Why Over 80 Colleges Are Ditching Admission Essays for Video Submissions
The college admissions process has always been a high-stakes game, but recent shifts are rewriting the rules entirely. Over 80 colleges and universities in the U.S. have announced they’ll no longer require traditional admission essays. Instead, applicants are being asked to submit two-minute video responses. This seismic change, driven by the rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, is sparking debates about authenticity, creativity, and fairness in higher education. Let’s unpack what’s happening and why it matters.
The AI Factor: Why Essays Are Falling Out of Favor
For decades, the admission essay has been a cornerstone of college applications. It offered students a chance to showcase their personality, critical thinking, and writing skills. But the emergence of advanced AI writing tools has thrown a wrench into this system. With platforms like ChatGPT, students can generate polished essays in seconds—raising concerns about authenticity. Admissions officers can’t always distinguish between a student’s original work and AI-generated text, leading to skepticism about the essay’s value as a reliable evaluation tool.
“The integrity of the process is at risk,” says Dr. Linda Harper, an admissions consultant. “When a bot can mimic a student’s voice, it undermines the purpose of the essay. We’re seeing more institutions question whether it’s worth keeping.”
Video Submissions: A New Frontier for Authenticity
To combat the AI dilemma, schools like Northwestern University, Wesleyan College, and the University of Arizona are piloting video submissions. Applicants now have two minutes to answer prompts like, “What excites you about your future?” or “Describe a challenge that shaped you.” The goal? To capture qualities that essays might miss: spontaneity, communication skills, and emotional resonance.
Videos aren’t entirely new to admissions—some programs have used them for years—but this marks the first widespread shift toward replacing essays. Proponents argue that videos offer a more holistic view of applicants. “You can’t fake passion in a video,” says admissions officer Mark Rivera. “When a student lights up talking about robotics or community service, that’s real. AI can’t replicate that spark.”
The Pros and Cons of Going Visual
While videos solve some problems, they introduce new challenges. On the positive side:
– Authenticity: It’s harder to script or edit a genuine two-minute response.
– Soft Skills: Videos highlight communication style, confidence, and creativity.
– Accessibility: Students who struggle with writing can shine verbally.
But critics point to potential pitfalls:
– Tech Barriers: Not all students have access to recording equipment or quiet spaces.
– Performance Pressure: Nervous applicants might freeze on camera, masking their true abilities.
– Bias Risks: Unconscious biases could influence evaluations of accents, appearance, or presentation styles.
Dr. Emily Tran, a researcher in educational equity, warns, “Videos could unintentionally favor students from privileged backgrounds. We need guardrails to ensure fairness.”
How Students Are Adapting
High school counselors are scrambling to guide applicants through this new terrain. Tips for standout videos include:
1. Be Yourself: Avoid over-rehearsing. Admissions teams want to see the real you.
2. Focus on Storytelling: Share a specific anecdote that reveals your values.
3. Test Your Tech: Check lighting, sound, and background—but don’t stress perfection.
Some students, however, worry the format plays to extroverts. “I’m shy, and writing lets me express myself better,” says Sarah, a high school senior. “Videos feel like another layer of stress.”
What’s Next for College Admissions?
The move to videos reflects a broader trend: Schools are rethinking how to assess applicants in an AI-saturated world. Some are experimenting with interviews, portfolios, or project-based assessments. Others are using AI detectors to flag suspicious essays—though these tools are far from foolproof.
For now, the video trend is gaining momentum. As more institutions join the shift, one thing is clear: The admissions process is becoming less about polished prose and more about raw, unfiltered potential.
Whether this change levels the playing field or creates new inequities remains to be seen. But one lesson is already emerging: In the age of AI, being human might just be the ultimate advantage.
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