Tips towards the best CollegeSupplement.com videos

The Where
Depending on the availability of equipment, your video can be shot at home, in your high school, or at any other location you choose that lends itself to your uniqueness. While our site is geared towards no-cost, some people may want help making their videos. If you don't mind spending a few bucks, you can make your videos at an independent, authorized CollegeSupplement.com filming location at a reasonable flat-rate (click here for more info).

The How
Following certain basic guidelines will result in the best video.

Your primary goal is to express the facets of your personality that simply cannot be fully communicated on an application.

Passion and enthusiasm. These are crucial and have been cited as the most important qualities to convey. Demonstrate in your own words, referencing actions and past behaviors, that you have true passion towards achievement. Passion will set you apart- let it shine through!

Be yourself. Relax, breathe and smile genuinely. What is you say and how you say it are equally important!

Speak naturally and conversationally. This will put the viewer at ease.

Practice, practice. One of the great things about CollegeSupplement.com is you have unlimited takes to convey the real you. Can you accept feedback from others? Then, use our easy and helpful Practice Room feature to get valuable feedback before uploading your clips to your final supplement.

Eye contact is critical. The camera is the viewer, so maintain eye contact with the camera while speaking. Looking away can indicate lack of confidence in what you're saying.

Facial expressions. These help convey personality. Lose any negative expressions and show a genuine smile that says you are happy to be expressing yourself and you're an upbeat person.

Posture. Regardless of your height, 'sit tall' to send a message of confidence and potential.

Gestures. Can be distracting and detrimental when used too often. Use of gestures should be limited; be sure they're natural and meaningful.

Speak clearly and audibly. Speak in an appropriate tone so that the listener can clearly hear you. Modulate your tone and vary your voice. Monotone puts listeners to sleep. Be confident, but not arrogant.

Miscellaneous. Uses pauses when appropriate for emphasis. Avoid slang, swearing or phrases such as "to be honest with you" or "I'll be completely honest about this" which subtly imply you may not always be honest. To the extent possible, try to avoid using "umm," "like," "you know" etc. Avoid mentioning something that could be misinterpreted.

Dress. First impressions count. Be neat and groomed. When you're selecting your outfit, choose something that indicates you are taking the admissions process seriously and affirms you have a vested interest in the outcome. Leave your jeans, heavy makeup, baseball cap, and blingy jewelry in the closet. A good rule of thumb is to choose something you'd wear to a nice restaurant.

The What
Remember the purpose of your video clips is to demonstrate your personality, passion and potential. Your first CollegeSupplement.com clip should be an approximate 45-second introduction covering your highlights. The second (optional) clip is a full expression of who you are and what makes you stand out. The third (optional) clip can be an athletics highlight, performing arts clip, artistic slideshow or anything else you'd like. Note that creating and uploading the second and third clips are optional- don't use them if you don't want to.

If you're not sure what to talk about in your clips, consider the following possible topics. Choose your topics based on what will generate enthusiasm for you. Remember, whatever you choose, deliver it with passion!

• What has been your greatest recent experience?
• What has been your greatest experience in high school?
• Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
• What have you done to prepare for college?
• Speak generally about yourself, focus on maybe three things.
• Speak about your interests, involvement in extracurricular activities and or family.
• What community service have you performed and did it have any special meaning to you?
• If you could meet any important figure in the past or present, who would it be and what would you talk about?
• Speak about some leadership experience; the challenges and rewards.
• What have you done that has helped you to grow as a person? In your life, what experiences have been most important to you?
• What personal traits would you like to see yourself build in the next four years?
• What do you want to do in the future?...Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
• Describe a challenge you’ve had and how you overcame it.
• What do you do with the money that you earn?
• What your most meaningful activities; academic and personal goals and why?
• When, where and how you have put forth extra effort above and beyond the call of duty?
• How have you changed during your high school years?
• What do you do with your free time and what do you get out of it?
• How would your friends, parents or favorite teacher describe you?
• Did you have a noteworthy role within your high school community?
• What courses did you enjoy the most or may have been most challenging/difficult for you?
• If you have a weakness in your record, for example a poor grade or semester of poor grades, try to put it into perspective for the viewer. This can explain discrepancies between your academic work and your real abilities. Were there any personal circumstances that may have affected your studies- illness, family issues, etc? Problems that you may find difficult to write about in the application may be more effectively conveyed in your spoken words.

Remember, relax and be yourself! You have as many takes as are necessary to make a great presentation!

How'd you do????
Use this criteria to evaluate your clips or, better yet, have someone else evaluate your clips using this criteria. Consider printing for convenience:

Independent filming sites
For applicants who want advanced help having their videos shot, edited and uploaded, we are establishing a network of CollegeSupplement.com filming locations operated by professional videographers. Your filming, editing and uploading will be performed for you at a reasonable, flat rate that we've negotiated with all participating centers. While we assemble our network, kindly email us your info including address so we can get you started with someone.