Top schools are receiving more applications than ever before, so many have implemented a video interview or video introduction component to the application in addition to or in lieu of an in-person interview. Whether optional or required, if a school on your list provides you the opportunity to submit a video introduction, you should take advantage of the opportunity to craft and submit one. As colleges are inundated with thousands of applications, submitting a video introduction is a unique opportunity to showcase not just your achievements but the essence of who you are. A thoughtfully composed video will help to distinguish you from other applicants and convey your personality and passions beyond the written components of your application.
If you want to craft a video that will catch the attention of admissions officers at your dream school, here are five steps you can take to ensure your video stands out:
1. Read the Prompt Carefully
While it may seem intuitive, one of the most important elements of a strong video introduction is a clear and comprehensive understanding of the prompt. If there’s a specific prompt, ensure you thoroughly understand it, and address each of its aspects in their entirety in your response. Adherence to the prompt demonstrates your ability to follow instructions and provide the specific information that the college asked to receive, a quality that resonates positively with admissions officers. For open-ended prompts, tailor your video to reflect how your interests and values align with those of the school you’re applying to. Consider the institution’s mission, culture, and unique attributes, and seamlessly integrate them into your response.
2. Tell a Cohesive Story
Like all of your application materials, your video introduction should tell one cohesive and compelling narrative. The best way to ensure that your submission is organized and focused is to write out a script before you record. As you craft your script, refer to your other application materials including your personal and supplemental essays and activities list and think critically about how your video introduction fits into the broader story you are trying to tell about your candidacy. What core passion do you want to highlight? What tangible examples can you give to demonstrate this passion? What makes you a uniquely good fit for this university, its campus culture, and its academic programming? What drives your interest in attending the university? Your video should be direct, engaging, and holistic in its approach to answering these questions.
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While writing a script will help you organize your thoughts, be sure that you are not reading directly off of the page when you record your video interview. Memorizing the script to the best of your ability will allow for a more natural and engaging delivery, demonstrating your preparedness and commitment to presenting the best version of yourself.
3. Watch Other Students’ Videos
The internet, and more specifically, YouTube will offer a wealth of information for you to learn from as you brainstorm your video concept. Many students take pride in the work they submit for this component of the application, and publish it online for the general public to view. While you should not copy another student’s idea or work, take some time to search for and watch examples published by admitted students and use them as inspiration for your own!
4. Get Creative With Your Format
The video medium gives you an opportunity to get creative and demonstrate an original approach to the prompt. When it comes to the format you choose, think outside of the box! You could structure your video introduction as a short film about your life, a newscast about the important events that have shaped you, a vlog of your daily life, or a one-act play about your passion project. You can also film yourself and insert specific photos and/or videos from your life. That being said, keep in mind that admissions officers by no means expect a professionally edited product—so get creative, but don’t worry if your video isn’t a professional-grade production. What’s most important is that your original voice and perspective shines through.
5. Stick to the Time Limit
Respect the time constraints specified for your video introduction or video interview. Some applicants may be tempted to exceed the limit, thinking it will set them apart and give them a better chance of admission. However, adhering to the prescribed time shows discipline and consideration for the admissions officers who will watch your video. Concisely convey your message within the given timeframe to maintain engagement and showcase your communication skills.
6. Speak Slowly and Articulate Clearly
In the excitement and nervousness you may feel recording yourself, it’s common to speak too quickly; however, it is important to slow down and articulate your thoughts clearly. Make sure that admissions officers can understand your words (particularly if you are including names or words in another language) and that you are speaking at a distinguishable volume. This will allow you to demonstrate confidence and thoughtfulness. Your goal is not to rush through information but to ensure your message is absorbed and appreciated.
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Keep in mind that it is not just what you say but how you say it that matters. Being expressive and enthusiastic, maintaining eye contact, and showcasing your personality (whether through humor, candor or gravity) will provide admissions officers with a deeper understanding of who you are.
7. Give Your Video Some Finishing Touches
While simplicity has its merits, consider elevating your video with creative touches. Use video editing tools like Canva to add overlays, graphics, or subtle enhancements. This doesn’t require advanced editing skills, but even simple finishes can enhance visual appeal and showcase your willingness to go the extra mile.
