{"id":53274,"date":"2021-10-21T08:38:49","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T15:38:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2021\/10\/chicago-booth-video-question-how-to-craft-your-response\/"},"modified":"2021-10-21T08:38:49","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T15:38:49","slug":"chicago-booth-video-question-how-to-craft-your-response","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/chicago-booth-video-question-how-to-craft-your-response\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Booth Video Question & How to Craft Your Response"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Last year, Chicago Booth debuted a new pre-interview video component for all candidates invited to interview.<\/h2>\n

In releasing this year’s MBA interview invitations, Booth again asks you to submit a 60-second video to support your candidacy, with an option to choose between two questions. Although directed only to candidates invited to interview, Booth clarifies that the video is not related to your interviewer nor will be provided to your interviewer. Read on for my advice on how to ace the Booth video question. For a deep dive on how to prepare for the Chicago Booth MBA interview<\/a>, view my related article.<\/p>\n

A growing number of schools have adopted a video component in the MBA application. Last year, the MIT video statement<\/a> went from optional to mandatory, and Kellogg, Rotman, Yale and INSEAD include a video prompt in the application. While programs have different time limits and questions, all are seeking an authentic and unscripted glimpse of your poise, character, motivations and ambitions. In addition to seeing you in action, your video presentation allows the MBA admissions committee to assess your confidence, presentation style, language skills, and ability to think on your feet.<\/p>\n

As former Associate Dean of Chicago Booth<\/a> (and Booth alum), I see this as an excellent opportunity to convey another dimension of your candidacy by bring your application to life. My Fortuna colleague, Caroline Diarte Edwards<\/a>, calls the video statement \u201ca really positive evolution in terms of giving candidates more scope to express themselves in the application process.\u201d<\/p>\n

The general \u201crules\u201d of video presentation apply \u2013 good lighting, excellent sound quality, background free of clutter or distractions, focus on the camera, interesting visuals if appropriate, etc.\u00a0(Fortuna\u2019s Matt Symonds offers great advice on how to ace the MBA video essay<\/a>, including tips on set-up and presentation that are applicable to Booth.) You can record the video with a cellphone, computer, or other video recording device \u2013 Booth makes it clear that you won\u2019t be evaluated on the styling and editing of the recording, only the content of your submission.<\/p>\n

Speaking of content, you\u2019re given a choice between two questions, and in the invitation letter, Booth explicitly invites you to have some fun with this.<\/p>\n

Booth Video Questions & How to Craft Your\u00a0Response\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1) \u00a0Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and\/or actions?<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) \u00a0What is something you wish people knew about you, but you\u2019re not sure that they do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, I don\u2019t perceive a benefit in going for one question over the other. It depends on which one speaks to you and which will elicit a response that\u2019s authentic, meaningful, and compelling. Booth is deploying this approach as a way to get to know you in a different way \u2013 to actually see you, get a sense of your communication style and ability, and to gauge personality.\u00a0Therefore, how you say things (with style and personality) may be more important than what you say.<\/p>\n

That being said, the first question invites you to share a perspective on what is going on in the world right now and how it has affected you. This is a great opportunity to reveal your values, what you care about, and how recent and current circumstances motivate you to drive change or serve a greater purpose. What are the issues that are important to you?\u00a0What has been learned about the issue?\u00a0Why has it changed your perspective?\u00a0How has it moved you to adapt or act?\u00a0There are many issues in the world today that could influence this response \u2013 BLM, the election in the US, China-US relations, climate issues, Covid \u2013 the list goes on.\u00a0This is a chance to highlight an issue important to you and show that you not only pay attention to what\u2019s going on, but also have been motivated to take some action (or at least have ideas on doing so).<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s singular essay question for UCLA Anderson<\/a> is very similar to video question 1<\/strong>, and Fortuna\u2019s Jessica Chung offers some excellent, relevant guidance in her related article. \u201cRather than referencing several events on a superficial level, pick one that allows you to convey the kind of leader you are and hope to become,\u201d writes Jessica. \u201cAs you sift through the possibilities, the single most important action you can take is to spend significant time on self-reflection\u2026 What you choose to cite is less important than why you\u2019re citing it: how did it influence your thought process, mindset, next steps, aspirations?\u201d<\/p>\n

The second question can be much more personal and could also be much more playful. Dare to have some fun here: It is more about your personality and interests rather than your view of world events. I would use this question if there is something REALLY intriguing about you \u2013 not something that could be considered \u201crun of the mill.\u201d I would also try to tie into this WHY this is important to you and how it has affected your life, career, relationships, etc. Again, I think the key here is focus even more on personality.\u00a0If you go with this question, you\u2019ll want the issue to be captivating and there is even more opportunity to deploy humor, unusual location, props, etc., to get the message across.<\/p>\n

Question 2 reminds me of a brilliant 60-second video by an MIT Sloan admit<\/strong>, which Fortuna\u2019s Brittany Maschal describes in her article on how to approach the MIT Sloan video question<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe secret to his success was to focus on just one story from his life, which revealed a distinctive aspect of his personality. Frankly, it was an anecdote that might easily be overlooked, if it weren\u2019t for the artful way he used his story to illuminate the personal values and attributes that made him a great fit for MIT,\u201d writes Brittany. \u201c\u2026What he achieved was a winsome glimpse into what made him unique, and it exuded warmth, sincerity, and authenticity.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re noticing a theme here, it\u2019s that 60 seconds is scant time to tell your story. Identifying a single\u00a0story that conveys something meaningful allows you to offer more depth about who you and what you stand for. This is also the opportunity to add something to your narrative that isn\u2019t conveyed elsewhere in your application.<\/p>\n

Finally, it can also be useful to solicit feedback from others.<\/strong> I recommend talking to a coach or a trusted person in your life outside of work. Keep your audience in mind as you prepare and practice (and practice again) your video presentation \u2013 this is the Booth admissions committee, after all. Having a deep understanding of Booth\u2019s values and culture will allow you to make relevant connections to your own story.<\/p>\n

For a deep dive into what to expect on interview day, view my related article on how to prepare for the Chicago Booth MBA interview<\/a>, and check out my short video strategy session with Fortuna\u2019s Malvina Miller Complainville, below.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

What more advice on Chicago Booth?<\/h3>\n

Check out related articles and resources by Fortuna\u2019s expert coaches on Chicago Booth:<\/p>\n