Hi this is Andy from ZHISHIQ and today I’m answering a question from Moven. This is part 1 of 2 audios I’m going to do in response to questions I’ve been asked by Moven on the subject of video essays.
Part 1
Moven：How should I plan the content of a video essay?
Andy：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.
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