问题：How should I plan the content of a video essay?

回答：

Well, firstly: I’m glad you ask! Because you should certainly plan. And practice. But remember please, your script is not a script. It’s a basis for communication. It’s the ideas that count, and the effectiveness with which you communicate them. I’ll talk more about presentation and scripts in part 2. For now, we’re to think about how to think about content.

There are two types of video essays: (#1) those where you know the questions you need to respond to in advance and (#2) those where you don’t. I’m going to mainly deal with #1 for now (although you both types require planning, just different kinds).

First: read the instructions carefully. Spend considerable time breaking them down and thinking about them. The instructions are your framework. After that, it’s all about you having a conversation (albeit, we must admit, one that is rather contrived!)

The video essay is a component of your overall message (comprised of your application as a whole), which you’re sending to the admissions reader. All the usual application rules apply: do not repeat verbatim anything elsewhere in your application; do not read out passages of a PS you’ve already submitted. 

Any essay involves the admissions reader or viewer looking at you, and appraising your ability for the subject, your ability to communicate, your ability to understand instructions, and how you’d fit in at their school (and in the class they’re in the process of constructing). Those are all fairly immediate responses. They may also consider more deeply about what can be inferred: your curiosity, your independence, maturity, learning skills, leadership qualities, but…

So keep this very, very simple. This isn’t groundbreaking, this isn’t a work of history you’re going to publish. This is an impression. It’s communication. It’s about establishing a human connection, with some gentle reference to desirable qualities one would like to communicate (as with any conversation we have, apart from perhaps those occasional, really lazy communications one is able to have with one’s parents or those closest to us!) 

Remember you can give an impression—give someone a really positive opinion—of you, without giving your whole life story.The request for a video essay means they want to meet you. The real you. They’re trying to get a sense who you are. Consider this: if you were to meet a professor at your target school, what would be your idea of a perfect conversation? What would be your perfect outfit? What questions would they ask you? What would be the thoughts you’d want them to have in their head, ideally, as they walk away? 

Close your eyes and think that through in detail. If you have no ideas, read about the program, the mission of the school, and some of its significant leaders or faculty. 

Think about the program, how it’ll benefit you, and how it connects up with the type person, learner, leader, scholar you are. Be real. Then give yourself some time and know that the ideas will come.

Don’t do a robotic scripted approach: Video essays can be prepared with feedback from other people and professionals but the product should be all about content. When you come to present it, don’t recite something memorized. It’s painfully obvious and really problematic when people do this. Instead use your preparation as a set of guidelines you can follow. That way you’ll be perceived as authentic and the schools will feel more confident about you.

Certainly you can plan valuable phrases you want to use, but make sure you incorporate them naturally into what you say. This is a test of your language skills too. It is also a good test of your wider communication skills, gather your thoughts and respond in a challenging new scenario. 

Make the sure the visuals look good. Do some test recording and look at the background – what’s behind you. Make sure it’s appropriate and not distracting. Also consider your eye contact: look at the camera, not at the screen. 

This will make you look more natural and plausible. Make sure the camera is at eye-level to help with this. It’ll simulate a real interaction and promote positive responses from those watching. Dress well. Consider lighting – if possible film somewhere very bright with lots of natural daylight (turn all the interior light on too) – light is great in video. You want the viewer to see you clearly, Lastly, test your audio. Make sure background noise is at a minimum.

Responses to video essays don’t need to be perfect. They do need—if they’re good—to add a significant dimension to your application. Something extra that isn’t present in the written parts. So, they’re very important, and preparation plus practice makes perfect.