While the video introduction may initially seem intimidating, it is an exciting opportunity to paint a vivid picture of who you are and why you belong at a particular institution. Careful planning and enthusiastic delivery can take your video to the next level and impress admissions officers!
Top Schools that Offer Video Introduction or Interviews
While composing a video interview or introduction might seem complicated, it can be equally tricky to parse through various schools’ policies to determine where you can submit a video interview or introduction. To help you determine which schools on your list allow students to submit a video, we have provided a curated list of top schools that accept this supplemental material.
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- While no schools on this list require students to submit a video interview or introduction, many recommend it, which we have indicated under the subsection “video type.” Whether a school recommends the video supplement or not, it is always advisable to take advantage of every opportunity to share your voice with the admissions committee!
- Many of the schools on the list below offer students the option to submit via the applicant portal or through Glimpse, a third-party video platform. Submitting through Glimpse allows students to submit their video introduction to multiple schools on their list; however, this option does require an initial fee, while submitting through a school’s applicant portal does not. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to obtain a fee waiver to use Glimpse.
- The following list is a curated selection of top schools that offer a video option, rather than a comprehensive list of every school to which you may submit a video. Students should be diligent about checking the policies of each individual school to which they are applying to ensure that they are making the most of the allotted materials!
- Video Type: Introduction with suggested prompts
- How to Submit:
- Upload to Brown Applicant Portal
- Submit through Glimpse (for U.S. High School or Questbridge students)
- Submit through InitialView (for international students)
- Instructions from the Website:
- “Your video should begin with you in front of the camera saying, “Hi, my name is [insert name] from [high school].” After that, what you choose to say and how you choose to say it is up to you. Simple and unrehearsed is fine, and you are welcome to be creative.
- We recommend you dress casually as you would for a school day or school event.
- Videos will not be evaluated for production quality; we recommend sitting in front of your laptop/camera/tablet/phone and speaking directly to the audience. Make certain you are visible and audible during your video. Check the lighting and listen to your video after you have recorded it to ensure you are happy with the final product before submitting.
- Limit your video to no more than two minutes.
- Be sure your video is in landscape orientation so your finished product will not require viewers to turn their heads to the side when viewing on a desktop computer.”
- Video Type: Recommended Video Profile
- How to Submit:
- Upload to UChicago Account
- Submit a 60–90 second video through Glimpse
- Instructions from the Website:
- You are encouraged to film in a quiet space that limits outside distractions (background noise, music, pet or sibling interference, etc). While it’s ok to rehearse your message a bit so that you feel confident and ready, it’s helpful for us to hear these spoken in your normal, conversational voice. If there is any important information relevant to your candidacy you were unable to address elsewhere in the application, please share that information here.
- Video Type: Optional Video Supplement
- How to Submit:
- Upload your video to WashU Pathway
- Submit via Glimpse
- Instructions from the Website:
- “All applicants have the option to upload a video to help the Admissions Office get to know you better. This video is not intended to be a professional-quality production or rehearsed audition. Simply capture a quick video of yourself telling us about something important to you.”
- “And if you don’t want to submit a video, that’s OK. Applicants will not be penalized for opting out of submitting a video. It is an optional video (and we mean optional).”
- Video Type: Optional 60–90-second video
- How to Submit:
- Submit 60–90-second video through Glimpse
- Instructions from the Website:
- “U.S. citizens, including undocumented students, attending high school in the U.S. may submit a 60-90 second video through Glimpse.”
- Video Type: Optional Video Response
- How to Submit: Submit through the Bowdoin Application Portal
- Instructions from the Website:
- “Bowdoin offers applicants the option to record a short, spontaneous video response to supplement their application materials. The video response is completely optional and affords you the opportunity to add a different dimension to your application. And unlike the countless hours you’ve put into completing the rest of your college applications, there’s no need for preparation, studying, or editing.”
- With the video response, you get to offer a bit of insight into you and your experiences. Respond just as you would answer a question from someone you’ve just met. We’re not critiquing your conversational skills. We’re not bothered by “ums” or “ahs”, or the laundry on your bed, or the need to take a moment to think and redirect your answer. We care about what makes you excited, what you experience in your day-to-day life, and the way in which you would normally express yourself!”
