The Rotman MBA program at the University of Toronto utilizes video essays as part of their application process. Applicants are required to record and submit video responses to prompts that are designed to assess interpersonal skills, motivation for pursuing an MBA, and fit with the Rotman culture. While the specific questions may vary slightly from year to year, below are some sample questions and what effective responses may look like.
A common video essay question asks applicants to introduce themselves and discuss their career goals and qualifications for the Rotman MBA program. A high-quality response would be 2-3 minutes long and cover the essential points clearly and concisely without rambling. Speak directly to the camera with good eye contact and body language. Provide a 30-60 second summary of your background, work experience, and undergraduate education. Explain how your past achievements demonstrate your leadership potential, passion for business, and ability to succeed in an intensive MBA program. Connect your past accomplishments and interests to specific career goals that could be advanced through the Rotman MBA, such as gaining general management skills, transitioning industries, or starting your own business. Refer back to Rotman’s mission and program strengths to illustrate fit. End by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Another frequent prompt asks candidates to discuss a challenging situation they have faced and how they overcame it. This question evaluates leadership, problem-solving, and resilience. It is important to choose an example that demonstrates these qualities clearly. The situation could be from your professional, academic, extracurricular or personal life, but frame it contextually before diving into specifics. Craft the story with a beginning, middle, and end that takes 1-2 minutes to convey. Share how you analyzed the problem, generated solutions, acted decisively with support from colleagues where applicable, and ultimately found success despite obstacles. Reflect briefly on what you learned, being sure to highlight transferable skills like collaboration, creativity or perseverance that will contribute to your Rotman experience. Employing specific examples and details brings your answer to life.
Rotman may also pose hypothetical business scenarios and ask how you would solve them, again examining analytical and leadership abilities. Take a minute to understand the full context before jumping into a response. Consider varying perspectives and priorities of stakeholders and formulate two or three viable options including pros and cons of each. Clearly communicate your recommended solution while justifying the reasoning behind it. Be ready to discuss next steps for implementation and how results would be monitored. Approach hypotheticals logically yet confidently, much like you would address real issues as an MBA student or future manager at a top firm.
Additional sample essay prompts could target teamwork and diversity. For example, describing a successful group project where you overcame challenges by leveraging each member’s unique strengths. Or reflecting on an impactful experience that deepened your cultural awareness and how that exposure would make you an asset to Rotman’s multinational community. Video essays give applicants the chance to showcase qualities that don’t always shine through on paper. Practice responding out loud and tailor your answers based on Rotman’s mission and values rather than generic MBA program goals. With preparation and authentic self-presentation, video essays can be leveraged to strengthen an application and truly connect with the selection committee.
The key to acing Rotman’s video essay questions lies in understanding what skills and attributes the questions are designed to reveal, and then crafting honest, specific examples from your background that clearly demonstrate those qualities. Responses should adhere to time limits while thoroughly answering the prompt. Speak confidently but not rehearsed, maintain good eye contact and body language, and connect your experiences and goals back to Rotman’s mission. Video essays provide a unique opportunity for applicants to supplement their academic and professional profiles with a personal dimension through visual and audio mediums. With practice, they can leave a memorable, compelling impression that distinguishes candidates and supports a competitive application to one of the world’s top MBA programs.