“What
are some tips regarding video admissions essays?” — Andre
Reese, Charlotte, NC
When submitting an optional video essay to Tufts, St. Mary’s in
Maryland, George Mason, or the College or William and Mary, first view a few
some recent video submissions. One example is the popular ‘Math Dance Girl’,
submitted to Tufts, which can be viewed on You Tube. This might help you
generate ideas. The main tip, though, is to be you: be original. Next, as with
any production, write a script that incorporates the idea you want to get
across. Third, pull together your resources and props before producing your
video. Lastly, review your product and edit it thoroughly.
Ralph Becker — Owner & Director – Ivy College Prep LLC
A: 7 Steps to Making a Great Video Admissions Essay
Using Tufts University, the best-known college to offer college
applicants a video essay option, the first thing to do is 1) Identify the
question and any directions. Tufts says, “Prepare a one-minute video that says
something about you. What you do or say is totally up to you.” 2) Next, brainstorm ideas about what you want
to say. 3) Then, write a first draft script. Make it exceptional. 4) Collect
visuals that help explain what you say. 5) Edit. 6) Get feedback. 7) Finally, record
your script until it’s nearly perfect. DON’T FORGET: make it one-minute, no
more or less.
Marjorie Shaevitz – Author, Founder – adMISSION POSSIBLE
A: Make Sure A School Welcomes Them, Then Keep It Brief!
If a school encourages video essays; great, go for it. Do not do
this, however, unless you are SURE that the school wants to see them. Many
schools have growing numbers of applications, but the number of counselors
reading them hasn’t necessarily changed, and they are jammed for time to get
through them all by the deadlines. Anything beyond what the school specifically
requests may not be seen at all, or it may be considered a hassle to retrieve
and view in the time allotted to get through each file. Be mindful of the
counselor’s time constraints and edit tightly for brevity!
Carol Morris – Regional Director of Admission – Southern Methodist
University
