Video Essay Walkthrough
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
This guide will walk you through the video essay process for your application. Before starting, ensure you have an active application and a stable internet connection. You'll need a computer with a webcam and a browser that supports media recording (Chrome or Firefox recommended).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Step 1: Sign into Your Application
Log into your application account at choose.umn.edu/apply
Step 2: Navigate to the “Video Essay” Tab
Find and click on the “Video Essay” tab on the left menu bar.
- Step 3: Read the Instructions
Carefully read the provided instructions. Once ready, click the red “Start Test” button. Make sure you are using a computer with a webcam and a browser that supports media recording (Chrome and Firefox).
- Step 4: Record Your Video Essay
You will be redirected to another window to start recording your video essay.
- Step 5: Test Your Setup
Read the instructions on the screen. The first recording will be in Testing Mode and will not be saved to the application. Ensure your camera and microphone are working correctly.
Step 6: Confirm Testing Mode
On the Testing Mode Instruction screen, click the red “Ready” box once you've confirmed everything is working properly.
- Step 7: Practice Recording
You will be given a test question to practice the recording process. You will have 10 seconds before it starts recording automatically, or you can start immediately by clicking the red start recording button. You will have 10 seconds to complete your practice recording, and you can stop it early by clicking the red stop recording button.
- Step 8: Review Your Test Recording
After finishing your test recording, review it to ensure your camera and microphone were working. If you need to re-test, click the start-over link.
Step 9: Acknowledge and Move On
Check the acknowledgment box and then click the green “Ready” button to proceed.
- Step 10: Begin the Video Essay Question
You will be prompted to the Video Essay question recording. The question will be revealed once you click the red “Ready” button. You can scan the QR code provided to preview some potential video essay questions.
- Step 11: Record Your Response
Click the red “Ready” button when you're ready. The question will be displayed, and you will have 120 seconds to prepare and an additional 120 seconds to answer the question.
Wrap Up
Once you end the recording, the video will be uploaded into the application to be reviewed alongside the rest of your materials.