The MBA application video essay has become a staple of many top business school applications in recent years. With limited space on application forms to tell your story, schools turn to video essays as a way for applicants to provide a more personal and compelling narrative. A strong video essay can help admissions committees see beyond grades and test scores to better understand you as an individual and future leader.
Crafting an effective video presentation comes with its challenges. You need to thoughtfully plan what to include within a typically short 2-3 minute time limit while keeping the viewer engaged. Here are some tips on creating the best MBA application video essay to highlight your strengths and increase your chances of admission.
Choose a Memorable Topic
The topic you select will shape the overall message of your video. Think carefully about an experience from your background that demonstrates key qualities business schools seek, such as leadership, teamwork, overcoming adversity, or lifelong learning. Consider a topic that reveals something unique about you that wouldn’t come across on paper. For example, you could discuss starting a successful club or volunteer initiative at your undergrad school. Sharing a personal challenge or failure you learned from can also make for a compelling narrative if framed positively. Avoid overly rehearsed or generic topics like completing an internship. Select something truly memorable that exemplifies your character.
Tell a Cohesive Story
Once you choose a topic, craft it into a cohesive story with a clear beginning, middle and end. Introduce the topic and provide context in the opening to hook the viewer. Make them want to know more. In the body, include vivid details and anecdotes to bring the experience to life for the viewer and illustrate specific lessons learned. End by connecting back to how this experience shapes who you are today and your goals and fit for business school. Viewers should feel they gained unique insight into you from watching. Run your story by others to ensure it flows logically and holds interest.
Convey Passion Through Body Language
While the substance of your narrative matters most, effective delivery is also crucial on video. Speak with confidence, enthusiasm and poise fitting of a future leader. Make eye contact with the camera as if addressing the viewer directly. Be mindful of posture and avoid fidgeting hands. Express emotion and enthusiasm appropriately for the story. Use hand gestures sparingly for emphasis. Capture the viewer with your presence as much as the words. Practice your delivery until it feels natural. Record dry runs to identify areas for improvement.
Choose an Engaging Setting
Filming in an inspiring location can enhance the viewing experience. Avoid noisy, distracting backgrounds. Select a simple setting, such as a bookcase-lined home office, that puts the focus squarely on you. Ensure lighting from the front avoids shadows, and that surrounding noise is minimal. Test acoustics by recording a sample—you want clear audio quality without background echoes. Video quality should be crisp and steady without shakiness or blur. Consider using a tripod if necessary for a polished professional look.
Customize Your Introduction
Open with a 10-15 second introduction stating your name, where you’re from, and the business school you’re applying to. Smile warmly and speak directly to the viewer. This personalized opener creates immediate rapport and sets the right tone for what follows. Keep it brief before launching into the main story. Avoid overly rehearsed intros or details unrelated to your narrative. Let your enthusiasm for your chosen topic shine through naturally.
Incorporate Multimedia Elements
Short video or still images can reinforce key points when used judiciously. For example, include a quick photo of yourself leading a club if discussing that experience. Video clips no longer than 5-10 seconds of an inspiring community project in action may also work if obtainable. Avoid too many or overly long multimedia additions that break the flow of your storytelling. The focus should remain on your passionate delivery. Multimedia should simply complement rather than dominate the narrative.
Polish Your Final Product
Review your video essay from start to finish with a critical eye. Ensure consistency in quality, lighting and sound throughout. Watch for any awkward cuts or unintended facial expressions. Trim as needed for optimal impact within the time limits. Include proper labeling with school and your contact details. Consider taking extra time to refine small details that could elevate your presentation from good to excellent. Share for feedback from others and be open to making further improvements. Careful polishing can make a big difference in creating a professional product that leaves lasting positive impressions on admissions officers.
The MBA application video essay provides a unique chance to advance your candidacy. With thoughtful planning and attention to storytelling, delivery and production elements discussed here, you can craft a compelling video presentation that authentically highlights why you would excel in a top MBA program and enrich the student body. Done right, your video essay may be the differentiating factor that helps secure an coveted acceptance offer. So invest the time needed to develop your very best video essay and personal brand as a future business leader.
Andrew Stroud