Majors and Programs that Allow Video Introductions
While composing a video interview or introduction might seem complicated, it can be equally tricky to parse through various schools’ policies to determine where you can submit a video interview or introduction. To help you determine which schools on your list allow students to submit a video, we have provided a curated list of top schools that accept this supplemental material.
- Video Type: Optional Video Introduction
- How to Submit:
- Upload to the Cal Arts application portal
- Instructions from the Website:
- “Tell us about one person, place, thing, or event that has helped shape your personality and/or your art practice.
- Duration: minimum of 30 seconds, maximum of 90 seconds.
- Speak directly to the camera.
- No edits.
- No special effects or on-screen overlays.
- Linked file must remain online for at least one full year.
- Does not require professional-level equipment; cell phone cameras are fine.”
- “Tell us about one person, place, thing, or event that has helped shape your personality and/or your art practice.
- Video Type: Required Video Introduction
- How to Submit:
- Submit through the USC Slideroom Application
- Instructions from the Website:
- “Submit a 30-60 second video of yourself speaking directly to the camera, in a single take with no edits, introducing yourself and explaining what will make attending SCA a successful experience for you and others.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I film and submit a video interview if it’s optional?
Yes, submitting an optional video interview is highly recommended if you are offered the opportunity to do so. While not mandatory, an optional video interview is an opportunity to showcase your personality, perspective, and unique voice to admissions officers, giving your profile depth and dimension beyond your “on-paper” materials.
Can I film my optional video interview on my iPhone?
Yes! Smartphones, including iPhones, have excellent video capabilities and are perfectly suitable for filming a video interview. However, keep in mind that your video will only be as good as your preparation and staging. Plan to shoot your video in a quiet, well-lit environment, position the camera squarely so that your face is visible, and practice a few times before shooting your video. It is best to shoot your video in landscape mode with your phone on a tripod or resting on another surface, rather than holding it up yourself. Quality matters, but you don’t need professional-grade equipment to shoot a standout video.
What questions are commonly asked in video interviews?
The video interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to gain further insight into your experiences and qualifications, as well as assess your fit for the institution. As such, video interview questions typically focus on a candidate’s background, interests, and reasons for applying. Students should anticipate questions such as:
- “Tell us about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to attend X university?”
- “What are your academic and career goals?”
- “Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it.”
- “What unique perspective or qualities would you bring to our campus?”
Prepare answers in advance but avoid sounding overly rehearsed. Admissions officers want to hear your authentic and thoughtful responses, rather than a script you believe will impress them.
Should I edit my optional video interview?
While you can make minor edits, you should avoid editing your video too heavily, whether using filters and visual editing effects or other editing tools. The admissions committee is looking for authenticity, and an overly edited video can easily seem manicured and disingenuous.
Can my optional video interview go over the suggested time?
No, you should adhere to the guidelines provided by the school as you execute your video interview. Going over the time limit signals a lack of concern for the admissions officers’ time, as well as a disregard for submission instructions
How can I make a good impression in my video interview?
You can make a standout impression through your interview by providing genuine and thoughtful answers, showing your demonstrated interest in the institution, and displaying professionalism through your dress and manner of speaking. While you should avoid sounding overly formal or rehearsed, you should showcase your knowledge of the school and its offerings when applicable to the prompt (whether academic programs, clubs and student life, faculty, or resources), and how these characteristics align with your experiences and goals. Make eye contact with the camera, speak confidently, dress to impress, and finally, have fun with it!
How can I appear less nervous in my optional video interview?
First and foremost, practicing and preparing can alleviate nerves as you approach the video interview—rehearse your talking points in front of a mirror without the camera rolling to find a natural cadence and body language. Before you begin filming each take, breathe in deeply to slow your heart rate and steady your voice. You can also keep notecards with bullet points handy as you film, ensuring that you don’t read from a script but still have a safety net if you forget a point or freeze up as you’re talking. For some students, having a trusted family member or friend in the room can help make responses more conversational.
