Optional video prompts are starting to pop up on elite college applications. In the face of increasing pressure to use a more equitable approach to admissions decision-making, it might seem counterintuitive that some universities are implementing a component that could be exploited to discriminate against certain applicants on the basis of appearance, production quality, or speaking ability. We at Ivy Coach seek to ensure ambitious high schoolers that this is not the case. In fact, if a video essay is too polished, it usually works against the applicant. 

Admissions officers at highly selective colleges and universities are highly tuned to any signals of socioeconomic status. They seek to admit cohorts with a healthy degree of financial diversity, so letting your privilege show on your application video could backfire. Fancy editing, high production quality, a backdrop of a sprawling mansion or scenic vista — all of these things communicate privilege. Simple, straightforward videos, on the other hand, get the job done well. The most competitive video supplements have no frills.

5 Tips for Submitting a College Video Essay

1. Speak colloquially! If you’re trying to impress admissions officers with vocabulary you wouldn’t normally use, they will be able to tell! It will come off as disingenuous.
2. Script your video essay in advance so you don’t stumble over your words or draw up a blank (preferably with the help of one of Ivy Coach’s former elite college admissions officers!).
3. Complement your singular admissions hook with a topic that conveys your deep passion for a specific discipline, cause, artistic medium, or skill. Think of your video essay as one piece in the puzzle that is your hook.
4. No fancy editing, backgrounds, or elaborate outfits! Admissions officers want to admit socioeconomically diverse cohorts of students. The last thing you should do is convey privilege by overdoing it with production quality. 
5. Don’t try to impress your viewer by being someone other than yourself in your video. Relax and don’t forget to smile!

Video Essay Prompts at Elite Universities

Video components on college applications are not yet widespread, but each year a new institution hops on the trend. Bowdoin College, Brown University, the University of Chicago, and Washington University in St. Louis all give applicants the option of submitting a video. Let’s take a look at their prompts:

Bowdoin College

“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!

You will receive a randomly selected question, like, ‘Tell us how you would like to spend your birthday,’ or, ‘What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in the last year?’

You have 30 seconds to think, and then: recording begins!”

Brown University

“As with any aspect of the admission process, there is no specific topic or format we are hoping to see in your video introduction. You may choose to use these suggested prompts:

• What do you love about your neighborhood or hometown?
• Share a time that you were moved by music or art.
• How would your friends describe you?
• Describe how you were influenced by a book that changed your perspective.
• Talk to us about a meaningful family activity or tradition.
• In what ways are you similar to or different from your siblings or friend group?
• Tell us about your favorite time of day. 
• Highlight any topic of your choice that will allow us to get to know you better.

No two Brown students have the same story, and we don’t expect that any two video introductions will either.”

The University of Chicago

“You have two options to submit a video introduction if you would like to add your voice to your application. You may upload a two-minute video directly through your UChicago Account or create a 60-90 second video using Glimpse by InitialView. You may submit your video at any time, but we recommend doing so by November 6 for Early Action and Early Decision I or January 8 for Regular Decision and Early Decision II. Your recording does not need to be extensively rehearsed or polished, and the video does not need to be edited.

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.”

Washington University in St. Louis

“All applicants have the option to upload a 90-second 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 (cell phone is fine) telling us about something important to you.

Ideas to consider

• Do you have a hobby you want to show us?
• What have you learned about yourself?
• When do you feel like your most authentic self?
• Where do you spend your free time?
• Why do you want to attend WashU?
• Anything else would you like us to know about YOU!

The video allows you to add another dimension to your application – something that we might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement. Be creative, be yourself, and have fun with it!”

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Craft the Most Competitive Application Videos

We understand that the best video essays mimic the written essays that they usually are replacing on the application. We collaborate with our students to create scripts that do not read like scripts, and videos that take a back-to-basics approach to production. The last thing our clients convey in their videos is privilege.

If you’re interested in optimizing your child’s application video for elite college admissions, fill out Ivy Coach’s complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch.