How to write a college admission essay video

Think of the video essay as a brief advertisement for you and your skills. (Robert Daly/Getty Images) If you had mere seconds to change the course of your life – what would you say? If you are submitting a video admissions essay as part of your college application, that question should be at the forefront of your mind.

] 1. View the video essay as an advertisement: Your video essay is, in some ways, a brief advertisement for yourself. Your audience is the admissions committee that is attempting to select a capable and diverse cohort of students. Starting your video by stating your name is like beginning an advertisement by saying, "This is a pencil."

Your audience is the admissions committee that is attempting to select a capable and diverse cohort of students. Starting your video by stating your name is like beginning an advertisement by saying, "This is a pencil." In other words, you are devoting the all-important first impression to sharing information that is already in your application.

Your video shouldn’t simply be your written essay read aloud; you want to take advantage of the medium. Include scenes of you scoring the big goal, your lead role in the school play, or volunteering in the community. Some students also use props or visual aids. There’s no need for flowery language or overly long narratives.