Why Colleges Are Betting on Video Essays to Expose AI Written Applications
As traditional college admissions evolve to combat the growing use of AI in application essays, many prestigious universities are turning to video essays as a "cheat-proof" alternative. Schools like Brown, Duke, Vanderbilt, and the University of Chicago now incorporate these short video submissions alongside conventional application materials. The shift represents a strategic response to concerns about authenticity in the age of ChatGPT and other AI writing tools.
College admissions officers rely on video authenticity to verify that the person they're considering is genuinely the one who created the application. By requiring applicants to speak directly to the camera, universities can better assess applicant engagement and guarantee they're evaluating the real student, not an AI-generated persona.
You'll find these video requirements typically request brief, 60-90 second clips that allow you to introduce yourself or respond to specific prompts. The format deliberately plays to Gen Z's comfort with platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where sharing video content is second nature.
Unlike written essays that can be polished over weeks or potentially outsourced to AI, video submissions capture your spontaneous communication style, energy, and personality traits that can't be easily replicated by artificial intelligence.
For colleges managing thousands of applications annually, video essays provide a multi-sensory impression that written materials simply can't match. If you struggle with writing but excel at verbal communication, this format offers you a chance to highlight strengths that might otherwise remain hidden.
The clips also allow admissions officers to connect with you more personally, helping your application stand out in crowded applicant pools where distinguishing between qualified candidates becomes increasingly challenging.
Most institutions use specialized platforms like Glimpse or InitialView for these submissions, though requirements vary considerably between schools. In just one year since its launch, more than 30 schools have adopted the Glimpse platform for facilitating video submissions. You won't typically need elaborate production skills, in fact, most colleges prefer authentic, straightforward videos over highly produced content. The emphasis remains on substance rather than style.
Whether you're applying to highly selective universities or smaller liberal arts colleges like Babson or Lawrence University, you should carefully review each school's specific video essay guidelines. As this trend continues gaining momentum, preparing for video components may soon become as vital as crafting your personal statement.
For admissions committees, these brief visual introductions provide a powerful tool to verify authenticity while gaining insights that written applications alone can't provide, making them an increasingly valuable weapon against AI-generated applications. However, these video requirements may inadvertently disadvantage students from less privileged backgrounds who lack access to professional equipment and resources needed for high-quality video production.
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