Can You Film Your Way into College?

The Power of the College Application Video

Percy Angress and Livia Lindenwww.ThisIsMeVideo.com www.TheAdmissionTicket.com

admissiontix@gmail.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…