��Vlog: College Admission Blog

How to Write a Great Essay About Your Ideal College Major

2026-04-25T00:23:45.120693-04:00

The idea of writing a college admission essay is daunting for most—whether you’re just entering high school or getting ready to start applying. Believe it or not, these essays play a pivotal role in making or breaking your application. They’re a great way to boost your application (when written well!) and also give admission officers a chance to get to know you better. What better way to do this than by shining a spotlight on the major you plan to pursue and building a narrative about why it’s important to you? Let's discuss your prospective major first and foremost before exploring how to write about it in your college application essays.

Embrace your prospective major

Regardless of your passion—astronomy, anthropology, art history, or something else entirely—there's a reason you've set your sights on it. Perhaps it stemmed from an early fascination with constellations, an ingrained interest in historical civilizations, or a passion for brushstrokes. Accept it for what it is and start considering how you can build a future with that passion! You have the opportunity to highlight your unique qualities and demonstrate how your major choice aligns with both your academic and personal goals in your college essay.

Build a gripping storyline

Now, let’s take on the difficult task of coming up with a gripping storyline about your interests. Consider your college essay to be a story in which you play the lead role as it develops. What life-changing events or moments inspired you to set your sights on your future major? Make sure you really put thought into where the idea to pursue your major came from, because the moment it happened is often deeper than you realize. Then carefully craft the story of what led you there, making sure to give vivid details and an engaging picture of your journey. During the writing process, be sure to keep the essay conversational but not overly casual—although college essays are less academic, it’s important to keep in mind that they are still being read by higher education professionals.

Use emotions to express your passion

To captivate a reader, it’s best to use descriptive emotions to express your passion for your chosen major. The feelings you have about the major and what inspired you to become interested in it will drive your commitment going forward through your college journey. After explaining the way your field of interest makes you feel, talk about what you want to do with a degree to fulfill your goals. Why do you want to study this major, other than the event that caused you to think about pursuing it? What are your future plans for actually working in the field? Thinking beyond college is a great way to impress admission counselors and ensure you’d be a hardworking, goal-oriented member of their student community.

Writing about your intended major in your college admission essay doesn’t have to be this big, intimidating thing. Think of it more as an exciting opportunity to tell someone, unfiltered, why you’re passionate about your interests. As a quick reminder, the Common App releases its essay prompts each year and often keep some of the same from the previous year. As \one of the options, applicants can usually answer a prompt of their choice, whether it’s one they have already written or one they have designed. This means you can utilize this option to talk about the major you plan to pursue right in the Common App, where all your other materials are!

We have a whole book’s worth of advice to help you craft your story for admission. Tackle this task with all Our Best Advice for Writing Your College Application Essays.

Early Admission Trends of the 2023–2024 College Application Cycle

2026-04-25T00:23:45.116435-04:00

Applying to college via early admission has always been a strategic move for students aiming to bolster their chances of acceptance. However, with schools like Duke University reporting an Early Decision acceptance rate of just 12.9%, applying early is by no means a sure thing. Nonetheless, it remains an improvement to students’ chances, considering Duke’s anticipated Regular Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 4.5% after Early Decision applicants have claimed roughly half of the available seats.

Since the pandemic, Moon Prep has seen huge changes in college admission trends that have turned the higher education world on its head, including new test-optional policies and the reversal of race-based admission decisions. Here are some of the most notable changes from the 2023–2024 admission season to help you prepare for the future.

Application numbers continue to increase

Over the past few years, students have submitted more college applications through the Common App than ever before, with the total volume of applicants to Common App schools increasing by 65% since 2019–2020. Consequently, many schools have lower early acceptance rates than previous years; Yale University saw its lowest acceptance rate in the last 20 years at 9.02%. But it’s not just highly competitive schools that are seeing an increase in applications—the University of Georgia had a 3.5% increase in Early Action applications, and the University of Tennessee received 49,248 early admission applicants (10,774 more than the previous application cycle), marking their most competitive pool yet.

