School-specific video essays are becoming increasingly popular in MBA admissions. They give the committee a chance to assess something they can’t capture on paper — your communication style, authenticity, and presence.
The most effective approach is to deliver concise, well-structured responses that reflect both your personality and your fit with the program. This means thinking through potential topics in advance, practicing aloud, and organizing your answers clearly — but not memorizing them word-for-word. Over-rehearsed delivery can feel robotic and diminish your natural energy.
Avoid leaning too heavily on technical jargon unless the question truly demands it; clarity matters more than complexity. Similarly, humor can be a great tool to connect, but relying on it as your main differentiator is risky — especially if it doesn’t land well with the audience.
In short, treat the video essay like a conversation with someone genuinely curious about you. Be clear, be engaging, and let your authentic self shine — that’s what will make you memorable to the admissions team.