Monthly Action Plan

05 Monthly Action Plan

This calendar focuses on executing the investigative journalism project already recommended earlier in the plan and ensuring it becomes a polished, credible piece that can strengthen both your portfolio and your applications. The goal is not to start multiple new initiatives but to complete one strong investigation, document the reporting process clearly, and position the work for publication and application use.

Month Key Actions Target Outcome
July
  • Select the civic issue your investigative piece will address (for example housing, education access, or food insecurity) and outline the central question your reporting will investigate.
  • Begin source identification and outreach: community members, local organizations, officials, and publicly available documents.
  • Create a reporting log to track interviews, data sources, and research steps so the process can later be presented clearly in your application portfolio.
 Clear investigation topic, reporting plan, and initial sources secured.
August
  • Conduct interviews and gather primary information from multiple perspectives connected to the issue.
  • Collect supporting documentation such as reports, public records, or local data that strengthen the investigative angle.
  • Begin drafting the article while continuing reporting; maintain detailed notes on your methodology for later documentation.
 Substantial reporting completed and first working draft underway.
September
  • Complete the full investigative draft and revise for clarity, accuracy, and narrative strength.
  • Compile documentation of your reporting process (source list, interview summaries, data references).
  • Identify potential local or regional publications that might accept the piece and review their submission guidelines.
 Polished article draft and a clear record of your investigative process.
October
  • Submit the investigative piece to one or more appropriate local or regional outlets.
  • Prepare a portfolio-ready version of the piece including reporting notes and context about the issue.
  • Integrate the project into your application materials where relevant (see §06 Essay Strategy for framing).
 Article submitted for publication and formatted for use in application materials.
November
  • If the piece is published, track measurable response such as community feedback, discussion from local groups, or media amplification.
  • If publication is still pending, follow up with editors or explore an additional outlet.
  • Document any reactions, commentary, or outcomes related to the article.
 Evidence of real-world engagement or response connected to your reporting.
December
  • Finalize a concise portfolio entry summarizing the investigation: issue, reporting process, publication status, and impact.
  • Update application materials and any additional submissions with the final version of the project.
  • Prepare a short description of the work that can be used in interviews or supplemental responses.
 Complete investigative journalism portfolio piece ready for admissions review.

By the end of this timeline, you should have one clearly documented investigative journalism project that demonstrates rigorous reporting, engagement with a meaningful civic issue, and potential public impact. Executed well, this single project can anchor your journalism narrative across applications and supporting materials.

Testing Strategy →