How to Create Glimpse Videos for College Applications
More colleges are offering applicants the opportunity to submit a short video. Duke and Brown are two of the colleges that have video options. Students should take advantage of the opportunity to submit this video. Some colleges ask for you to film the video independently and upload it to their portal (after you have applied) while others accept videos from platforms like Glimpse. These videos give you an opportunity to introduce yourself to college admissions teams.
How to Use the Glimpse Platform
Check your prospective colleges’ requirements. Visit the admissions page for each school you’re applying to see whether they accept Glimpse submissions (or another kind of video). Pay attention to any specific instructions or deadlines.
For Glimpse, create an account. Sign up through InitialView. A Glimpse video costs $22, and you can send it to as many colleges as you like. Fee waivers may also be available to eligible students.
Record your video. Glimpse videos are 60-90 seconds long and designed to provide an authentic introduction. You cannot edit or cut footage, but you can delete and start over as many times as you like.
Choose your schools. Select which colleges will receive your video directly through InitialView. Glimpse videos cannot be submitted through the Common App.
For schools that ask for a different kind of video, follow their instructions for filming and uploading it.
Tips for a Strong Video Submission
For Glimpse, avoid school-specific language. Since you will send the same video to multiple colleges, keep the focus on introducing yourself rather than explaining why you want to attend a particular school.
Keep it simple. You only have 60–90 seconds, so focus on a few details that help admissions teams understand who you are. Think about your interests, passions, personal experiences, or something important to you that might not come through in the rest of your application.
Choose a creative filming location. You don't need professional equipment to make a strong impression, but your video should be clear and easy to understand. Find a quiet location with good lighting and a simple, uncluttered background. Think about whether you have a favorite place in your town where you can film or a special room at home or at school. Make sure to film in landscape mode, not portrait.
Dress appropriately. Treat this video similarly to a traditional college interview. Choose neat, comfortable clothing that helps you feel confident, and avoid busy patterns or distracting accessories.
Be yourself! Glimpse videos don’t have any specific prompts, so you have the freedom to share what matters most to you. If you're unsure where to start, explore this list of potential topics to help you brainstorm.
With a little preparation, you can create a video that adds a memorable, personal touch to your college application.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about college admissions, please visit Excelsioradmissions.com or click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to learn how I can help with your college admissions process.
