College application essay video

Your video shouldn’t simply be your written essay read aloud; you want to take advantage of the medium. Include scenes of you scoring the big goal, your lead role in the school play, or volunteering in the community. Some students also use props or visual aids. There’s no need for flowery language or overly long narratives.

And they're looking to your essays to get at all of that. A solid essay can overcome a lower test score, a lower GPA, and really any other gap in your profile. It can't make miracles happen, of course (that other stuff matters, too!) but it CAN boost your application and your chances at admission.

Your video should be authentic, and admission officers are not looking for a professional-quality video (unless you’re going into an audio-visual field), but taking the time to edit your video conscientiously can really make a difference. So if you have a friend that is particularly adept at producing videos, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

1:14to the simple things that you know. 1:20very everyday topics. 1:29or even their bus ride to school. 1:35and someone were to pick it up. 1:36It didn't have your name on it. 1:43and your experiences and your perspective. 1:48came from a student in the midwest.