Non-Traditional Ways to Apply to College

February 25th, 2010

If you frequently post videos of yourself on YouTube, you may think it’s great that Tufts University is accepting YouTube videos as part of its admissions process.

It’s not the only thing students are required to submit, of course–there are still the written essays and other requirements–but a video is an option that about 1,000 of the school’s 15,000 applicants chose this year, the New York Times reports.

It’s interesting to see how schools like Tufts are adjusting their admissions process to recognize that applicants are tech-savvy and appreciate the change to introduce themselves in different ways.

Dartmouth applications have gone paperless, which the Boston Globe reports made it easier for students to include links to Web sites, videos, and blogs. And remember that what’s on your Facebook page is open to being seen by admissions officials, too.

One benefit we see to this new wave of college admissions is that the videos are another way for students to portray themselves and how they could add to the student body. Sometimes students perform better in person than on paper, and other schools seem to recognize that, such as Olin College and its Candidates Weekend for the top 250 prospective applicants that includes a design project, team exercises, and individual interviews.

It’s a common way in which people audition for reality shows, and it may become a more popular method for students seeking to make college a reality, too. In this digital age, it will be interesting to see how many colleges follow Tufts’ acceptance of YouTube videos. Tufts is believed to be the first, but did your school accept videos, on YouTube or submitted in another form? If you applied to Tufts, did you submit a video?

–Lori Johnston

Additional reporting by Delaney Young

Entry Filed under: College Admissions