Video Essays Replace MS Admission Interviews

August 22, 2024 | Trista Kukucka

The following blog post was written by Trista Kukucka, director of MS admissions. Trista oversees recruitment and enrollment for all five of our full-time specialized master's programs. With almost a decade of experience working with Simon MS students, the Simon community truly feels like family. While she loves the travel opportunities that her role provides, she most enjoys meeting and welcoming incoming students after working with them all year! 

Our application opens in early September, and we are particularly excited to announce the following update: starting with 2025 entry, MS applicants will no longer complete an admission interview! Instead, MS applicants will be required to complete a video essay as part of their application.

Video essays have been available in the past for MS applicants, but making them a requirement will enhance the admissions process by eliminating the need for a formal admission interview. This change will provide the Admissions Committee with a greater understanding of each candidate via their video response. While we thoroughly evaluate every transcript, test score, and written essay, the video essay allows us to better understand the applicant's personality and communication style. We believe this will be a particular benefit to our international MS applicants as it maximizes flexibility by removing challenges of scheduling interviews across time zones. Additionally, receiving video essay responses shortly after application submission will allow for a quicker admission review, and in many cases, a more timely admission decision.

How it works

Upon submission of your application, your video essay link will appear in your Applicant Status Portal. You will find the link under the application checklist—navigate to the checklist, click on the Video Essay link, and follow the instructions. You have five days from the time you submit your application to complete the mandatory video essay (you will not have access to the link until you submit your application). 

You will receive a single question (similar to those asked by our Admissions Committee during an in-person interview). You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and then up to 90 seconds to answer the question. You do not have to use the entire 90 seconds, so if you finish your answer earlier, it’s fine to stop the recording.

Important Note: If you do not complete your video essay within five days of application submission, your application may be reviewed without this required component.

Things to consider before recording your video essay

• Relax and be yourself—let your personality shine! The goal of our video essay is to get to know you better.
• Utilize the practice questions and time to get comfortable with the technology.
• Conduct your video essay in a quiet and comfortable space and lessen any distractions. 
• Consider your appearance. While we want this to be a lighthearted experience, we’re also looking to see how you will fare in a professional school and future career setting.
• While we are interested in getting to know you, a focused response to the question asked is important.
   

Important reminders

• A secure internet connection and a computer with a webcam and microphone is necessary. In addition, you will need to use either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to complete the video essay. 
• You have three attempts to record your video essay, and each attempt will present a different question. Note: beginning a new recording will forfeit previous attempts.
• You have 30 seconds to prepare your answer.
• You have up to 90 seconds to respond.
• On your third attempt, your final video will automatically submit, and you will not have the option to retract it. Please be mindful.

We hope this change simplifies the application process and reduces a known stressor for many applicants. If you have any questions or would like advice on recording your video essay, please feel free to reach out to Admissions for support. We wish you all the best as you prepare for business school!