Welcome to the 2010s – simple paper applications are a thing of the past, and applications that incorporate modern technology are the latest rage. If you’re considering including an audio or video clip to your college or grad school application, then you’ll want to make sure that you avoid these common mistakes:
- DON’T get too complicated. Keep your audio or video clip simple. You should focus on telling your compelling story, not on stretching your technical abilities.
- DON’T use distracting music. The music in your clip should complement your story, not overshadow it.
- DON’T use your target school as a character or prop in your video. The adcoms have seen way too many clips that take place on campus for you to somehow make your version stand out. The adcom readers want to hear about YOU and your life, not about the campus that they see every day of theirs.
- DON’T conduct an on-screen interview. You are a college or grad school applicant…not a high profile politician. A Meet the Press-style interview is unoriginal and pretentious. Instead of an interview, you should simply speak directly into the camera, comfortably and casually, like you’re talking to a friend.
- DON’T attempt an optional audio or video clip if you have no audio or video production skills. Providing a poorly made audio or video clip is much worse than foregoing the entire project and sticking with the classic paper or online application. Unless your school requires such a component, skip it if you aren’t confident you can produce a high quality clip.
Are you seeking more advice on how to produce a winning audio or video component for your college or grad school application? Download Accepted’s FREE special report, Audio & Video in Admissions: Get Ready for Prime Time, now!
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