Introduction
The sample MBA video essay is an important part of the business school application process for many top-ranked programs. In today’s increasingly digital world, video applications allow applicants to convey their ideas, experiences, and personalities in a unique format compared to traditional written essays. While written essays remain a staple, video essays evaluated provide admissions committees with a more well-rounded impression of who candidates are beyond just their resumes and transcripts. This article will explore what makes an effective sample MBA video essay, including structure, content, visual elements, and delivery. Examples will be provided and tips offered to help applicants craft compelling video submissions.
Structure
The most basic structural element is length. Most MBA programs stipulate video essays should be between 2-4 minutes long. Sticking precisely to these time limits is ideal so as not to lose reviewers’ attention with an overly long submission or leave them wanting more with too short of a response. Another key structural consideration is having a clear introduction, body, and conclusion similar to a written essay. The introduction should hook viewers with an attention-grabbing opening statement or idea. The body then develops the main points or story in a logical flow. Finally, the conclusion should wrap up key takeaways and leave the final impression.
Beyond length and basic essay structure, effective sample MBA video essays also incorporate strong visual storytelling techniques. Things like establishing shots that set the scene, close-ups during important highlights, varying shot types and angles to keep it engaging, and selective use of b-roll footage all help bring the narrative to life beyond just talking head shots. Transitions between scenes and well-placed cuts also structure the flow nicely. Overall, a polished, professionally edited video structure will communicate messages more powerfully than an amateurish “one-take” attempt.
Content
In terms of specific content, sample MBA video essays tend to fall into a few main categories. Many applicants choose to discuss meaningful career experiences, challenges overcome, or personal achievements that exemplify their leadership abilities, teamwork skills, analytical prowess, etc. Sharing a story from your work background in a compelling, impactful way can impress reviewers. Other popular topics include a passion project outside of your career, insights into why you want an MBA degree and what inspires your goals, or how your unique background will contribute value to a class cohort.
No matter the focus, content should highlight transferable skills, provide specific examples and numbers/data when possible, connect experiences back to future career aspirations, and reveal something new about your personality beyond a resume. Avoid generic, bland responses and get personal by opening up about who you are through impactful stories and insights. Details that make you relatable like hobbies, family influences, or causes you care about can add depth if woven naturally into the narrative. Topics should also clearly address what attracts you to the target program through unique strengths, specialized experiences offered, culture, or similar attributes.
Visual Elements
While the substance matters most, visual elements play a key supporting role in sample MBA video essays. Solid production value through professional equipment, lighting, audio quality, and visual polish creates a positive first impression versus a low-quality recording. Factors like location, background, wardrobe, and on-camera presence also influence how viewers perceive credibility and personality. Appearing confident yet approachable through facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact further engages the audience. Selective use of graphics, images, or video clips to illustrate key points can enhance storytelling if incorporated tastefully. Additionally, being mindfully framed in shots demonstrates presentation skills. Overall, visuals should complement verbal messages professionally without distracting from substance.
Delivery
Even the best-crafted content will be undermined by weak delivery. Projects confidence and passion through an upbeat, energetic pace with varied vocal intonation, keeping reviewers invested. Practice numerous times to polish delivery, anticipating the emotional peaks and valleys of stories shared, and connect authentically through eye contact with the camera lens rather than reading from notes. Poise under the virtual “spotlight” with natural body language and limited verbal ticks or filler words like “um,” “you know,” etc. Displaying an inviting, likable personality through smiles and charismatic presence leaves a positive lasting memory past content alone. Utilize comedy or humility where appropriate to ensure reviewers also see the multi-dimensional human beyond achievements. Practice conveying gratitude, future goals, and why the program is a fit through emotionally captivating delivery.
Examples
A well-known sample MBA admissions video essay effectively shares a candidate’s personal story of growing up in a third world country and overcoming poverty to establish their own small business. Footage of the applicant’s rural village and impoverished community sets the scene. Close-ups highlight their passion and determination through facial expressions discussing challenges. B-roll of their company’s operations, employees, and impact provides context. Their ability to bootstrap growth from humble beginnings through creativity and perseverance inspires and aligns well with goals for the program in their conclusion.
Another compelling applicant discusses how they led a student organization’s disaster relief fundraiser that impacted thousands. By incorporating graphics showing campaign numbers, pictures from trip, and testimonials, they bring the story to life in an engaging way. Their project management, team leadership, and passion for social change shine through. The polished production featuring varied camera angles and shots shows presentation skills while a heartfelt conclusion connects how the experience motivates their mission. These applicants leveraged compelling video essays along with their credentials to gain admission.
Tips
To craft top-notch sample MBA video essays, brainstorm several topic ideas and story examples beforehand that authentically represent who you are. Create an outline for structure and practice delivery multiple times. Pay attention to visual quality factors like lighting, framing, wardrobe, and location choice. Keep content relevant to your goals and what attracts you specifically to the target program. Reveal your multi-dimensional personality through passionately sharing an impactful experience or what inspires your ambitions. Lastly, sincerely thank the reviewers for their consideration, as leaving the right impression matters greatly in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape. With practice and polish, applicants can leverage engaging video essays as a chance to differentiate themselves from the pack in a memorable way.
Andrew Stroud