Many top MBA programs have integrated video essays into their applications. This article will explain the concept of an MBA video essay, identify business schools that require video essays, and go over some MBA video essay tips.
What is a Video Essay?
An MBA video essay is one or more short recordings that applicants are required to complete after submitting their actual MBA applications. In most cases, the business school asks applicants to answer a few questions, giving them a short amount of time to think about their response before recording their answers. Specifically, applicants typically have about 30 seconds to think and 60-90 seconds to record.
There are two different types of video essays: impromptu essays and prepared essays.
Impromptu Video Essays
Impromptu essays must be recorded on the school’s platform, and the questions may be specified, random, or a mix of the two.
Watch the video below to learn more about how to approach impromptu video essays.
Prepared Video Essays
Prepared video essays may be recorded offline and then submitted. They are typically required to be single-take videos lasting about one minute.
Watch our video on prepared video essay questions below.
In a written MBA application essay, you can spend ample time constructing the “perfect” response, possibly with the help of an admissions consultant. In contrast, due to the time constraints, video essays must be the product of the applicant’s mind alone. Therefore, the MBA video essay allows admissions committees to evaluate your authenticity, grasp of the English language, communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to think on your feet.
MBA video essays are also a great opportunity for you to show your personality and reinforce your career goals and other aspects of your application. Portraying yourself as genuine and confident is a great way to convince application committees of your fit within your target program.
How to Approach the Video Essays & Video Essay Tips
If your schools require you to submit a prepared video essay, then write out brief bullet points, practice a few times, and start recording your takes! (If you’re working with a coach, share them with us for review when you’re ready!)
Do NOT write out a full script for the video. People do not speak in the same way as they write, and writing out a full script will give the video a formal feeling—exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to do.
Video Essays at Top MBA Programs
Below, you will find a list of MBA programs that require video essays as part of their overall MBA application and some information and example questions for each.
Yale SOM
According to their website, Yale SOM video questions are similar to typical interview questions, and do not require any specialized knowledge or preparation. The Yale MBA application guide states that video questions are not meant to be tricky or replace the official interview. You will be asked to answer three behavior-based video questions after submitting your official application.
Here are some example questions that have been asked in previous Yale video assessments:
- Why MBA now?
- Describe a time at work that you prevented a problem from occurring.
- Tell us about a time when you worked on a project that had vague instructions and what did you do?
- Describe a time you completed a task without much supervision.
- What’s your favorite tradition that you’ve been a part of?
- What is a book that is significant to you?
Kellogg
Kellogg video essay questions give MBA candidates the opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about themselves and explain why Kellogg is the right place for you. You will be asked to answer three questions to showcase your personality and experiences.
The first Kellogg video essay question is provided upfront, and the next two questions are randomized.
Below, you will find some previously asked video essay questions:
- Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee by sharing something about yourself we wouldn’t know from reading your resume.
- What is the biggest misperception your coworkers might have about you? If you had the opportunity, how might you shift their thinking?
- Tell us about a time you had to go outside your comfort zone. How did it make you feel?
- Tell us about a relationship or connection you leveraged to reach your goals.
- Tell me about a life experience you’ve had outside of the classroom or the office that prepared you to pursue graduate-level education.
MIT Sloan
MIT Sloan requires applicants to complete two video statements. Your answer to each of the two MIT Sloan video questions must not exceed 60 seconds and be completed in one single take. Your MIT video essay will not be shared beyond the admissions committee despite it asking you to introduce yourself to your classmates.
On their website, the MIT Sloan MBA video essay prompts asks applicants to:
- Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
- All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. The question is designed to help us get to know you better; to see how you express yourself, and to assess fit with the MIT Sloan culture.
INSEAD
The INSEAD MBA application process requires applicants to respond to four video essay questions, which must be completed after submitting your online application. Questions vary between applicants, but here are some example questions:
- Please describe a situation in which you worked with someone who had different opinions than yours.
- What do you know about the INSEAD MBA program?
- How would INSEAD help you achieve your career goals?
- What do you believe to be the 3 top values of a business/company?
- Tell us about an experience where you were significantly impacted by cultural diversity, in a positive or negative way.
- Do you think that companies should consider factors other than maximizing value?
Texas McCombs
After submitting your initial application, McCombs School of Business requires students to complete a video assessment in which you will be asked to record your responses to five questions. You have seven days to turn in your video responses after you receive the invitation, and each answer must not exceed 90 seconds. The first question will be an unscored, getting-to-know-you question.
The next four McCombs video assessment questions are behavior-based questions steeped in competencies. The top three question categories are adaptability/resilience, empathy/inclusivity, and ambition. Questions also may be rooted in McCombs’ values and characteristics (human-centered, future focused, innovator connected, and collaboratively minded.
Example behavioral and characteristics-rooted questions:
- Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you influenced the outcome.
- What is your short-term goal and why? What is your backup plan in case the short-term plan does not work out and why? How do these plans fit in with your background?
- What do you do in your free time and what do you gain from it?
- Tell us about a time when you helped to promote diversity and inclusion.
- Tell us about a time you’ve used technology to be more effective.
- Tell us about a time you gained buy-in from others on a new idea.
- Tell us about a time when you dealt with someone who was difficult. How did you handle that situation?
Don’t Discount Video Essays
Video essay questions are a way for MBA admission committees to put a face to a name, in addition to learning a bit more about who you really are outside of your professional resume. Although not as important as live MBA interviews, do not discount the importance of MBA video essays, as they give candidates an excellent opportunity to share your passions and motivations, proving your authenticity and convincing admissions officials of your potential fit within the program.
While it’s difficult to know just how much weight the MBA video essay carries in an expansive application process, you should make every effort to prepare effectively for this unusual application element. Our MBA admissions consulting team can help you strategize and prepare for the MBA video essay—if you’re interested in comprehensive support (or smaller engagements), don’t hesitate to get in touch.
