Portfolio School 1 (I'll get back to putting up an example of an esoteric ad soon)

I found out about a year ago that I will most likely have to go to portfolio school. I have heard different things from creative directors and copywriters on this matter. Some have insisted that it's really not about having this perfectly art directed, aesthetically pleasing portfolio and if your creativity/abilities are apparent, that is sufficient. On the other hand, I have heard (more frequently) that your portfolio is of utmost importance, this is a competitive industry and your portfolio does need to be properly art directed and very aesthetically pleasing... it ought to be professional-looking regardless if you are yet to become a professional. On one last hand (that gives us three hands I suppose... which is odd but necessary), in my personal experience you need a good portfolio just to get a fricken creative internship, let alone a job. (I'd like to thank the creative director of MeadsDurket for teaching me that lesson, even if it was the hard way.)
So that leads to portfolio schools, where the entire purpose is to make a creative portfolio that will land you that junior position. My understanding is you are in the program with copywriters and art directors and you work together, complimenting each others skills to create this bomb-diggity portfolio that gets you a job. In addition, the schools usually have some form of professional connections and you are taught by professionals.
I have to go to class, so I will continue on portfolio school next post.