Test-optional remains murky but popular with students

Students still love the option of applying to college without submitting standardized test scores, with more than 415,000 Common App applicants (roughly half) not reporting scores this year—an almost 20% increase from last year. While schools like Dartmouth College and Brown University will require at least some form of score reporting, others like Emory University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Carleton College—just to name a few—have announced admission will remain test-optional through at least the 2025 application cycle. However, some highly selective schools have reversed their test-optional policies earlier than planned; Harvard University will now require standardized test scores for the 2024–2025 cycle—a year earlier than previously announced—citing a study that “found that test scores were a better predictor of academic success in college than high school grades.” This quickly changing landscape of test-optional policies has left many students grappling and unsure whether to invest time and resources into standardized testing for college admission.

More diverse students are applying

The increased diversity of students applying to college is another ongoing trend that has continued from last year. Since fall 2019, the number of applicants identifying as an underrepresented minority has increased by 67%, with those identifying as first-generation students also increasing at the same rate. The rate of growth of American Indian or Alaska Native (86%) and Black or African American (70%) applicants has been the most significant. In response to the reversal of race-based admission decisions, some universities have updated essay requirements. This year, Northwestern University’s essay prompt asked students:

We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?

Essays like this give students the opportunity to highlight their unique backgrounds and experiences while also helping colleges maintain a diverse class.

Deferrals pile and waitlists grow longer

Another impact the pandemic has had on early admission trends is the use of applicant waitlists. Due to uncertainty surrounding increasing applications and enrollment numbers at top universities, many colleges have started to use waitlists or defer students more heavily. For example, of the nearly 41,000 Early Action applicants who applied to the University of Southern California this year, more than 38,000 were deferred to Regular Decision. Florida Atlantic University implemented a waitlist for the first time ever, anticipating sending final decisions to students by May 31.

As the college admission landscape continues to evolve, students should do consistent research and look at past admission trends to help them make the best college search and admission decisions for them. Be sure to reflect on these admission trends in particular to help you determine whether applying early is the right choice for you.

Start building your college list ASAP with our College Search tool so you can be prepared for whatever the next admission cycle may bring!

3 Practical Benefits of Taking a Gap Year Before College

2026-04-25T00:23:45.112677-04:00

As another school year comes to a close, many high school graduates face the dilemma of what to do next—including whether to go straight to college or take a gap year. A gap year is an opportunity for students to take a break from their studies and explore other interests. Many students take this time to work, travel, learn, and gain more life experience. If you’re unsure what you want to do after graduation, taking a gap year could be a great way to gain perspective and figure out your next step. Here are the top three benefits of choosing this path.

1. Gain work experience

Some high school students are interested in gaining work experience and earning money, but they might not have a full- or part-time job yet. Taking a gap year can be an excellent opportunity to work, save money, gain experience for a résumé, and think about your future career path(s). Will you need to go to college to pursue your goals, or would trade or technical school be sufficient? Having work experience can help you save money to put toward your future education plans. It also looks good on college applications and shows that you’ve used your gap year wisely.

2. Strengthen important life skills

It's normal to feel like you might be missing some important life skills as you finish up high school. I mean, you probably just turned 18 or are about to, so you are literally still a teenager—a kid, really, but legally an adult. Have you ever thought about how to manage your money, time, wants, and needs? If not, I recommend starting by taking a financial literacy course to learn more about managing your money. You can find a great online course free from Khan Academy. Learning how to manage your time can also be super helpful when it comes to keeping up with assignments and social activities in college. It's important to be able to distinguish between your wants and needs, such as basic groceries versus junk food. Also, taking care of yourself can be a little daunting, especially if you haven't had much practice. Do you know how to cook, do laundry, drive, or fill your car with gas? If not, taking a gap year can be a great way to learn and establish necessary life skills before starting college.

3. Formulate clear goals

Taking a break from school can be a great way to clear your mind and help you figure out your next steps in life. It’s important to remember that taking time off from school does not mean giving up on your education; rather, you’re taking a step back to evaluate your priorities and goals. By taking this time to research and explore different majors, schools, and careers that genuinely interest you, you can gain a better understanding of what you want to do in life and make more informed decisions about your future.

