How to Tackle Kelloggs 2016-2017 Video Essays

Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management has double downed on the recent trend of video essays, bringing back their video essay for another year. Kellogg has continued to tweak the questions and format over the years but the general premise and ways to succeed in this aspect of their application have remained consistent. As far as the operational aspects go, you have a week to complete the video essays after submission of your application the video essays themselves are pretty straightforward and should be approached as such. I believe that these video essays are genuinely used so that the admissions committee can â€Å"get to know† the candidate on a more personal level. Therefore, the applicant should try to be friendly and open about the questions (while still being appropriate, of course) rather than overly stiff and formal. The video essays  can also be used as another way for the Admissions Committee to get a little glimpse into the  personality traits of applicants. This is not  something that will be really tricky or challenging, such as a mini-case it is much more personal. Kellogg is looking to see how you come across in an unscripted, conversational moment. The important thing to remember here is to convey calm confidence and answer the question directly within the time allotted. The good thing  about these video essays is  that you have a bank of 10 practice questions to prep with, so utilize this to get a feel for the questions and the technology. I would also recommend practicing a few responses for timing purposes to see how long or short a minute really is. This is the kind of thing where I think over-preparation could potentially backfire, since you dont know what the questions will be (outside of video prompt #2, which the school has made publicly available to all). Remember, the objective of the exercise is to be yourself and have fun,  so be ready to be flexible in your responses to what you are asked. Your personality should be consistent with who you have portrayed yourself to be in the application (which should be in line  with who you really are) while factoring how the Admissions Committee perceives you (young candidate, international, brain, etc.). Prep some responses to common questions under each of the prompt categories, but keep in mind that these questions are not meant to be brain teasers, just personal questions you should have sorted through about yourself and your interest in the school prior to completing your application.  One question will be Kellogg-focused,  another will be more personal and the last will exploring a challenge you have faced. Finally, try and have a good structure in your responses to the questions communication is obviously one of the major elements being tested here, so stay poised and show off that executive presence Kellogg values so much. For more thoughts on Kellogg, check out our free  Essential Guide to Top Business Schools. Applying to Kellogg  or other business schools? Call us at 1-800-925-7737 and speak with an MBA admissions expert today, or take our free MBA Admissions Profile Evaluation  for personalized advice for your unique application situation! As always, be sure to find us on  Facebook,  YouTube,  Google+  and Twitter. Dozie A.  is a Veritas Prep Head Consultant for the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His specialties include consulting, marketing, and low GPA/GMAT applicants. You can read more articles by him  here.