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Can You Film Your Way into College?
The Power of the College Application Video
Percy Angress and Livia Lindenwww.ThisIsMeVideo.com www.TheAdmissionTicket.com
What is a college video?You in a Minute:
• Who you are.
• What you do.
• Where you’re from.
• Where you’re going.
Why make a college video?
• Another “essay op” - a chance to show your passion, creativity, ingenuity.
• Your face in their face – lets the person making the decision “meet” you.
• A cognitive Post-It – helps you stick in their mind.
• A way to reinforce your “application theme.”
• An intangible extra that can help tip the admissions scales.
What is the role of a video in the admissions process?
• Grades, scores and essays matter most.
• A video is not for all students…
• …but it can help you stand out.
But do overworked admissionsofficers really want videos?
• Some may say no, but…
• In practice, if they are seriously interested, they’ll probably take a minute to get to know you better.
• It can’t hurt… unless it’s inappropriate.
How to Get them to Watch
• Put the link in the Common App’s “Additional Information” page.
• State the length – one minute ideal, two minutes max!
• Tell admissions in one sentence why they should click.
Getting Started:The YouTube “Videothon”
Search for “college application video.” Watch for:
• The basic concept.
• Applicant’s presence and message.
• Structure, pacing, music, editing, camera work.
• Ask: “Would this make me want to admit the candidate?”
Two main approaches:
The Big Picture VideoPortrays the “whole student.”
The Small Focus VideoOne interest, activity or talent.
The Big Picture Video
• Academics, extracurriculars, family background etc.
• The best have a fresh, unifying concept.
• Warning…
Don’t make a “Laundry List”Don’t cram in everything about yourself.
• Volleyball• Model U.N.• Bungee jumping• My trip to Costa Rica• Sandwiches for the homeless• My family and all my friends• Snore......
Don’t make a filmed resume.
Show them something new…
…not what they already know from your application.
Genre:Things You Don’t Know About Me
“6 Things You Should Know About MeThat My College Application Won’t Tell You”
Large HeaderSubheader
Bold HeaderKeep paragraphs centered on the page; widen the text block if you need more room.• Bullets• Bullets• Bullets
Genre: This is Me
“Where I’m From”
Genre: The Song or Rap Video
“Meet Jodie”
“Shelby’s Rap”
The Small Focus VideoTend to be idiosyncratic.
Often whimsical or quirky.
Genre:My Passion
“Flight of the Jumbo”
“Brittany’s World”
“Ripley’s Supplement”
Genre:Video Poem
“Hi Tufts, It’s Shane”
Genre: The “Quirky Hook”
“In My Shoes”
“I’m Always Changing”
“Stephanie’s Supplement”
Animated VideosGreat for shy applicants.
“A Film by Samantha”
“Jill in 1000 Frames”
How to Make a Video
• Find a strong concept.
• Say something fresh and authentic.
• Technical considerations are secondary – this isn’t a Hollywood.
Your Most Important Piece of Equipment…
Getting Your Idea
• Think about who you are and what you want to say.
• Put on your filmmaker’s cap – look at the world with fresh eyes.
• Get inspiration from other videos, but don’t copy.
Make a Script or Shooting Plan
• Write a script or shooting plan – you can always deviate.
• Even a one minute video should have a beginning middle and end.
• Get feedback from people you trust before shooting.
Technical Tips
• Any camera will do, even a webcam.
• Find or set up good lighting.
• Record clean sound.
Shooting Tips
• Compose your shots.
• Avoid background clutter.
• Shoot close enough to see your face.
• Shoot multiple takes.
Editing Tips
• Free, downloadable video editors: Windows: Movie Maker Mac: iMovie
• If your lyrics are muddy, subtitle them.
• Keep it tight! Less is more.
Posting Your Video
• Upload to YouTube.
• Make it public or unlisted.
• Decide if you want your last name visible.
• Authorize or block sharing.
Overview:Video essay dos
Do:
• Study other essays and find a focus.
• Say something personal and meaningful.
• Record clear, well-lit images, especially of yourself.
• Say or sing clearly and record clean sound.
• Make it memorable!
Video essay don’ts
Don’t:
• Make a photo album.
• Add small talk.
• Film testimonials.
• Shoot pure talking heads.
• Make it longer than two minutes, max!
And just to keep things in perspective…