It's completely normal to feel unsure about what you want to do after graduating high school. Facing big decisions can be overwhelming. A gap year is a great opportunity to take some time off from your studies and figure out what you want. Hopefully, this information has helped you decide whether a gap year is right and beneficial for you. It’s your future, so take the time you need to make it a great one.

If you’re still deciding on a gap year, check out all the helpful content we have on the topic! Skipping a gap year and going straight to campus after high school? Find where you want to go using our College Search Map.

The Best Ways to Make Your College Search More Engaging

2026-04-25T00:23:45.108582-04:00

When it comes to finding the right college, everyone’s looking for something different. One student may want to stay in the city. Another may want to join a fraternity at their local state school. Someone else may want to be as far away from home as possible. And still another might want to pursue a degree in Zoology in South America. Whatever it may be, knowing how to search for what you want in a way that connects with you is a skill that high school students must master when deciding which college they want to attend.

Get immersive with college tours

The college search can be boring and tedious with loads of overwhelming information crowding your brain. One way I like to get to know a college is by actively participating in college tours (which are free, by the way). Fitting in one or two nearby campus tours on a weekend is a great, interactive way to get to know more about a college. These experiences can help you understand what life at a school is like and get your questions answered. I recently visited Barnard College and Columbia University, and both tours helped me immerse myself within the actual college experience, giving me a taste of what life in New York City could actually be like.

Explore through social media

Another angle to look at colleges from is social media, which can be used to research what life is really like on campus even further. From extracurricular activities to student forums, you can get a sense of what a school has to offer just by scrolling through their social media channels. For example, Columbia has an Instagram page where they post all sorts of pictures ranging from action shots of students playing basketball to information about the events they host. Social media pages provide valuable information about campus life, student experiences, events, resources, and even opportunities to connect with staff and current students or alumni. Through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, you can comprehensively learn what makes a college unique.

Interact with alumni

There are other opportunities for more extroverted students to personally get to know a school. For example, alumni interviews are great ways to ask questions and demonstrate interest in a college or university. According to the Dartmouth College admission team, “Alumni interviews are both informative and evaluative. You can ask our alumni your questions, and they can learn more about you through the conversation. An interview report is added to your file and is reviewed along with your other materials.” A conversation with an alumnus is priceless, as they’ve actually undergone the whole admission and student life experience. While your college future is ahead of you, they already have the perspective you need on those formative years. Their minds hold a host of information that could be helpful in making your final college decision, and a simple conversation could be a great way to make you feel more connected to a school.

Find your passion to find your school

In the end, what really matters is figuring out what you want to do—what you’re passionate about. When choosing a college or university, it’s important to find the best fit for you. So a good place to start is looking for a college that supports your interests and hobbies! Most colleges offer a wide array of academic programs and activities, so it’s important to find a school that supports a variety of your interests. Being able to narrow down your college list through these wants and needs is extremely useful when looking at schools. Good luck with your search!

You can explore and engage with colleges and universities right here on ��Vlog. Connect with schools through our featured college profiles now!

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Attending an Ivy League College

2026-04-25T00:23:45.104048-04:00

The 2023–2024 admission cycle was a record year for many Ivy League colleges, with more students applying to Yale University and Dartmouth College than ever before. Academic excellence, a prestigious reputation, and diverse opportunities on campus are what draw in so many applicants to these renowned universities. However, as tuition costs continue to rise, accepted students might wonder if the prestige of being an Ivy League graduate is worth the high tuition bill. Here are the potential pros and cons that students should consider before committing to an Ivy League college or university.

Benefits of attending an Ivy League school

The Ivy League consists of eight institutions. With all but Cornell University predating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, these schools have had centuries to build their reputations as academic powerhouses that can offer you a plethora of higher education benefits. Here are just a few:

Intimate learning environments

Ivy Leagues tend to admit a select number of students, resulting in their competitive reputations. Princeton University's average first-year class size hovers around 1,370 from more than 35,000 applications received each year. Because of these low admission rates, Ivies tend to have favorable student-faculty ratios; for example, Brown University averages a very low 6:1 ratio. This means admitted students will find a more intimate, personalized learning experience in this educational setting, with potentially more individual attention from professors.

