The video essay is an excellent opportunity for the admissions committee to put a face and personality with your application. And it is important to prepare so you can make a compelling first impression. We have some tips to help you ace the video essays for Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, the Yale School of Management, and MIT Sloan.
Minimize background distractions. Select a place with a strong internet connection and a plain, uncluttered background. Allow the admissions committee to focus on what you’re saying by minimizing any distractions in the background—this includes pets, roommates, or loud noises.
Set the lights. You’ll want to place a light in front of you so that your face is clearly visible on the screen (backlighting will result in shadows). Take a test run with a friend or family member to confirm that they are able to see you clearly.
Dress professionally. Put your best foot forward by dressing professionally, similar to how you would dress for an in-person interview.
Prepare, but don’t script yourself. You’ll want the admissions committee see the real you. Think strategically about the points you want to highlight in each video, but don’t memorize a script.
Note your pace. When nerves hit, people tend to speak more quickly. Practice delivering interview responses out loud and time them. You will have up to one minute for each response at Kellogg, and between 60-90 seconds for Yale.
Kellogg School of Management
Kellogg asks applicants to respond to several short video essay questions, in order to exhibit their personality and what they can bring to the MBA community. The question responses are optional, and the three question topics are available in advance. Video responses are due within 96 hours of submitting your application.
Video essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you?
Video essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you? This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you’re pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program.
Video essay 3: This question will be based on a challenge you've faced and what you've learned from it.
Kellogg states that the video essay questions are “designed to bring to life the person we have learned about on paper.” Student culture is a key focus in Kellogg’s admissions efforts, and they want to get to know applicants as fully as possible to ensure they construct a close-knit and collaborative class. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your values, interests, creative thinking ability, and goals, rather than worrying too much about the “correct” or expected response.
Your Strategy: Prior to participating in the video essay, review your application (your goals, especially, must be consistent with what you’ve already submitted) and think through the video essay topics. How will Kellogg help you achieve your goals? Think about specific professors, classes, and experiential learning opportunities. How will you highlight your personality and background to the admissions committee? What characteristics and qualities will you bring to the class? What unique experiences can you offer? How can you expand upon your application materials? Bullet out key points that you’d like to make for each question topic, and practice your responses, keeping a close eye on your time. Kellogg provides practice questions that will help you to get comfortable with the format and technology, and we recommend taking advantage of this.
From the Admissions Office: Full-Time MBA Application Series: the Video Essays
Yale School of Management
Yale asks applicants to respond to several short video essay questions, in order to exhibit their personality, grasp of the English language, and ability to think under pressure. The questions are provided after the application is submitted, and each applicant receives a set of randomized interview questions.
Yale is looking to gauge your communication skills and your ability to think on your feet.
Your Strategy: Prior to participating in the video essay, review your submitted application and prepare yourself to speak on how your personal goals and interests align with Yale’s MBA program. You should also review standard interview questions, and think through anecdotes from your academic and professional experiences that can be used to respond to different question types. Yale provides practice questions that will help you get comfortable with the format and technology, and we recommend taking advantage of this. Take note of the time restrictions.
From the Admissions Office: Video Questions: Designed to set you up for success
MIT Sloan
Sloan requests applicants provide a 60-second video statement introducing themselves to their future classmates. They want to further understand your presence, passions, and interests. It is important to note that the video will only be used during the admissions process and will not actually be shown to your future classmates.
Your Strategy: Familiarize yourself with the Sloan values and culture (see bullets listed below), and take the time to clearly link your own values, passions, and goals with those of the greater Sloan community.
Leadership and an ability to inspire others
A collaborative spirit and focus on community
Intellectual curiosity and analytical strength
Creativity to generate new solutions to existing challenges
Growth in both professional and personal endeavors
Drive, determination, and authenticity
You will also want to showcase your personality and the qualities that make you unique. The Admissions Committee should gain a clear understanding of why you want to attend the school and what you will bring to your class.
Create an outline of ideas and practice delivering the content aloud. Consider also how you can best incorporate personality into your submission. This video type is the exception to our advice on using a plain, uncluttered background. If you have a location or background that will help you tell your story, go for it. Finally, take advantage of the fact that you can record the video as many times as you want.
From the Admissions Office: The 60-second video