The New Normal: College Video Submissions
If you are a high school student getting ready for that next step, you may have noticed that college admissions are more competitive than ever. Applicant numbers are on the rise while available spots and scholarship funds are shrinking. As a result, schools are looking for applicants who stand out not only on paper but also on camera. Potential students need more now than what has been asked of them in the past: letters of recommendation, personal statements for each school, supplemental essays, a “wild card” video representing a skill outside of your major plus a Who Am I? introduction. All of this is in addition to video monologues and songs if applying to audition based arts programs. Sound exhausting? It can be without preparation and guidance.
Too often I have seen students present themselves in a way they think they should show up. Colleges want to understand who you are—your personality, your interests, your creativity, and the qualities you will bring to their campus or arts community. A video allows them to see a side of you that transcripts and essays just can’t capture. Video submissions are your chance to take control of your narrative and present your most authentic self.
Your video submission brings your application to life. Just as your written materials show what you’ve done, your video shows who you are. Admissions teams want to hear your voice, see your presence, and get a sense of your personality, energy, and most important, potential.
A thoughtful, well-prepared video shows you are serious about your goals, your passion and that you are capable of communicating clearly—skills that colleges highly value.
Not every student has access to prestigious programs, expensive coaches, top scores and grades or standout extracurriculars. But a strong video can demonstrate other important qualities like talent, grit, passion and authenticity.
Between essays, applications, classes, extracurriculars and day-to-day responsibilities you may find yourself with no time left. If you are a performer you may want to be in your fall show and that will take up a lot of time. Start early! Waiting too long can lead to a rushed job that doesn’t reflect your best work. You will need to brainstorm ideas, choose strong audition pieces (if required), practice your delivery, record and edit your videos and most likely re-record after getting some notes and feedback.
Schools aren’t looking for perfection. They look for potential and authenticity. Your video should reflect who you are, plain and simple. If you are stuck on that you may want to ask your parents and friends what makes you your awesome, unique self. Remember: schools aren’t looking for perfection; they are looking for authenticity. Your story is unique. You are unique . Your video should be too.
About the Author:
DENISE SIMON is a New York-based acting coach and career consultant who has been in the entertainment industry for 40 years as an actor, teacher, director, casting director, author and personal talent manager. She managed the careers of Scarlett Johansson, Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Lacey Chabert (“Party of Five”), and Judy Reyes (NBC’s “Scrubs”) among many other working young performers. She has coached hundreds of children and young adults appearing on Broadway and TV & Film including Noah Schnapp and Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things. She is the author of Parenting in the Spotlight: How to Raise a Child Star Without Screwing Them Up. Denise consults on the business of show business and serves on the young performer's committee at SAG-AFTRA and the Actors Fund Looking Ahead committee. She is an expert columnist for Backstage Magazine Visit Denise at DeniseSimonCoaching.com, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