Diverse resources

Another significant benefit of attending an Ivy League college or university are the large endowment funds that allow these schools to provide cutting-edge resources like learning laboratories, expansive libraries, studio space, and extensive extracurricular options for students. The breadth of extracurricular activities on Ivy League campuses is often never-ending—Harvard University has a staggering 500+ student organizations for undergraduates to choose from.

Robust alumni network

All the Ivies have famously strong alumni networks that extend far beyond the undergraduate years. For example, Yale's Office of Career Strategy helps students find internships by connecting them with alums, employers, and donors. Similar networking opportunities exist at any Ivy League institution, so if you are admitted to any of them, you can be sure you’ll be well supported.

Enhanced employability

Perhaps the most crucial factor for many students in choosing a college is the earning potential of graduates. Having the weight of an Ivy League diploma on your résumé could help you get noticed when applying for your first postgraduate job, especially combined with the internships, experiential learning opportunities, and extracurricular activities you participate in on campus. Need more convincing? In the Global University Employability Ranking 2023–2024, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale all cracked the top 10 among higher education institutions worldwide, and all the other Ivies (except the University of Pennsylvania) ranked among the top 100.

Drawbacks of Ivy League schools

While the Ivy League is undeniably prestigious, you will not have an easy time getting in, and they not are the only places where students find positive outcomes and high success rates. Other schools like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Vanderbilt University are recognized for high value but lower costs. Graduates from places like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Santa Clara University are also ranked in the top 10 for mid-career earning averages. To give you a clear picture, let’s explore some of the potential downsides that may lead you to choose a different notable institution instead of an Ivy League school.

No merit scholarships

In the late 1950s, the Ivies collectively agreed not to offer any merit-based scholarships to students. They believe all their accepted students are worthy of a merit scholarship, so instead, they elect not to award money to anyone based on merit. Middle-class families who make too much money to receive need-based financial aid might find it difficult to afford the steep tuition costs unless you can find funding elsewhere.

High tuition costs

Coupled with a lack of merit scholarships, the exorbitant costs of an Ivy League education might be a major turnoff for you, depending on your family's income and whether you qualify for financial aid. For example, Dartmouth costs over $91,000 per year after estimated fees, tuition, and other associated costs, whereas similarly ranked UNC Chapel Hill costs just $27,000+ for in-state and $60,000+ for out-of-state students.

Not all Ivy League schools are equal

It likely goes without saying, but each Ivy League school has its own strengths and weaknesses. While many Ivy Leagues have small class sizes, the bigger Ivies like Cornell may have a higher proportion of classes taught by teaching assistants instead of professors. Additionally, major selections and the accolades of individual programs will vary by school. According to U.S. News & World Report, UPenn is ranked #1 for the best Business program in the country, but Cornell is the only other Ivy to break into the top 10.

Related: Top 10 Ivy League Alternatives

Ivy League or not, the college you choose to attend will be heavily influenced by your personal goals and interests. You should consider the academic major selection and reputation of programs, extracurricular learning opportunities, and the overall balance of costs vs. outcomes at each school you’re admitted to before deciding if an Ivy League is right for you. If you choose to attend an Ivy, congrats! But if you choose another path, congrats on that too!

If an Ivy League degree feels financially or academically out of reach, there’s a less direct approach to make your dreams a reality. Read Want an Ivy League Degree? Consider Community College First to find out how!

3 Tips for Writing the Best College Admission Essay Possible

2026-04-25T00:23:45.099564-04:00

When it comes to writing a great college admission essay, it can be tough to sum up your life in a way that will impress others. Some college applications ask you to write about a significant event that changed your life and how you dealt with it. But it's hard to put all that into an essay; you want to grab the admission officers' attention without being too dramatic. The key to writing a standout college admission essay is to not stress too much about writing about a major event—instead, just write from your heart. I know that sounds like a major cliché, but I’m here to tell you it's true! Here are three main tips I recommend to help you write an effective college admission essay.

