Introducing Schoolhouse.world’s Dialogue Portfolios: What They Are and Why They Matter

Will Dialogue Portfolios Replace the Admissions Essay?

As AI becomes more integral to everything, including college applications, it’s clear that traditional admissions essays may no longer serve their original purpose. The San Francisco Chronicle recently argued, “AI is killing the college admissions essay,” noting that as many as one in three applicants used AI to assist with their essays during the 2023–24 cycle, and as a result, some colleges like Duke began reducing the weight placed on essays in review. Note, we highly recommend that you refrain from using AI on your college admissions essays!

This development opens the door for new forms of authentic expression, like Schoolhouse.world’s Dialogue Portfolios, which showcase students’ real-time reasoning, collaborative thinking, and academic communication skills in ways that AI can’t simply replicate.

How It Started

Schoolhouse.world, founded by Sal Khan with backing from Khan Academy, has been a popular platform for free peer-to-peer tutoring in subjects like math. In 2025, they launched Dialogue Portfolios to better assess students on soft skills: constructive questioning, collaborative sense-making, and written communication.

How It Works

Students complete a series of structured dialogue exercises—often focused on academic or real-world scenarios- then compile their best responses into a Dialogue Portfolio. Each portfolio includes:

• A reflective introduction

• Transcript-style dialogues showing constructive back-and-forth

• Annotated insights highlighting questions asked, empathy shown, and clarity of reasoning

Portfolios are conveniently created and submitted online through the Schoolhouse.world interface, giving students structured practice and a polished showcase of their communicative skills.

Why It Matters

Traditional college essays emphasize writing about self-focused achievements. Dialogue Portfolios, by contrast, spotlight:

• Collaborative problem-solving

• Active listening and adaptability

• Academic discourse and critical thinking

These are key abilities valued in college environments but often underrepresented in application materials.

Schools Accepting Dialogue Portfolios

While uptake is still growing, several institutions have begun accepting Dialogue Portfolios as part of holistic admissions, including:

• Select liberal arts colleges piloting the format

• Engineering and teacher education programs focused on communication skills

These schools see the portfolios as a richer, more actionable signal of student readiness than essays alone.

Here is the list of schools that currently accept Dialogue Portfolios:

• Colby University

• Columbia University

• Johns Hopkins University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Northwestern University

• The University of Chicago

• Vanderbilt University

• Washington University in St. Louis

In Summary

Dialogue Portfolios expand admissions beyond solo writing, highlighting interactive thinking and peer collaboration. They’re easy to build and perfect for students who excel in conversation more than monologue. As more colleges recognize the value of dialogue and interpersonal skills, these portfolios can become a differentiator, especially in pilot institutions prioritizing inclusive, communication-focused metrics.

As an independent college counselor based in Fairfield County, CT, I stay ahead of trends like AI’s impact on college admissions and emerging tools like Dialogue Portfolios. I guide students through a strategic, step-by-step approach—helping them build balanced college lists, identify meaningful opportunities, and present themselves authentically beyond just the essay. Whether it’s showcasing collaborative thinking or crafting a compelling personal story, I’m here to ensure your student feels confident and prepared. Let’s make the process less stressful—and more impactful. Schedule a call with me today here to get started!