*Please note: this blog post is about pre-recorded video essays, not timed video essays, sometimes referred to as video interviews, often using the Kira Talent platform.
As graduate schools seek to make the admissions process more personal and dynamic, pre-recorded video essays are increasingly appearing on applications. Video essays provide new opportunities for applicants to showcase their personality and make a strong impression on the admissions committee. At the same time, a boring, sloppy, clumsy, or lazily recorded video won’t achieve the desired outcome. By considering an array of factors – including the instructions, format, video and audio quality, personal presentation, and editing – applicants can plan, record, and submit a video that will strengthen their profile and increase their chances of admission.
Follow the Instructions
Following the instructions is the baseline to completing any task or assignment correctly, and video essays are no exception. Most video essays will have time limits or suggested time limits – don’t exceed them. Some will stipulate whether or not the video can be edited or should be shot in a single take. Lastly, each will have instructions about what information or content the applicant should include in the video. Here is an example of some clear instructions from the MIT Sloan MBA video essay:
Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:
- No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length
- Single take (no editing)
- Speaking directly to the camera
- Do not include background music or subtitles
Appearance and Environment
Any chance to interact with a target school should be taken up with a professional tone and approach to personal appearance. Business attire or business casual are appropriate dress for a video interview. If possible, a quiet office or meeting room will provide a professional setting for the video, although different settings and backgrounds can also be acceptable. If a bedroom or other room in your home is your best option, make sure the room is tidy and quiet – consider recording when family or roommates are out of the house to reduce background noise or distractions. Using a digital background might also work, but test it first to see how it looks and how your camera interacts with it.
Video and Sound Quality
These days we do just about everything on our smartphones, but a phone may not be the best device for recording your video interview. Most videos do not need to have professional-quality visuals and audio, but the picture should be clear, without lag, and the audio should be easy to hear and understand. Editing for sound and video clarity, or cutting clips may or may not be options. Consider the University of Texas McCombs MPA video essay instructions:
Be professional, try not to read off a script (we want to see you as your peers, instructors or employers see you!), and don’t worry about fancy editing techniques…
Film test runs with different devices to evaluate video and sound quality. Listen to test recordings using headphones to get an accurate idea of the sound quality. You may need an external camera or microphone, which can often be rented or purchased affordably.
Plan Your Content
Video essay prompts are available when the application opens, which allows ample time to plan and prepare the content of the video. While there will be plenty of time to outline, write, and potentially edit your video, memorizing a script is generally not recommended. Since a video is a chance to showcase your communication ability and personality – including important characteristics like confidence, composure, sense of humor, and charisma – it’s best to deliver answers as naturally as possible. For some applicants, this could mean using an outline or bullet points and many practice rounds to develop an authentic and comfortable recitation on camera. If the essay allows for editing, some applicants might cut up shorter sections of the video and stitch them together, selecting the best version of each section.
Don’t Forget Your Personality
Amid all this preparation, your personality must shine through. Your appearance, chosen environment, and content all offer the chance to show who you are and what you care about. Choose an outfit that is both professional and comfortable to wear; ideally, this outfit will also express your personal style. Clothes that fit well and are familiar can positively impact your body language on camera. Decorating the filming environment or using props should be carefully considered, as you don’t want to distract the viewer or do anything unprofessional.
You can also infuse your personality into the video through your mood and the topics of your content. Communicate your thoughts and values in your tone and style, and don’t adopt a persona that isn’t your own. Many prompts will encourage you to do so. Consider the following video prompts from the Chicago Booth MBA program:
Please submit a video response to one of the following two prompts:
- Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and/or actions?
- What is something you wish people knew about you, but you’re not sure that they do?
Each of these options presents the chance to share an answer that is distinctly personal, both in terms of content and personality.
[Conclusion]
A pre-recorded video essay is a chance to sell your personality, values, and goals without the nervousness of an in-person interview. To ensure that you give your best effort, take this aspect of your applications as seriously as you take job interview preparation. Get started early and consider each aspect of your video planning and production. By taking this approach, you can avoid a time crunch and produce a video that is a strong asset to your application and profile.