How to Create a Standout College Admissions Video. Tips!

As if the competitive college admissions landscape weren’t challenging enough, now many schools offer students the opportunity to submit an admissions video in addition to traditional application materials. This option allows applicants to show a side of themselves that goes beyond test scores, GPAs, and essays. But with this new format comes new challenges: how does a student convey their personality, passion, and potential in just a few minutes?

Creating an admissions video isn’t just about hitting “record.” It requires careful planning, creativity, a sense of self, and how one wants to present themselves to the admissions committee. Whether your student is a seasoned content creator or hasn’t edited a clip before, this guide will help them create a compelling, college admissions video that showcases their unique qualities and makes them stand out.

Some schools that allow for video submissions this application cycle are Vanderbilt, UChicago, Wake Forest, Duke, Brown, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Continue reading for college admissions video tips created by International College Counselors to assist students with this process.

1. Know Your Audience and Purpose

Before you begin, it’s important to understand your audience: the admissions committee. They’ve already seen your application, so think of the video as an opportunity to supplement what they already know. What do you want them to take away from this video? Your personality? Your creativity? Your passion for a particular field? Be clear about the message you want to convey and let that guide your video.

2. Plan Your Content

Like any good story, a college admissions video needs structure. Start by brainstorming a few key points you want to communicate about yourself. Keep these points focused—trying to cover too many topics can make your video feel scattered. For example, if you’re passionate about science and technology, focus on how that has shaped your high school experience and aspirations.

Some schools, like Wake Forest, have specific prompts for you to answer, so make sure you answer them clearly and concisely. 

Once you have your main points, outline your video’s flow. You might want to begin with an introduction, then move into showcasing your interests and experiences, and end with a personal reflection about why you’re excited to go to college. Keep in mind that some video platforms, like Glimpse, do not allow you to personalize your message to each individual college, so it’s best to not personalize your message to each school you’re submitting a video to.

3. Be Yourself and Showcase Your Authenticity

Admissions officers want to know the real you, not a scripted or overly polished version. Be genuine in your video. Talk about your interests, hobbies, or a meaningful project, and make sure your passion shines through. Authenticity is far more compelling than trying to be what you think the admissions committee wants you to be.

Speak directly to the camera as if you’re having a conversation with the viewer. If you’re comfortable, infuse some humor or personal anecdotes to give your video personality. Colleges are looking for students who will be a good fit for their community—let them see who you really are.

4. Keep It Concise and Engaging

Keep your video concise, typically under 2-3 minutes, as per most college guidelines. You want to hook the viewer’s attention from the start and maintain it throughout. Be thoughtful about what to include and cut anything that doesn’t directly support the message you want to communicate.

5. Mind the Technical Details

Even though this isn’t a professional film, you still want your video to look polished. Pay attention to lighting, clear sound, and a steady camera. You don’t need expensive equipment; even a smartphone camera works well if you’re mindful of these elements.

Lighting: Soft lighting is often best. Record with the light source, like a ring light, in front of you, not behind.

Sound: Make sure you’re in a quiet space with minimal background noise.

Editing: Simple editing is all you need. You can use free or low-cost video editing software to clean up your footage, add transitions, and ensure smooth pacing. Please note that some video platforms do not allow editing. Be sure to review the website guidelines thoroughly before you start recording so you know what to expect.

6. Review and Get Feedback

Once your video is edited, take some time to review it critically. Does it align with the message you want to send? Does it reflect who you are? After your own review, show it to an ICC college advisor, trusted friends, family members, or teachers to get their feedback. They might notice things you missed or suggest small changes that can improve the final product.

7. Final Touches and Submission

Before submitting your video, double-check that it meets the college’s technical requirements, such as file format and length. Make sure everything is polished, and then upload your video with confidence.

Each school will let you know how they would like to receive the video. Some ask for an upload to their portal. Other requested options include

1. Glimpse is convenient for U.S. students and QuestBridge applicants, as it offers a streamlined process to upload one video and distribute it across schools. It’s perfect for students who want to go beyond essays and resumes to present a more personal side of themselves to admissions officers. Although there’s a fee associated with Glimpse, many students may qualify for a fee waiver.

Glimpse allows you to create a 60-90 second video that can be shared with multiple colleges on your application list. This video gives you the opportunity to express who you are in your own voice—beyond what’s written in your application—and to highlight why you’re passionate about attending a particular school.

2. InitialView is an interview-based video platform available to international students or students from non-traditional learning backgrounds. It allows students to record a video with a certified InitialView interviewer and have it uploaded and sent to any institution you intend to apply to. These interviews are unscripted and will provide colleges with an authentic view into who you are as a student and a person. There is a fee associated with this product.

Both Glimpse and InitialView are part of the InitialView platform. 

The video submission option helps personalize your application, providing schools a closer look at what makes you unique. With deadlines approaching, make sure to plan your video early, so you have plenty of time to review it before submitting.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS

While the college admissions process may seem daunting, you don’t have to go through it alone. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email us.