![\"MBA](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Video-Essays.jpg\")
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This post is part of a series<\/a> exploring the different forms MBA interviews take and how you can ace them all!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Kellogg and Rotman among many others have included required video essays<\/a> in their applications.<\/p>\n Why adcoms use this method:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 It allows the adcom to see the applicants respond in almost-real-time to questions.<\/p>\n \u2022 It allows the adcom to test applicants\u2019 ability to organize their thoughts and present a response that is both meaningful and succinct.<\/p>\n \u2022 Applicants \u201cshine\u201d in different ways, and an applicant who shines in interpersonal communication and charisma may not make it to a competitive interview with written essays; now the adcom can spot these applicants.<\/p>\n \u2022 Similarly, someone may shine in the conventional written essays, but be inappropriate or unprofessional in presentation, and the adcom can now spot and weed out these applicants early, without expending additional resources on interviews.<\/p>\n Process:<\/a><\/strong> Typically, you click on a link in the application, and you are given a question to answer in a specified time. You are being timed, so you can\u2019t halt the process, go away for an hour and plan a careful response. But some applications give you a minute or so to compose your thoughts; others let you practice with sample questions and the same format.<\/p>\n Benefits and pitfalls for applicants:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> if you present yourself comfortably and are photogenic, the medium plays to these strengths.<\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> the process may take less time than a written essay.<\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> for non-native English speakers, you can demonstrate solid English speaking skills\u2014especially beneficial if you have a low verbal GMAT<\/a> score and\/or borderline TOEFL.<\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> The skills and attributes it highlights differ from and complement those highlighted by written essays, improving the chances for different kinds of applicants to shine in the initial application.<\/p>\n \u2022 Pitfall:<\/strong> you have a limited time and can\u2019t second guess your answer; once it\u2019s done it\u2019s done (whereas with a written essay you can revise it up until submission<\/a> if you have further thoughts for improving it).<\/p>\n \u2022 Pitfall:<\/strong> although the adcoms call it a conversation, it actually isn\u2019t very natural or comfortable to talk into a camera with no human response; some people need practice to overcome discomfort with this medium.<\/p>\n \u2022 Pitfall:<\/strong> for people who are methodical, the short prep and answer time works against your natural inclination and doesn\u2019t play to your strength.<\/p>\n While not exactly a pitfall, there\u2019s also the reality that even though adcoms strive for objectivity in evaluating applicants, the video essay creates the potential for them to be subjectively influenced (pro or con) by an applicant\u2019s physical appearance early in the \u201cweeding\u201d process.<\/p>\n How to make this type of interview work for you<\/strong> (this is in addition to all the common sense advice for good MBA interviews<\/a>):<\/p>\n \u2022 Review Accepted.com\u2019s tips<\/a> for this interview format.<\/p>\n \u2022 Practice with a video camera, YouTube, or other formats, speaking to a camera without a person involved.<\/p>\n \u2022 Practice coming up with short answers to a range of questions \u2013 limit your prep time so it\u2019s similar to the video essay\u2019s, and find a technique that works for you for gathering your thoughts quickly and identifying a key point or message.<\/p>\n \u2022 Consider the whole visual picture: not just having hair combed and appropriate attire, but also the background and lighting \u2013 all should enhance the presentation.<\/p>\n \u2022 The adcoms say they want a spontaneous, natural experience of the applicant, but it may not be natural for you to look at and speak to a non-responsive camera. It\u2019s the illusion of naturalism; it\u2019s acting, it\u2019s performance, essentially. To create your best impression, understand and analyze your gestures, cadence, tone \u2013 what makes your presentation reflect \u201cyou\u201d effectively? A good actor is deliberately and thoughtfully natural, not mindlessly natural. You\u2019re actually performing your best self.<\/p>\n The best way to ensure that you are prepared for your MBA interviews is to practice with a pro! Check out our Mock Interview Services<\/a> and learn what you can do to ace those interviews and get accepted to business school!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Perfect Answers to MBA Interview Questions<\/a>, a free guide <\/p>\n This article<\/a> originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/mba-interview-prep-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Do I Really Need a Mock Admissions Interview?<\/a>, a short video
\n\u2022 Tips For MBA Video Essay Questions<\/a><\/p>\n