A Deep Dive Into Video MBA Essays

Video MBA essays are becoming a staple in the application process for some of the world’s leading business schools. Programs like the Kellogg School of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management, and Georgetown McDonough School of Business use video essays to get to know applicants beyond their resumes and written statements.

“Everybody applying to top schools likely deserves to get in based on their academic and professional achievements to date,” says B-Schooled host and SBC consultant Erika in this podcast episode. “Meaning, a lot of people don’t seem that different from each other on paper.” These schools understand that an applicant’s tone, demeanor, and ability to express ideas in real time can reveal qualities that are otherwise hard to capture.

But for many applicants, the prospect of recording a video essay can be nerve-wracking. What if you freeze up? How do you strike the right balance between professional and authentic? While these concerns are valid, video essays are an incredible opportunity to stand out and connect personally with the admissions committee.

Bruce DelMonico, senior associate director of admissions at Yale School of Management, says the video essay questions provide “a more three-dimensional sense” of candidates beyond what’s in their applications. He adds that applicants shouldn’t stress too much about the video MBA essays. “We’re not trying to trick you or throw curve balls.”

Today, we’ll explore the nuances of MBA video essays—why they matter, how to prepare effectively, and how to turn this application component into a powerful tool to showcase your unique strengths. With thoughtful preparation, these video responses can become a highlight of your application and leave a lasting positive impression.

Curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

Your Stories Are Your Strength

The most common types of questions in video MBA essays are behavioral in nature. These questions often begin with prompts like, “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give an example of…” They assess how you’ve handled specific situations and how you might approach similar challenges in the future.

The best way to prepare for these questions is to create a “story bank” ahead of time. Think about your experiences across three main areas: professional achievements, academic challenges, and personal growth moments. Reflect on the projects you’re proud of, the hurdles you’ve overcome, and the lessons you’ve learned. These stories will serve as your go-to examples, ensuring you’re not scrambling for ideas when faced with a question.

For example, if asked about a time you resolved a conflict, you might share a story about mediating a dispute between colleagues at work. Focus on the situation, your specific actions, and the outcome. Structuring your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help ensure your responses are clear and compelling.

Infuse Personality Into Video MBA Essays

Many schools include questions meant to showcase your personality, such as, “What’s your favorite movie and why?” or “What book have you read recently, and what did you think of it?” While these might seem straightforward, they allow the admissions committee to see the real you.

When answering, go beyond simply naming a favorite movie or book. Instead, explain why it resonates with you. For instance, if you say your favorite movie is the classic The Princess Bride, you might explain that as a child, you loved its fantasy and humor. But now, as an adult, you’ve come to appreciate its sharp wit and memorable quotes. You could even share a personal anecdote, like how your wedding reception featured tables themed around famous movie couples, with your head table representing Princess Buttercup and Westley.

Sharing details like these reveals more about your personality, humor, and creativity. Such moments make your application memorable.

Practice Makes Perfect

Feeling confident on camera doesn’t always come naturally, especially if you’re not used to speaking in a recorded format. Practice is your best friend when it comes to video MBA essays. Start by setting up mock sessions with a trusted friend or colleague. Use Zoom or Skype, and have your friend act as a timer. Try responding to common video essay prompts within the allotted time to simulate the authentic experience. Remember, time management is crucial. If you find yourself running out of time, it’s better to wrap up your answer gracefully than to rush through it.

Some schools also offer a chance to practice directly within their application portals. This is a golden opportunity to familiarize yourself with the platform, test your webcam and microphone, and see how you appear on screen. Take full advantage of these trial runs—they reduce nerves and improve your performance. Try to recreate the recording environment as closely as possible when practicing. This will help you get used to the conditions and feel more comfortable on the day of the video essay.

Check out B-Schooled podcast episode #188: How to Ace Your Video Essays

Focus on Composure, Not Perfection

One of applicants’ biggest fears is making mistakes or freezing up when responding to their video MBA essays. The truth is, the admissions committee isn’t looking for perfection. They want to see how you handle yourself in an unscripted situation.

If you stumble or lose your train of thought, take a breath, acknowledge it briefly, and keep going. For example, if you draw a blank mid-answer, you might say with a smile, “Wow, I’m a little nervous, but let me backtrack…” This kind of honest, composed recovery demonstrates resilience—a quality that business schools value.

Remember, admissions teams are human. They’re not grading you on a rigid scale of “right” or “wrong.” Instead, they’re looking for a glimpse of your personality, communication style, and how you think on your feet. “The reality is that MBA programs are intense and everyone’s going to make mistakes during their two years or totally whiff on a cold call—I know I did!” says SBC consultant Erika.

Appearance and Background Matter

Your appearance and recording environment play a significant role in the overall impression you make. First, check if the school provides guidelines for attire—many recommend business casual. Avoid overly bright colors that can appear harsh on camera. Likewise, be mindful of clothing that blends too closely with your background or skin tone. These choices help ensure you appear polished and professional without distractions.

Speaking of distractions, choose a quiet, well-lit space to record. Inform roommates or family members about your plans to avoid interruptions. Pets, loud music, or unexpected cameos in the background might seem funny in hindsight, but they can take away from the professionalism of your presentation.

Technical Readiness: Control What You Can

Technical hiccups are a common worry, but you can avoid many of them with preparation. Test your Wi-Fi connection to ensure it’s strong and stable. Use the practice session to confirm your camera and microphone are working correctly.

One minor but crucial detail applicants often overlook is knowing where the stop button is on the recording platform. You don’t want to deliver an amazing response only to fumble at the end while searching for how to stop the recording.

What If Things Go Wrong?

Despite your best efforts, things might not go as planned. Stay calm if your internet connection drops or a neighbor blasts music mid-recording. Acknowledge the situation with a bit of humor, and keep going. For instance, you could say, “Apologies for the noise—my neighbor seems to be hosting an impromptu concert!” Admissions committees understand that life happens, and how you handle these moments speaks volumes about your character.

If a significant technical issue occurs, such as a complete recording failure, check your application portal first to see if you have the option to retry. If not, contact the admissions committee to explain the situation and ask for guidance.

Why Authenticity Is Non-Negotiable

One of the most essential pieces of advice for video MBA essays—and MBA applications in general—is to be yourself. Avoid giving answers that you think the admissions committee wants to hear. This approach often comes across as disingenuous, especially on video, where your tone and body language can reveal hesitation or lack of enthusiasm.

Instead, imagine you’re speaking to a future classmate. How would you introduce yourself or share your interests in that setting? This mindset helps you come across as approachable and authentic, which is far more impactful than a rehearsed or overly polished answer.

Video MBA essays may feel daunting, but they’re also an exciting opportunity to bring your application to life. With preparation, practice, and a willingness to be yourself, you can use this platform to make a strong, memorable impression.

As you approach your recording, remember that the admissions team isn’t looking for a perfect performance—they’re looking for you. Be confident, let your personality shine, and trust that your preparation will carry you through.

SBC can help you make a great impression with your video MBA essays.

Did you know that Stacy Blackman Consulting offers an online video platform granting unlimited practice for video interviews? You can answer from a broad menu of questions, record yourself, watch and assess, tweak and try again.

Invest just 30 minutes a night. You’ll reap the benefits of increased comfort and more articulate answers during your live interview. You can even choose an interview to submit to the SBC team for review and professional written feedback.

With this small investment, you can set yourself up for success and rock your video interviews. Purchase your package here today, and good luck with your MBA application!

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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

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