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Admissions videos are an optional component of some college applications, offering students a chance to showcase their personality, creativity, and unique qualities beyond grades and essays. But should you make an admissions video? This post is here to help answer that question! Read on for more information regarding admissions videos, including what they are as well as when you should make one.
Should I Make An Admissions Video?
What is an Admissions Video?
An admissions video is usually a short video, typically a few minutes long (usually 1-2 minutes) that is submitted as a supplement to a college application.
For most colleges, submitting an admissions video is either not required or optional. However, some colleges have mandatory admissions videos and you must submit one for your application to be considered.
The point of an admissions video is so admissions officers can see you explain your interests, talents, or experiences that are not otherwise mentioned in your main application. It also gives them a chance to assess your presentation skills and the way you carry yourself (eg: are you confident/nervous, etc.), which is something they won't able to see through a written application.
Admissions videos help put a face to the name, which can help admissions officers feel like your application is more personalized and not just know you through a student number or application code.
When Should You Make an Admissions Video?
When required by the college: If the college you are applying to explicitly states they want you to make an admissions video, you should make one as you may not be able to submit your application without it.
If an admissions video is optional: If optional, it is up to you to decide whether you want to make an admissions video or not. You should consider factors such as time - do you have enough time to complete all your written college applications PLUS writing and editing a script for the video, and recording and editing the video? Different colleges may have different admissions video prompts, so consider that when you factor in the time required to make each admissions video.
If you are comfortable on camera: In the case of optional admissions videos, you should do so only if you are comfortable on camera. You need to ensure you stand confidently and speak at a pace that allows the listener to understand you clearly. It is also important to note that by making an admissions video, admissions officers may see parts of your identity (eg: race, gender, etc.) that you may have opted out of describing in the written parts of your application (eg: by choosing the "Prefer not to answer" option).
When Should You Skip the Admissions Video?
When you don't have enough time: For optional videos, you should skip the admissions video if you feel you don't have enough time to write a script for the video and record and edit it. Rushing an admissions video can make your descriptions feel forced and do more harm than good. YOu should aim to prioritize the main components of the application like essays and the application form before working on any optional videos.
If it feels forced: For optional videos, do not make an admissions video simply because you think it might increase your chances of getting in. You should make an admissions video only if you have something extra to say that is not mentioned in other parts of your application and if you feel you are confident enough to provide a verbal explanation. Forcing yourself to make an admissions video just for the sake of it can be detrimental to the quality of the video, which will affect your application.
We hope this guide has helped you understand more about whether you should make an admissions video. Good luck with your college applications!
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