Lights, camera, rolling, action… Hey, Hey, Hey! They don’t expect you to be Cillian Murphy or Margot Robbie nor do they want you to hire Arri Alexa or a Canon XC 10. Any smartphone, even a webcam will work because we are not shooting a magnum opus. It is just a Video essay.
Well… Video essays are “epic” to “amp” up your chances and get them (admission officers) “chuffed,” to use the Gen Z lingo, and transcend the boundaries of conventional applications. This interactive digital medium with its diegetic and non-diegetic content presents an opportunity to engage the admission officers with a unique narrative. True, digital media is intangible, however, your presence leaves an indelible imprint on the viewers’ minds, in this case, those who review your application.
Goucher College’s video college application is one of the most well-known, but other colleges, like George Mason University and Tufts University, have previously experimented with video essays on their applications.
It is your chance to share your personal story and underpin how admitting you will nurture the symbiotic relationship between the institution and the student.
“Slay” it with Advitiyam’s services
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and craft an engaging video essay that showcases your unique story and personality.
Step #1 – Choose a Relevant Topic: Select a topic that aligns with your personal narrative and resonates with the values of the college you are applying to. Your chosen topic should be interesting, authentic, and riding above the sea of other applications. Some colleges may provide a specific topic for you to discuss, while others may give you the freedom to choose your own subject for the video essay.
Step #2 – Outline Your Key Points: Organize your main talking points in a clear and systematic manner. This will ensure that your video essay is well-structured. It is not mandatory for the camera to focus on you, the elements of the narrative are equally important.
Step #3 – Share Your True Motivation: Your video essay should convey genuine passion and enthusiasm for your chosen field of study. Be honest about your motivations and what drives you to pursue your goals. It is perfectly acceptable to be motivated by something other than public service – just be truthful about it.
Step #4 – Begin with an Intriguing Hook: Capture the viewer’s attention right from the start with a compelling introduction. Use a thought-provoking question, personal anecdote, or captivating story to engage their interest.
Step #5 – Be candid: Provide a brief yet genuine introduction, including your name, background, education, and interests. This helps establish an immediate connection with your audience and allows them to get to know you on a personal level.
Step #6 – Express Your Preferred Course of Study: Elaborate on the academic major or program you wish to pursue at college and explain why it appeals to you.
Step #7 – Articulate Your Choice of College: Detail why the college you are applying to is the perfect fit for you. Highlight specific features that attracted you to their program, such as the faculty, extracurricular opportunities, or campus culture.
Step #8 – Emphasize Your Values and Abilities: Highlight the qualities and skills that make you a valuable addition to the college community. Discuss your enthusiasm for learning, your collaborative nature, and your dedication to making a positive impact.
Step #9 – Envision Your Post-College Goals: Paint a vivid picture of your long-term aspirations and how your education at college will help you achieve them. Establish a connection between your studies and your personal and professional growth, describing the impact you hope to make in the world.
Finally, take the time to review and polish your video essay, ensuring that it is cohesive and complete. Seek feedback from trusted sources and make any necessary revisions before submitting it as part of your college application.
In addition to these steps, the diegetic elements coupled with non-diegetic elements like background score, ambient sound, lighting when shooting outdoors, stop-block animation, one-take film, and following the golden ratio all will sustain the viewer’s attention. Be sure to follow the submission guidelines provided by the college you are applying to in order to meet all requirements.
By following these steps and tips, let’s “fire” the screen with a 16:9 ratio, in your video essay.
Let’s blow them away! 😊”