How to Stand Out in College Applications with a Video
Preparing for college applications? It may be hard to figure out how to stand out as an applicant. When your application is reviewed by an admissions team, who you are as a person may be hidden by a pile of documents that include your high school transcript, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, common app, college essays, awards, leadership experience, and letters of recommendation.
This is why some colleges, including Brown University and the University of Chicago, now offer students a chance to show their personality and character through an optional application video as a part of their application process.
What are college application videos?
College application videos are usually around 2 minutes long, and feature you speaking directly to the camera. Every college has their own specific requirements for the video. Some colleges encourage you to talk about anything you’d like, some have specific prompts that they ask you to answer. Make sure to read the instructions carefully on the college’s website.
Some colleges that accept application videos: Bowdoin College, Brown University, George Mason University, University of Chicago, and Washington University in St. Louis.
What to include in college application videos?
In general, you should aim to pick a topic that shows your unique personality and character beyond what’s already shown in your application. For example, Brown University includes the following possible topics: a tour of your hometown, your favorite place, music or art that moves you, or how your friends would describe you etc.
Besides speaking directly to the camera, you should also consider adding supplementary footage and photos that help paint a clearer picture of your topic to the admissions team.
How to create a college application video?
Here is how students in Babel Film Workshop create a college application video:
Read instructions: Make sure you read the specific instructions for the video on the college’s website a few times so you understand all requirements. Contact the admissions team if you have questions.
Write: Depending on the instructions, pick a suitable topic that shows your unique personality and character. Write a script of what you’ll be talking about, and list out supplementary footage to include.
Plan: Plan where and when you’ll be filming yourself speaking to the camera, collecting supplementary footage, what you’ll wear, and what equipment you’ll need
Film: Film your shots and obtain supplementary footage according to your plan
Edit: Put your footage together in an editing app, and add music and titles to polish it up
Review and Submit: Review your video a few times and show it to trusted friends or family members to look for ways to improve, then make sure to submit the final version by the deadline
Creating your video
Creating a video can be a stressful experience because it involves many steps and specialized skills. If you would like expert guidance on creating a college application video, you can work with a professional filmmaker mentor 1-on-1 by joining our Mentorship program. Contact us to schedule a free initial meeting.
Learn more about our Mentorship programs here.