UPDATE: This article was originally posted on October 13, 2021. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
If you’re just starting to think about applying for an MBA, you may feel overwhelmed. There are many interlocking components in a successful application, so we created this series to walk you through all of the crucial steps of your MBA application process.
Today, we’re zooming in on how to record winning video essays, as navigating this challenging part of the MBA application process is key to gaining admissions to the schools that require this component.
If you missed our previous posts in this series, no worries! You can catch up by clicking the links below:
MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 1: Creating your Test Strategy
MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 2: Choosing your Schools
MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 3: Defining your Profile
MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 4: Securing Letters of Recommendation
MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 5: Crafting your Essays
MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 6: Filling out Online Forms
Why do business schools require a video essay?
Though many applicants see video essays as a major headache, more schools adopt the practice each year.
Considering the stress the video essays cause applicants, why do business schools seem to love the practice?
Niki da Silva, former Director of Admissions at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management (the school that started the whole video essay trend) said that the video essay allows the admissions team to screen for different skills and competencies in the admissions process.
That’s because the video format gives the admissions committee the chance to truly “meet” candidates – as well as identify red flags in applicants.
According to INSEAD’s admissions committee:
“The video should be seen as a unique opportunity for you to share your passions, your motivations and who you truly are. The MBA Admissions Committee is interested in obtaining an authentic view of you as a person, to see how you think on your feet and how you convey your ideas.”
With that in mind, it’s vital that you fully understand this component of the application.
How does the video essay work?
Though the specifics vary slightly from school to school, the general elements of the video essay are relatively similar.
In all cases, you will sign into an online platform (most often you will receive the link via email after submitting your application).
After signing in, you will receive a set of questions (usually ranging from 2-4) on a variety of topics ranging from why you want to attend a particular school to ice breaker questions and standard interview-type questions.
For all schools, the timing mechanism will be slightly different, but you can expect to have between 20-60 seconds to prepare an between 45-90 seconds to deliver your answers.
In all cases, you cannot redo questions.
If you’d like to get ahead and start preparing for your Kellogg, INSEAD, London Business School, or Yale video essays, you can find articles with real questions to practice by clicking the links.
The difference between a good and great video essay
Given the importance of the video essay, it’s crucial to make sure you don’t just have a good video essay, but that you have a great video essay.
Now that you’ve learned how the video essay will work, we suggest checking out our guide on top tips, from how to be personable on camera to choosing the right background, here!
Record a video essay that gets you admitted
You have stressed about every aspect of your MBA application, and now you are ready to record your video essay! With the right preparation, this can be your chance to shine and get a highly-coveted spot at a prestigious business school.
However, maybe you don’t know where to start in preparing, or maybe you ramble and lose your focus while answering.
Our video essay prep focuses on helping you determine how to present yourself to the admissions committee while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic.
Want to put the Ellin Lolis advantage to work for you? Schedule your preparation session with our team of interview experts today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
