More colleges are asking applicants to submit short video introductions. Why? Admissions officers want to “meet” the person behind the grades and test scores. A quick video gives them an authentic look at your communication skills, personality, and potential fit for their campus.
- A Growing List of Schools: Institutions across the country are adopting video content. Brown University famously replaced alumni interviews with 90-second video introductions back in 2018. In recent years, other schools like Colby, Vanderbilt, WashU, Rice, Duke, Bowdoin, Swarthmore, Chicago, and Northwestern either require, strongly recommend, or offer the option for video pitches or prompt-based responses.
- Focus on Authenticity over Production: Admissions officers have emphasized that high-end video production isn’t what they’re looking for. They want a real glimpse at the everyday human applying to their college, without pinterest-inspired backgrounds or fancy edits and transitions.
- Personal Insights: Videos give you room to highlight unique passions or share your personality, going beyond the transcript—like showing off a favorite book collection or explaining your love for astronomy.
Tips for Creating a Great Video Supplement
Navigating video prompts can feel intimidating, but keeping it simple is actually the key to success.
- Keep Production Simple: You don’t need fancy cameras or professional editing. Focus on what you want to share, and keep the tone conversational. Just use your phone or webcam; avoid sounding over-produced.
- Choose a Clean Setting: Find a quiet spot with good lighting and a distraction-free background. Look directly at the camera lens when speaking.
- Plan, Don’t Memorize: Outline your main points, but don’t read a script word-for-word. Practice enough so your delivery feels natural and fits within the time limit.
- Add Incremental Value: Don’t just repeat your resume or an essay. Use the opportunity to share a fresh angle, show off your personality, or expand on an interest.
- Be Natural and Enthusiastic: Speak clearly at a normal pace, sit with good posture, and let your personality shine through.
If a college you’re applying to suggests or requires a video and you’re worried about being camera-ready, talk to your advisor. Much like a mock-interview, they can help you work through the jitters and consider what (and how) you might share your story.
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