Video introduction!

[Anonymous]

My DC submitted an application this week and realizes there is an "optional" 2 minute video introduction. Assume optional means you need to do it. Poor kid...trying to figure out something creative to do for this too!

[Anonymous]

If it’s Brown, you really need to do it. It isn’t really optional.

[Anonymous]

Yikes. Practice practice practice and just make sure it is not disqualifying. It does not need to win an academy award.

[Anonymous]

Brown does this. I think U Chicago is asking as well? Terrible, IMHO

[Anonymous]

Yep, not really optional. Do it.

[Anonymous]

Is this the same as ZeeMee that some schools say are optional?

[Anonymous]

Definately a good way to deal with all the parents claiming that they’ll just tell their kids to lie about being a URM.

Although I guess blackface would make your kid stand out.

[Anonymous]

I think it's ridicullous. My DD is great on video but her twin brother is not. Why should that be a factor that negatively impacts his application?

[Anonymous]

No way in $&@! I’d do that.

[Anonymous]

Might as well get used to it. Employers use it for interviews.

[Anonymous]

2 minutes is a looooong time for an "introduction." That's way longer than coaches want for recruiting videos. Poor kids. Definitely benefits kids with fancy editing equipment/skills or who can hire a filmmaker to do this for them. And yes most kids I know hire this out to someone for sports recruiting.

[Anonymous]

I would think it is in fact optional.

Something for kids who are more verbal, leaning towards performance/debate/the arts?

Perhaps call the admissions dept (anonymously) and just ask if its inclusion impacts the admissions decision at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 minutes is a looooong time for an "introduction." That's way longer than coaches want for recruiting videos. Poor kids. Definitely benefits kids with fancy editing equipment/skills or who can hire a filmmaker to do this for them. And yes most kids I know hire this out to someone for sports recruiting.

Oh please. My kid last cycle did his intro video on his iphone. Certainly had no fancy equipment or editing skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would think it is in fact optional.

Something for kids who are more verbal, leaning towards performance/debate/the arts?

Perhaps call the admissions dept (anonymously) and just ask if its inclusion impacts the admissions decision at all.

Not at all. STEM DS submitted last year.

[Anonymous]

It's a good screen for confident extroverts which is what universities want