1. Start early

One of the main reasons students stress about writing an amazing college admission essay is because they wait until the last minute. Can you believe that? Unfortunately, I can. I hate to admit it, but I have procrastinated a few times on articles and essays. But I always find it would’ve been better to plan and write my work in advance—I wouldn't have been so stressed! I recommend writing a due date for your college essays on a calendar that is clearly visible to you. If you’re a really bad procrastinator, trick yourself into thinking the essay is due earlier and write it down on a closer date. The best advice is to just start early—and to submit your whole application early so you don't have to deal with looming deadlines. You will be calm and done with it, which is a great feeling!

2. Tell a story

You might think it's obvious, but you don't want your college essays to sound robotic. Admission officers want you to tell a descriptive story that draws them in. For example, "I was 10 years old at the time, and I was super excited." No—that’s boring. Tell a story instead: "I was just 10 years old at the time, but I was beyond excited and I could not wait. It was a gloomy day, but I didn't care." It doesn't have to be so dramatic—just tell a story as yourself, not like a robot. Paint a picture and make sure it doesn't sound as if it's just another school assignment you were forced to write that you're not interested in. Your college essay is your story, so do it justice.

3. Show your real personality

Showing your true self beyond grades, test scores, and other numbers is the reason you are writing this essay. So be yourself. Your essay doesn't have to feature big, flowery words and phrases that you think sound smart but don't even know the meaning of. For example, "The day was rich and tender. I was questioning what I was doing in that serene place at that compelling time of this generation." That's a lot of words, making it hard to read. I’m not saying you can't be poetic, but don't try to be something you're not. For example, "The day was perfectly exquisite, but I was thinking to myself, why today?" That sounds so much better. Put your own personality and words into your work. It doesn't have to sound so academic to impress the adults who are reading it.

I hope you find these tips helpful! I haven't written my college essays yet, but I know this will give me a good starting point. Just remember these three key tips: Start early, tell a story, and be yourself! College essays are nerve-wracking, but if you have a plan in place, you're sure to ace them. I am rooting for you!

Find admission essay examples, tips for specific Common App questions, and much more with Our Best Advice for Writing Your College Application Essays.

College Compatibility: How to Find a Great Campus for You

2026-04-25T00:23:45.095395-04:00

When you try on clothes, you can usually tell whether they fit instantly—but how can you do that with a college campus? Every year, millions of high school students struggle to find a college campus that suits their needs and interests simply because they don’t know what to look for. Three important things to investigate in your college search are the social scene, student clubs, and location. At the end of the day, choosing a college where you’ll be happy is about finding the school that fits you and your needs.

Understanding a college’s social scene

To find a college that works for you, you must understand the social scene of each school you’re interested in. For example, if you don’t care about sports but attend a university famous for its athletics, you may feel excluded or annoyed in that environment. Attending a school known for its Greek life with no interest in pledging may leave you feeling left out at a lot of parties. You can find friends and niche groups on any campus, of course, but feeling like you fit in with the social scene can greatly affect your enjoyment of the entire college experience. Some questions to ask admission officers and current students include:

Are sports a large part of the culture here?
Is partying a big part of social life?
Is there Greek Life on campus? What’s the recruitment process like?
Are there any [insert your interest here] organizations for students? If not, can you create your own student club?

Exploring available clubs and organizations

Analyzing and exploring clubs and organizations is another way to determine campus compatibility. Clubs are a wonderful way to meet people and build community, so it’s important to ensure any campus you’re interested in has clubs that appeal to you by looking for lists on college websites. There are typically four different types of clubs to consider:

Academic: Whether it’s a math, business, or STEM club, these groups are a great way to meet people in the same major as you and find a community of like-minded individuals.
Recreation: From friendly but competitive sports teams to simple hobbies, recreational clubs are a great way to let your hair down and have fun with your friends (or make new ones!).
Cultural and religious: These groups are a great way to tap into your cultural or religious identity while you’re away from home. Cultural clubs also provide a safe space for you to practice your traditions on campus.
Student government: Getting involved in student government is a great way to not only make a positive impact at your school but also hone your leadership skills.

