Re: Video Essay
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10 Jan 2020, 13:17
Some tips:
This type of video essay is certainly challenging in terms of its unpredictability and one chance to get it right. Unlike interviews with a human on the other side – whether in-person, Skype, or even on the phone – you don’t have any feedback coming through verbal and visual cues, and thus, it’s difficult (but not impossible!) to gauge how you are coming across to the adcom. The timed environment poses an additional challenge as there isn’t an ability to extend an interview answer or go back and explain something that may have come out the wrong way. So, what can you do to help maximize your performance in this candid format? Preparation is key.
1.Be Yourself: The best advice I have to nail any type of essay, interview or video essays is to be yourself. Programs have incorporated this component as a way to get to know you, your personality, and your fit with the school, so above all, be yourself. Reflect on your own experiences and answer questions honestly, instead of thinking, “What do they want to hear?”
2.Prepare, Practice, Repeat: The second best advice I have to give you is to prepare and practice. And when you don’t think you can prepare and practice anymore, do it one more time. I coach my clients to write out their ideal responses, practice out loud (look in a mirror and/or record yourself to get some feedback) and make sure that your responses fit within the given timeframe. In the past, programs such as Kellogg gave applicants 3 questions with 20 seconds to prepare and 1 minute for a response.
Generally, the questions fall into these 3 categories: 1) Get to know you, 2) Why MBA/career goals, 3) Behavioral question (Tell me about a time when….). You should brainstorm and research questions that fall into these categories to make sure you have a bank of responses that can be easily modified for the video essay. Here are some questions that would be a great start to practice:
Why are you applying for an MBA now? (Variation: Why are you applying to our program?)
Tell us about a time when you prevented a problem from happening.
Tell us about a time you’ve faced a significant obstacle and you overcame it.
It has been said that an individual can’t make a significant impact on global issues by themselves. Do you agree or disagree?
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to try?
What is the most interesting course you took as a student?
If you could meet anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
3. Do a Test Run: Make sure you do a test run prior to the actual interview by recording yourself in a neat environment with good lighting and no clutter. Test for a reliable internet connection and dress nicely (e.g. business casual). I know it feels uncomfortable to watch yourself on video, but the benefits are invaluable. Examine your test run to make sure you’re clearly visible and audible. Check that your expressions are coming across the right way. Finally, examine the content – did you articulate your MBA story, personality and experiences in a clear, compelling and succinct manner? There is always room for improvement so ask a trusted friend for help if you need another opinion.