Unless you’re applying to film school, you’re not being judged on anything but what (not how!) is being filmed.

So don’t splurge for a professional videographer or editor.

As Andrew Flagel, Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President of Enrollment Development at George Mason University, put it: “Production value of the videos is not considered.”

You don’t need to be screaming into a megaphone or dressed as the school mascot to demonstrate how serious you are about attending the school.

You don’t need to be screaming into a megaphone or dressed as the school mascot to demonstrate how serious you are about attending the school.

You should be brainstorming ideas and preparing long before the application is due

You want to allow enough time for you to be able to put together a carefully organized

Even if there’s no limit (other than what YouTube imposes), you’ll want to seriously weigh the value in sending a 10-minute piece.

Yes, you want the video to tell something about you, but that doesn’t mean you have to be in every frame.

In fact, there’s always a risk (especially if you’ve got prom king or queen good looks) that you’ll come across as vain.

A focused video will help admission officers get to know you

Experienced admissions officials can smell manipulation a mile away. Show off your talents, personality, and uniqueness – not your beauty pageant sash

taking the time to edit your video conscientiously can really make a difference.

Have your friends and family serve as a test audience so you can receive helpful feedback.