Learning more about campus location

Location is another very important factor to consider when searching for schools that feel right for you. Students seeking a campus that is tight knit, with most social events occurring on campus, may prefer a school in a suburban or rural location. Students who want an urban setting and all that a nearby city has to offer should search for schools in metropolitan areas, though this may mean the school community is weaker since students spend less time on campus. You should carefully consider both the pros and cons of location and opt for a campus that fits your preferred lifestyle.

Where do you find all this information?

So how can you locate all this information on social scenes, clubs, and campus locations? Use college search websites to do advanced research and follow social media accounts to see what they consider important to highlight about their school. Another tried-and-true method is having conversations with current students. If you don’t have any connections in the student body, you should reach out to admission offices and ask to be connected with someone. These meetings will often produce some of the most candid reviews you’ll receive. Current students can also talk about any issues on campus, such as partying, which admission officers generally refrain from.

Choosing the right college is a task that looms heavy over the heads of high schoolers annually. Students are often inclined to choose schools with famous names without considering whether they will fit in on campus. But taking the time to research the social scene, student clubs, and campus location will reveal valuable information to help you discover which school is best for you.

Start exploring colleges and universities that are looking for amazing students like you using our College Search tool, where you can sort by any of these criteria!

How to Create an Olympics-Based Passion Project for College Admission

2026-04-25T00:23:45.090321-04:00

As an aspiring college student, you should always be looking for unique ways to boost your applications that also reflect your passions. Passion projects are a great way to showcase to admission representatives that you’re disciplined and dedicated to seeing a commitment through to the end, like an Olympian on their way to the gold—or in this case, your college degree. But with these self-guided and -motivated pursuits becoming more popular in college admission, how can you create a unique project that will get you noticed? Let’s take some inspiration from the Summer Olympic Games and explore how you can combine athletic interests and academics for a winning application.

Tracking event stats and athlete performance

You may not initially think that math nerds and sports jocks can be one and the same, but I give you: The stats person. Who’s running your football fantasy league? A stats person. The people fact-checking on the fly for hosts during live sporting events? Stats people. Statistics and the Olympics could not be more complementary with more than 10,000 athletes competing each season and the potential for predicting future performance by analyzing medal placement percentages and record-breaking completion times.

Whether you’re exploring the stats of current athletes like track Olympian Sha’Carri Richardson or studying patterns of the Games as a whole over time, you can conduct research and use it to build spreadsheets, write an essay, or film a video presentation on your findings. The point of a passion project is to get creative with the things that interest you in a way that will resonate with admission representatives, regardless of the subject matter.

Researching the history of major sports

The very first Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896 with only 241 athletes and 43 events. Today, the Olympics have expanded to two separate events for 74 summer and winter sports that draw in tens of thousands of athletes—and that doesn’t even include the Paralympics for athletes with disabilities. All this to say, the history of the Olympic Games is rich and over 125 years long. Whether you decide to write a paper on the history of the Games in general or create an interactive project on the changes in gymnastics over time, there are intriguing historical narratives to explore that are sure to pique the interests of both the academics and the sports enthusiasts in the admission offices at the colleges you want to apply to.

Setting and documenting an athletic challenge

Olympic athletes are known for their strict workout regimes and practice schedules. And while you may not be training like Katie Ledecky or Simone Biles, dedicated student-athletes can use Olympic-level training programs as inspiration for great admission projects. What’s something you would love to focus on in your sports and fitness life? Maybe you want to improve your tennis serve over the course of a few months, or you might be getting ready for athletic recruitment to a college basketball team. Whatever your motivations, write out a training schedule for a predetermined amount of time and track your progress as you complete each day’s workout and training tasks. Make sure to set concrete checkpoints, determine what your final goal is, and decide how you’re going to translate your hard work into something you can showcase on your college applications.

