How to Make a College Application Video Essay

The college admissions landscape is continually evolving, and one of the most significant recent additions is the college application video essay. For many students, the moment they see this optional—or sometimes required—item on an application, a wave of anxiety hits. What should I say? How do I film it? What are they really looking for?

If this sounds like you, take a deep breath. The video essay isn’t a trap designed to catch you in a mistake. It’s an invitation. It’s a unique opportunity to add depth, personality, and a memorable, human element to your application. While your grades, test scores, and written essays tell part of your story, the video essay allows you to show who you are. This guide will walk you through the essential do's and don'ts, transforming this source of stress into a powerful tool for self-expression that can make your application truly shine.

Decoding the Prompt and Planning Your Narrative

Before you even think about hitting "record," your journey begins with careful thought and strategic planning. This foundational step is where a good video essay becomes a great one.

Do: Read the Instructions. Then Read Them Again.
This might seem obvious, but it is the single most critical step. Colleges are very specific about what they want. Pay close attention to:

• The Prompt: Are you being asked a specific question, like "What do you love about your hometown?" or "Tell us about a time you were moved by art?" Or is it an open-ended invitation to "introduce yourself"? Your content must directly address what is being asked.
• Time Limit: Whether it’s 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or two minutes, this is a hard limit. Going over is a sign that you can’t follow directions.
• Format: Are there specific instructions on how to frame your shot (e.g., head and shoulders only)? Are you allowed to include graphics or music?
• Technical Specs: Note the required file format and size.

Ignoring these guidelines is the fastest way to have your hard work disregarded. Creating a checklist of these requirements can ensure you stay on track.

Don’t: Jump Straight to Filming
The most common mistake is to grab a phone and start talking. A rambling, unstructured video feels unfocused. Instead, treat it like a mini-documentary about yourself.

Do: Brainstorm and Outline
Think about the story you want to tell. What key aspect of your personality, a passion, or a unique experience do you want to share? Remember, your video should complement the rest of your application, not just repeat it. If you wrote your main essay about your love for science, perhaps your video can show your creative side as a musician or your dedication as a volunteer.

Create a simple outline or a list of talking points. This will keep you focused and ensure your narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end. You might structure it like this:

1. Hook: Start with an engaging statement or question.
2. Core Message: Share your main story or answer the prompt.
3. Connection: Briefly tie your message back to the college or your future goals.
4. Conclusion: End with a memorable, positive closing statement.

While having a plan is crucial, you don't need to write a word-for-word script and memorize it. Doing so can make you sound robotic. The goal is to speak naturally and conversationally.

The Technical Do's and Don'ts

You don’t need to be a professional filmmaker with a Hollywood-sized budget to create an effective video essay. Admissions officers are not judging your video production skills (unless you’re applying to film school). They are, however, assessing your thoughtfulness and effort.

Do: Pay Attention to Your Environment
Your setting speaks volumes.

• Location: Choose a quiet, clean, and well-lit space where you won't be interrupted. A messy bedroom or a noisy café can be distracting. A simple background, like a tidy bookshelf or a plain wall, is often best.
• Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Film facing a window so your face is clearly visible. Avoid sitting with a window behind you, as this will turn you into a silhouette.
• Sound: Poor audio quality is a common pitfall. Film in a quiet room and turn off any fans, televisions, or notifications that could create background noise. Do a test recording to ensure your voice is clear and easy to understand. Using the microphone on your headphones can often produce clearer audio than your phone’s built-in mic.

Don’t: Overproduce It
Admissions officers are wary of videos that are too polished or slick. Fancy editing, special effects, and professional-grade cinematography can come across as inauthentic or a display of privilege. This is not the time for a dramatic movie trailer about your life. The focus should be on you and your message. A simple, stable shot from a phone on a tripod (or a stack of books) is perfectly sufficient.

Do: Practice Speaking to the Camera
It can feel awkward to talk to a lens. Overcome camera shyness by practicing. Record yourself a few times to get comfortable. Watch the playback to see where you can improve. Are you speaking too fast? Are you fidgeting? Maintain eye contact with the camera, smile, and let your personality come through. Imagine you’re having a friendly conversation with an admissions officer who genuinely wants to get to know you.

What to Say in Your College Video Response

The technical aspects are important, but the substance of your message is what will truly make an impact. This is your chance to be more than just a name and a set of statistics.

Do: Be Your Authentic Self
This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice. Admissions officers review thousands of applications. They can spot insincerity from a mile away. Don’t try to be the person you think they want to see. Don’t use a large vocabulary that isn’t natural to you. Speak from the heart about something that genuinely matters to you. Your enthusiasm, your quirks, your unique perspective—these are your greatest assets. Authenticity is memorable.

Don’t: Brag or Repeat Clichés
There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Instead of listing your accomplishments, show your passion through a story. For example, instead of saying, "I'm a great leader," tell a brief story about a time you led a team project and what you learned from the experience.

Avoid clichés like the plague. Admissions officers have heard it all: "I want to change the world," "I learned the value of hard work from sports," "My service trip was a life-changing experience." If you are going to touch on a common topic, you must bring a fresh, personal, and specific perspective to it.

Do: Connect Your Story to the College
If possible, tailor your video. Why are you specifically excited about this school? Perhaps a particular professor’s research aligns with your interests, or a unique program speaks to your passions. Mentioning a specific detail shows you’ve done your research and have a genuine interest. For instance, you could say, "My passion for environmental science, which I developed while volunteering at my local creek, is why I'm so excited about the opportunity to work with Professor Smith at your university's aquatic research lab."

Review, Feedback, and Submission

You’ve planned, filmed, and poured your personality into your video. Before you submit, a final quality check is essential to ensure your hard work pays off.

Do: Get a Second Opinion
You’ve been looking at your video for hours, so you might miss small issues. Share it with a trusted teacher, counselor, or family member. Ask them for honest feedback with these questions:

• Does this video genuinely reflect who I am?
• Is the message clear and easy to follow?
• Is there anything distracting about the background, lighting, or sound?
• Does it meet all the college’s requirements?

Working with a college admissions consultant can be particularly valuable at this stage. An experienced professional can provide an expert perspective on how your video will likely be perceived by an admissions committee.

Don’t: Skip the Technical Check
Watch your video one last time on the device you will use to upload it. Check for:

• Audio and Video Quality: Is everything clear from beginning to end?
• Time Limit: Is it within the specified length?
• File Name: Name the file exactly as instructed (e.g., "FirstName_LastName_VideoEssay.mp4").

Do: Submit with Confidence
Follow the submission instructions precisely. Upload your video well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical glitches. Once you’ve submitted it, congratulate yourself! You’ve completed a challenging but rewarding part of the application process.

Your Story, Your Voice

The college application video essay is more than just another hoop to jump through; it's a gateway for genuine connection. By focusing on authenticity, careful planning, and clear communication, you can create a video that not only meets the requirements but also leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Remember, the goal is not to be a perfect student, but a real person. Let your passions shine, share your unique story, and allow the admissions committee to see the wonderful individual behind the application. This is your moment to speak directly to them—make it count.

If you’re looking for more personalized college admissions help to navigate the video essay or any other part of your application journey, we invite you to schedule a discovery session with us at Anja Education Consultants. Let’s turn this process into an exciting journey of self-discovery together.