The video essay is a key part of many MBA program applications. Unlike a traditional written essay, a video essay allows admissions committees to get a sense of your personality, communication skills, and presence. With the right preparation and presentation, your video essay can help boost your application. Many applicants struggle with how to shine in this unique medium. Here are some valuable MBA video essay tips to help you craft an impressive submission.
Find a Quiet Space and Use Good Lighting
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is choosing an inappropriate filming location. Make sure to film your video essay in a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Background noise can be incredibly distracting for admissions officers watching your video later.
Lighting is also crucial. Try to position yourself near a window on an overcast day for the softest natural light. Avoid sitting with your back to the light source, as this will cause shadows on your face. Test different spots in your filming location to see which lighting works best. Harsh overhead lighting should be avoided.
Avoid scripting your entire answer word-for-word. Admissions officers want to see your personality, not a robotic recitation. Having an outline or bullet points is fine, but deliver responses conversationally. Look directly at the camera as if you’re speaking to the person on the other side. Maintain good posture and make occasional eye contact. Fidgeting, slouching, and reading from notes will come across as disengaged.
Speak Clearly and at a Moderate Pace
Your delivery is as important as the content itself. Speak clearly, confidently, and at a moderate pace that is easy for listeners to follow. Go slowly enough that your thoughts are coherent but not so slowly that you seem unsure or nervous.
Practice your response out loud a few times so you feel comfortable with the flow and timing. When recording, pay attention to volume as well. Speak up so you can be heard clearly but avoid yelling. Admissions officers should not have to constantly adjust the volume.
Share Relevant Personal Experiences
MBA programs want to learn about you as an individual beyond just academics and work history. Draw on meaningful personal experiences that show your character, leadership abilities, cultural awareness, or other transferable skills.
For example, if the prompt asks about overcoming a challenge, share a specific story from your background that illustrates resilience, growth, and how you handled adversity. Get people to see you as a fully formed person rather than just a resume. Personal anecdotes allow your personality to shine through.
Focus on One Theme or Accomplishment
Rather than attempting to cram multiple points into a short video essay time limit, choose one core theme or accomplishment to highlight in depth. Have a clear narrative arc for your story with a beginning, middle, and end. Provide enough context and detail for the audience to follow along without getting lost.
For each theme or experience, think of 1-2 specific examples, quotes, or illustrations that bring it to life. Admissions officers want to see your story come to life through vivid examples rather than vague generalizations. Focusing on one cohesive idea allows you to elaborate fully within the constraints.
Show Self-Awareness and Reflection
Don’t just recount past accomplishments without meaningful reflection. Admissions officers are looking for self-awareness and insight into how you have grown or plan to develop further.
Within your story, pause to analyze what you learned about yourself. How has this experience shaped you? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? What goals do you have moving forward based on this lesson? Look inward as well as outward to provide depth to your response.
Incorporate your personal thoughts, such as “That experience taught me…” or “Looking back, I realize…”. Admissions officers want to understand how you have processed events and what motivates you. Sincere reflection shows nuanced thinking beyond surface-level descriptions.
Rehearse and Record Multiple Takes
No one nails a video essay perfectly the first time. Just like a presentation, rehearsing your response out loud and practicing your delivery is crucial. Record several takes on your smartphone or computer and review yourself critically.
Pay attention to filler words, unnecessary pauses or repetitive phrases. Notice if you’re fidgeting or using poor posture. Review where you can tighten up the narrative or provide more vivid examples. After polishing your best take based on feedback, submit your strongest recording.
Follow Length Guidelines Closely
Each program will specify a set time limit, usually 1-5 minutes. Respect these parameters and do not go over. Admissions officers can become disinterested if responses drag on too long. Do utilize the full time available and avoid very short submissions if possible.
Pare down your narrative to highlight only the most critical aspects in the time given. Removing unnecessary repetitions or filler words can help you fit everything in without rushing. Practice your timing and keep recordings close to the limit to engage viewers fully without taxing their patience.
Make a Strong First Impression
The beginning of your video essay creates a lasting initial perception, so craft an attention-grabbing introduction. Smile warmly, make eye contact with confidence and deliver your opening line with clarity and enthusiasm. Introduce yourself and summarize your overall message in 20 seconds or less.
Hit the ground running to engage viewers right away without wasted start-up time. A dynamic start will encourage admissions officers to invest their attention into learning more about you. Save detailed context or background for later in the narrative once interest is piqued.
Personalize the Prompt Response
Avoid simply restating what the essay question or prompt is asking. Assume the reader already understands the context. Instead, personalize your response by directly connecting it back to your own experiences, goals and fit for each specific program.
Show how your strengths fulfill what the school wants to see. Talk about why this issue is meaningful to you personally and how you aim to contribute your perspective on campus. Responses that go beyond generic answers demonstrate you did thorough research on each school.
Request Feedback and Polish Your Final Edit
Before submitting, have 2-3 trusted advisors or career counselors watch your practice video essay. Request honest criticism on your delivery, structure, examples or other ways you can improve your standout. Incorporate wise feedback when re-recording and fine-tuning.
Review your ultimate submission one final time to catch any quality issues like major audio problems or framing glitches. Double check you answered the specified essay question or prompt directly. Submit with confidence knowing you presented your absolute strongest self in this important part of your application.
Mastering the video essay component takes work but can reap major benefits. Following these tips will allow your true character and passion to shine through for admissions committees. With practice and polishing, you’ll craft an engaging submission that shows your fit and potential impact on a top MBA program.
Andrew Stroud