Every couple of years, we get to witness an exciting new winter or summer season of incredible feats of athleticism through the Olympic Games. They are a huge, defining moment for all the hard work every Olympian has put in throughout their lives—just like admission into college is the culmination of all your hard work. Take inspiration from these incredible athletes to help you shape your applications, showcase your unique interests, and gain admission to a great college on your way to your golden degree.

Have you finalized your college list yet? If you want to add a few more, explore some schools based on your favorite games with our Gold-Medal Colleges for Summer and Winter Olympic Sports!

4 Tips to Make Your Brown University Admission Video Memorable

2026-04-25T00:23:45.085691-04:00

A few years ago, Brown University transitioned away from alumni interviews and took a more innovative approach by allowing applicants to submit an optional two-minute introduction video. The video component lets prospective students showcase their personalities, interests, and other details not otherwise represented on their applications. This makes students come alive and helps admission officers see the human being behind one application among thousands.

For the most part, Brown’s video introduction is unstructured, which can be intimidating for applicants. Your submission could be about anything: a day in your life, things that make you happy, or even how your life relates to your favorite movie. Despite these loose requirements, it doesn’t mean you can put minimal thought into your video submission. Let’s discuss why this optional application component is so important, plus some tips to help you make a memorable admission video for Brown University or any other college that might offer this option.

How to make a standout admission video

While Brown University says that submitting an admission video is optional, competitive applicants shouldn't consider it as such. As of March 2024, 48,898 students had applied to Brown for the 2023–2024 application season, and just 2,521 were accepted—so you should take advantage of every opportunity to stand out to admission officers. This is especially true for students applying to competitive programs like Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education, which has just a 3.5% acceptance rate. Knowing how competitive the process is, here are four key tips to make sure your application video stands out.

1. Begin drafting it early

Crafting a well-thought-out admission video requires a lot of time and planning. Depending on your creative direction, you might include childhood movies, pictures of extracurricular activities, or scenes from various aspects of your life. Digging through your video or photo archives might take a few days or even weeks, necessitating assistance from friends or family to help you find the best media to use. Drafting a script beforehand also allows you to maximize on the allotted two minutes and showcase the best version of yourself to impress admission officers. Treat the video introduction with the same level of consideration as your college essays; you’ll likely need to go through several drafts before you are satisfied with the result.

2. Follow the instructions carefully

Each admission video (and specifically Brown’s) should be no more than two minutes long and begin with, "Hi, my name is [your name] from [your high school].” From there, you’ll likely have total creative freedom with what content you want to cover in your video. If you’re applying to other schools that accept application videos, review the instructions carefully to ensure there aren’t more complex requirements. Brown also recommends creating your video in landscape orientation, as the admission officers will be viewing the videos on a desktop computer.

3. Highlight your top selling points

Identify your unique qualities and passions that will be appreciated by admission officers, and make sure these are different from what you’ve already included in your personal statement and supplemental essays. Brown wants you to "tell us more about yourself beyond the information you provided in your application." If you’ve already told them about the nonprofit you started or the research you spent two summers conducting, don't reiterate it here unless you are significantly expanding upon what you already said. Instead of repeating yourself, think about what else might be worthwhile to mention. Do you have unique hobbies? What about your personality and background would make you a stand-out applicant? By considering these questions and more, you can create a video that enhances your application.

4. Answer the question: Why this university?

Brown also says this admission video is a "helpful way to see why you are interested in attending Brown." So make sure your video covers how you might fit on campus as a first-year student and contribute to the school. At Moon Prep, we've seen students do this in creative and memorable ways. A few students found clubs they would like to join and photoshopped themselves into group photos of the participants. Others found research labs in their areas of interest and talked about how they would contribute to the lab. Try to add a new dimension to your video to underscore your passion for the particular college or university you’re applying to.

How to submit your video

After you’ve applied to Brown, you will receive a link to your Brown Applicant Portal, where you’ll have the option to submit the video. Please note that it should be submitted no later than one week after the official application deadline. The deadline for Early Decision applicants usually falls in November, or January for Regular Decision applicants. Other colleges and universities offering this option will likely follow similar methods and deadlines for submitting your video, but, as always, pay close attention to each school’s specific rules.

