What are Admissions Videos and Should I Make One?

As you work on your college applications, you may notice the option to upload a short introductory video of yourself. But should you? The short answer: it depends! Many students wonder what colleges and universities gain from applicants submitting videos. Well, we have some answers for you.

What is a college admissions video?

An admissions video is usually a clip of anywhere from 90 seconds to five minutes that allows students to share more information about—and insight into—themselves. There is not always a specific topic required or approach expected in these videos. Some schools, like Brown and University of Chicago, offer freeform formats that allow students to shoot and edit a video before uploading it. For those schools, students can simply be seated and speak directly to the camera, but they could also opt to film in various locations or demonstrate multiple hobbies or interests. Other schools, like Wake Forest and Bowdoin ask that applicants reply to specific prompts, which can result in a more structured, interview-style video.

Some schools offering a video option use one of the recording platforms offered by a company called InitialView, which offers three variations:

• InitialView: Students participate in a virtual interview with a trained InitialView staff member, often a former admissions officer. Students are asked about their lived experiences, values, and interests in a conversational setting. In addition, students complete a timed, 20-minute writing sample in response to an open-ended prompt. Colleges often strongly recommend InitialView for international applicants, Americans studying outside the U.S., and students who are homeschooled or attend a virtual high school.

• Glimpse is a 60-90-second, self-recorded video option that allows students to highlight a personality trait, hobby, or special talent that may not be captured in the admissions application. Applicants have complete autonomy in deciding what they would like to share and how they present themselves. Glimpse can be sent to multiple colleges in one submission.

• Viva is a newer offering from InitialView that showcases students’ academic voice and intellectual curiosity by letting them upload a research paper, creative work, or essay. Applicants then respond to a series of AI-generated interview questions through recorded video responses, typically within 60 seconds. These questions encourage students to reflect on their academic experience. Once complete, students can send Viva to as many institutions as they would like. Schools with a strong emphasis on research, like Caltech, have adopted Viva to learn more about applicants’ research experiences and academic contributions.

So, do I have to submit a video?

Videos remain optional for most applicants for now. Keep in mind; these videos are a way for the school to gain additional insight into who you are as a person and student, rounding out the holistic admissions process. If you are not the strongest writer or worry that your academic performance doesn’t accurately reflect who you are, sharing an admissions video is a great option to show colleges your strengths. Or, if you have an accomplishment that you weren’t able to fully convey in your application, these videos may also be a great way to share more information.