As the competition for spots at prestigious US universities intensifies, applicants are often looking for ways to differentiate themselves. In addition to traditional essays and interviews, more universities are offering prospective students the opportunity to submit a video “glimpse” as part of their application.
A video glimpse is a short, typically one- to two-minute video that allows students to introduce themselves to the admissions committee more personally and dynamically. The idea is to go beyond the standard application materials and give admissions officers a better sense of an applicant’s personality, creativity, and communication style. For students who feel that their written materials alone may not capture the complete picture of who they are, the video glimpse can provide an additional layer of depth. Some US universities request specific content, such as an “elevator pitch” or answering a particular question. In contrast, others leave the topic open, encouraging students to use the format to express their unique story.
For many students, a video glimpse offers a chance to stand out in a crowded field of applicants. It provides a more authentic representation of their personality, helping admissions committees see beyond test scores, school grades, and written essays.
For example, written applications can sometimes fail to capture a student’s enthusiasm, humour, or warmth. A video allows students to show these qualities directly, potentially making a lasting impression on the admissions committee. In addition, some students shine in spoken communication. A video submission offers them a way to demonstrate their confidence and ability to express themselves clearly, which can be valuable in college settings, particularly in seminar-style classes or group projects. Beyond this, submitting a video shows a willingness to go the extra mile. It demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a desire to engage with the admissions process in a unique way. In a pool of thousands of very strong applications, a video glimpse can help applicants distinguish themselves by offering a more memorable and humanising element to their profile.
Here’s a closer look at how four specific institutions approach this element of the application:
Brown University’s admissions process allows students to submit a short video introduction as a supplement to their application. Brown encourages applicants to take a casual and conversational approach, using the video to highlight aspects of themselves that might not come through on paper. This can be a pivotal opportunity for students to showcase their character in a less formal setting. The video submission is optional, so it serves as a tool for those who feel they can best represent themselves through a spoken medium.
At Colby College, the concept of the video “elevator pitch” has gained popularity. The idea is for students to record a brief video—just 60 seconds long—introducing themselves and explaining why they are a good fit for the college. This pitch helps admissions officers see not just who the student is, but how they perceive their own strengths and what they would bring to the college community. Colby values this feature to assess a student’s ability to communicate concisely and confidently.
Vanderbilt University offers an optional video glimpse, allowing students to add a more personal touch to their application. The admissions team at Vanderbilt acknowledges that video submissions are not meant to be highly polished or professionally edited. Instead, they encourage students to be themselves and share their personalities, interests, and aspirations in the video. Vanderbilt’s goal with this option is to understand better how applicants might contribute to the campus community.
Known for its innovative admissions essays, the University of Chicago offers applicants the chance to submit a video to supplement their written application. While the video glimpse is optional, it provides a unique opportunity for students to showcase aspects of their personality and creativity that might not come through in more formal materials. UChicago values authenticity, encouraging students to be genuine in their submissions rather than focusing on perfection or high production quality.
If you’re considering submitting a video as part of your application, here are some tips to help you make the most of the opportunity:
- Be authentic: admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so avoid over-rehearsing or scripting the video. Speak naturally and let your personality shine through.
- Focus on content: while the quality of the video is important, admissions officers are more interested in what you say than in how professional the video looks. A simple, well-lit recording on a smartphone is often more than sufficient.
- Stay concise: most universities have time limits for video submissions, typically one to two minutes. Make sure you stay within the specified time frame and focus on communicating your message clearly.
- Answer the prompt: Some universities, like Colby or Rhodes College, may have specific prompts for their video submissions. Make sure you follow the instructions closely and address any required topics.
- Be confident: speak clearly and confidently, and remember that this is your chance to show the admissions committee why you’re excited about their institution and what makes you a good fit.