By creating a curated admission video, you can be confident you have put your best effort into getting accepted to Brown or any other school in the country. These tips can also help you create memorable videos for scholarship applications that may ask for them. Good luck!

Get your foot in the door before applying to Brown University by requesting information via the button below, or explore other schools with a video application component using our College Search tool!

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6 Simple Self-Care Tips to Make College Applications Less Stressful

2026-04-25T00:23:45.081158-04:00

Applying for college can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between managing deadlines, perfecting admission essays, and managing your expectations, it’s easy to feel stressed. As a teen, juggling school and extracurriculars alone can take a toll on your mental health. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 83% of teens report that school-related tasks are a major source of stress. Adding college applications to the mix only amplifies this pressure.

This is where self-care becomes essential! Practicing self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself—it’s about creating habits that support your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. These habits can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and help you feel empowered throughout your college application journey. Let’s explore some practical self-care tips for mental health during the admission process.

1. Start with time management

One of the biggest stressors during college application season is time pressure, but effective time management skills can make everything feel more manageable. By organizing your time better, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and gain a better sense of control.

First, create a schedule for your tasks. Use a planner or app to map out deadlines for your college applications, tests, and homework. Then break everything down by dividing larger tasks, like writing your personal statements, into smaller, more achievable steps. Be sure to focus on high-impact tasks first, like completing essays or studying for standardized tests.

2. Take care of your physical health

Physical health plays a crucial role in your mental well-being. Simple changes to your routine can have a profound impact on how you feel during college application season. Make an effort to:

Stay active: Exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress. Even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood.
Eat mindfully: Fuel your body with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid excessive caffeine intake, which can increase anxiety.
Prioritize sleep: Lack of sleep worsens feelings of stress and fatigue, so aim for eight to 10 hours of rest each night.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will give you the energy and focus you need to tackle your college applications effectively.

3. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Mindfulness can help you stay present and calm amid the chaos of college application season. To start, try some deep breathing exercises: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. This simple practice can reduce stress in mere minutes.

You can also try meditating with apps like Headspace or Calm, which offer guided meditations tailored to teens. Another simple mindfulness practice is journaling your thoughts. Just writing down your feelings can help you process your emotions and gain clarity. All these techniques can help ground you and build resilience against stress.

4. Set realistic expectations

It’s easy to feel pressured to apply to a certain number of schools or get into a top-tier college or university. Remember, your worth isn’t defined by where you’re accepted. Focus on applying to colleges that are a good fit for you and your interests, not just based on their rankings.

It’s also important to celebrate small wins. Finished your essay draft? Treat yourself! Submitted a complete application? Do a little dance! Acknowledge these accomplishments and practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and that is more than enough. By being kind to yourself, you can alleviate unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters.

5. Build a support network

You don’t have to go through your college applications alone. Building a support network can make the process feel less isolating and more manageable. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Trusted adults like parents, teachers, or counselors can provide guidance and reassurance.

If the stress becomes overwhelming, don’t keep it to yourself. Knowing you’re not alone can be comforting, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and connect with friends who are also applying to college. You may also benefit from talking to a mental health professional if things feel particularly difficult. Trusted adults in your life can help you find someone.

6. Take breaks and enjoy life

While staying focused and getting everything done is important, don’t let college applications consume all your time. Taking breaks helps you recharge, avoid burnout, and maintain your mental health. Balance work and relaxation with these tips:

Schedule downtime: Set aside some time to relax, whether it’s watching your favorite show or hanging out with friends.
Pursue your hobbies: Activities like painting, playing an instrument, or reading can be great stress relievers.
Unplug regularly: Limit your screen time, especially with social media, which can sometimes increase your stress.

Applying for college is a challenging but rewarding process. By practicing these self-care tips, you can confidently navigate this journey and maintain your mental health. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Lean on your support network, set realistic goals, and take time to recharge. Your future is bright, and with the right self-care habits, you’ll be ready to take on whatever comes next.

Check out all our advice to help you manage stress and anxiety as a student under our “mental health" tag.

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