Outdated information that contradicts your application.
Rule of Thumb:
"If you wouldn't want the scholarship donor to see it over Sunday brunch, delete it or hide it."
Digital Audit Checklist Digital Audit & Branding
Scholarship Portfolio Strategy
Student Name
1
The Incognito Audit
Open an incognito/private browser window. Google your name (and your name + your university).
First 3 Search Results (Title & Context):
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
What would a donor think?
Action needed? (Delete/Hide/Update)
2
LinkedIn Strategy
Professional headshot (Neutral background)
Headline includes "Scholar" or "Candidate"
Summary matches application narrative
Custom URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
One "Featured" item I will add:
Example: A PDF of my latest research poster or a link to my volunteer project.
3
Supplemental Curation
If allowed, which supplemental link will you provide to prove your work?
Material Type (Art/Code/Writing/Portfolio)
Host Platform (GitHub/Behance/Personal Site)
Why this specific material supports my application theme:
Verified Identity • Narrative Consistency • Professional Presence
Interview Prep Slides Mastering the Interview
Interview Mastery Preparation
The Hot Seat Challenge
"Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned."
You have 30 seconds to structure your answer. Go.
In a high-stakes scholarship interview, your structure is your safety net.
S Situation
T Task
A Action
R Result
The "Big Three"
Scholarship panels aren't just looking for smarts—they are looking for alignment with their mission.
"The Why"
"Why this scholarship? Why now?"
Connect the donor's mission to your personal "Core Narrative Theme."
"The Gap"
"How will this funding change your trajectory?"
Be honest about the opportunities this opens up—research, study abroad, or reduced work hours.
"The Vision"
"Where do you see your field in 10 years?"
Demonstrate high-level thinking and long-term commitment to your discipline.
Presence & Poise
The Eye Link
Maintain eye contact with the person speaking, then scan the whole panel as you answer.
The Warm Intro
A genuine smile and a firm, but brief, greeting sets the tone immediately.
The Still Frame
Minimize fidgeting. Rest your hands on the table or your lap to convey calm confidence.
"Dress for the role you are asking them to fund."
— Scholarship Wisdom
Building Your Bank
Today, you will identify 4 "Master Stories"—experiences that can be adapted to almost any interview question.
The Conflict Story
The Win Story
The Failure Story
STAR Method Worksheet The STAR Workbook
Interview Mastery Preparation
Student Name
S
Situation
Set the scene. Who, what, when, where?
T
Task
The objective. What needed to happen?
A
Action
The steps YOU took. Be specific.
R
Result
The outcome. Numbers or concrete impact.
Story 1: The Leadership Success
Identify a time you led a team or initiative to a positive outcome.
Situation & Task
Action (What did YOU do?)
The Impact / Result (Quantify if possible)
Story 2: The Failure or Conflict
Identify a time something went wrong and how you managed the resolution.
Situation & Task
Action (Steps toward resolution)
The Lesson Learned / Result
Story 3: Academic/Intellectual Challenge
Identify a complex problem or project that required deep critical thinking.
Scholarship "Killer Questions"
"Why should we give you this money instead of someone with more financial need?"
"Tell us about a time you stood up for something you believed in, even if it was unpopular."
Practice with a Mirror
Record Yourself
Mock with a Peer
"Presence is the result of Preparation."
Mock Interview Slides Closing the Deal
Simulation & Follow-Up
The Simulation Protocol
1. The Speed Round
5-minute rapid-fire stations focusing on first impressions and your "Master Stories."
2. The Deep Dive
10-minute panel simulation focusing on mission alignment and "Killer Questions."
3. The Debrief
Immediate, radical candor feedback using the Mastery Rubric.
Your Goal:
Transition from memorizing answers to internalizing your narrative. Be ready to pivot.
Peer Evaluator Role
Your job is to be the donor. Look for consistency, authenticity, and confidence.
The "Second Impression"
The interview doesn't end when you walk out the door.
The Thank-You Note
Send within 24 hours.
Reference a specific point discussed.
Reiterate your enthusiasm for their mission.
Email is fast; handwritten is memorable.
Sample Closing:
"I particularly enjoyed our discussion about the future of sustainable urbanism. It further solidified my desire to use this funding to pursue my research in..."
Winning is the Beginning
Tax Implications
Funds used for room/board are usually taxable income. Keep meticulous records.
Renewal Protocols
Maintain the GPA, major, or service requirements. Check deadlines early.
Stewardship
Send annual updates to the donor. They want to see the ROI on their investment in you.
Own the Room.
You have the CV. You have the packet. You have the stories. Now, go tell them.
Begin Simulation
Interview Performance Rubric Interview Performance Rubric
Mock Simulation Feedback
Candidate
Reviewer
Criteria
Inconsistent (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Observations
STAR Structure
Answers are logical, structured, and quantify results.
Mission Alignment
Candidate connects their theme to the scholarship's values.
Poise & Presence
Eye contact, vocal clarity, and body language.
Critical Thinking
Effectively handles "Killer Questions" or unexpected prompts.
Radical Candor: The "Glow"
What was their strongest moment or story?
Radical Candor: The "Grow"
What is the one thing they must improve before the real interview?
Overall Impression:
No Hire / Pass
Consideration
Scholarship Winner
Mock Interview Teacher Guide Facilitation Guide
Lesson 5: Mock Interview Simulation
Teacher Resource
The Simulation Environment
This is the capstone experience. The room should feel formal. If possible, rearrange desks into "stations" or "panel" configurations. This lesson is less about teaching new content and more about performance, pressure management, and peer feedback.
Format A: Speed Rounds
Best for large classes. Students rotate through stations every 5 minutes.
Station 1: The "Elevator Pitch" (Personal Intro).Station 2: The "Master Story" (Leadership).Station 3: The "Killer Question" (Failure).Station 4: Non-Verbal/First Impressions.
Format B: Panel Simulation
Best for smaller groups. 3 peer "donors" interview 1 student for 10 minutes.
Panelists use the Interview Performance Rubric .
Rotate every 15 minutes (10 min interview + 5 min feedback).
Observer takes notes on "Presence."
Teacher Action Items
PRE-SIM
Review the STAR Method Worksheet to ensure students have their stories ready.
Distribute 3-4 copies of the Interview Performance Rubric to each student.
Set a professional tone: "We are colleagues today, not just students."
DURING
Circulate with your own rubric. Step in only if a student is completely stuck.
Enforce the time limits strictly—real scholarship interviews are timed to the minute.
Listen for "Narrative Consistency." Does the story they tell match the CV they built in Lesson 1?
POST-SIM
Briefly discuss Scholarship Stewardship (Slide 4).
End with a "Glow Circle": Each student shares one impressive thing they heard from a peer.
The "Stewardship" Talk
"Remind students that a scholarship is a contract. The donor is investing in their future impact. A thank-you note is the first payment of that contract. A yearly update on their research or service is the interest. Good stewardship leads to renewals and future opportunities."
