Application Requirements
Completed online application form.
Apply here .
You must submit all materials directly, not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the sole exception of submissions by the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program and its three partner agencies IIE, LASPAU and AMIDEAST, and by the Danish-American Fulbright Commission (DAF), Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), and Vietnam Education Fund (VEF).
If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact the admissions office apply [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu .
$95.00 nonrefundable application fee (U.S. currency)
Fee payment must accompany the online application.
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
In the Academic History section of the online application, applicants must list and upload unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions you have attended full-time for at least one term . This includes any summer program(s), study abroad program(s), or transfer coursework including any additional mark sheets, official translations, or degree certificates for international transcripts as needed w ith the exception of:
- Coursework where no credits are earned,
- Institutions where you completed a total of 11 credits or less (on a traditional U.S. credit system) outside of your degree granting institution and those credits appear on your degree granting institution transcript.
If requested, applicants may be required to provide transcripts from any and all post-secondary institutions.
Please note that applicants are required to submit grades for all coursework completed at the time they complete their application . Applicants who are currently enrolled in coursework and who submit transcripts with in-progress coursework for admissions consideration (official WES for international and unofficial for domestic) must provide an updated unofficial transcript showing the grades for that completed semester’s coursework as soon as one becomes available.
For Domestic Institutions
Unofficial transcripts for each institution listed are sufficient for the admissions review process. Note: Unofficial transcripts must include both the name of the student and the institution to be used for application review.
For International Institutions
Official ICAP course-by-course evaluation by World Education Services, Inc. (WES) , a third-party verification agency, for all post-secondary coursework completed outside of the United States is required for your application to be reviewed . WES evaluations will be reviewed, and the determination of degree equivalency to U.S. degrees is at the discretion of the School of Professional Studies.
Please note that applicants who have completed 18 credits or less abroad may submit an unofficial transcript for admissions consideration . If admitted, the applicant must submit an official transcript directly from the prior institution. WES is not required for a total of 18 credits or less completed outside the United States.
Instructions for using WES
WES must complete a course-by-course evaluation of all international post-secondary coursework and credentials. Please select the WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation (with GPA and course levels) for the United States and request to have WES send your evaluation to Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. The school can be found by searching Columbia University and then selecting the School of Professional Studies.
WES evaluations will be reviewed, and the determination of degree equivalency to U.S. degrees is at the discretion of the School of Professional Studies.
Falsification, forgery, and misrepresentation of any type will risk forfeiture of admissions and/or enrollment. Forfeiture may occur whenever an integrity lapse is discovered and may include admissions revocation, expulsion, or another sanction outlined within the Student Conduct and Community Standards . Applicants would not be entitled to request any refund of the application fee, enrollment deposit, or tuition in the case that the official transcript deviates from the unofficial.
Requirements for Enrollment:
If offered admission, and before being permitted to enroll, you must submit official verified transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended for academic credit in the manner outlined under Policies in the Application Instructions section of this application.
If you are in the process of completing a degree at the time you apply, final official transcripts with degree conferral (for domestic institutions) or a final official WES evaluation showing degree conferral, including your degree certificate (for international institutions) will be required for enrollment. If you have completed your studies at the time of your application, we strongly recommend you submit your final official transcripts as soon as possible. Failure to submit an official transcript or WES within 30 days following the start of your first semester will result in a hold on your account and, if not remedied, can result in dismissal from the program.
Your résumé
Please upload your résumé or CV. Please be sure to include all relevant work experience, professional organizations, or activities that would be relevant to evaluating your candidacy for admission.
Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation must be written by current or former supervisors or by faculty members with whom you have studied in the classroom, who can assess your academic work, intellectual ability, academic potential for graduate work, address your suitability for the program and your ability to commit to the rigorous curriculum. If you own your own business and are your own supervisor, you may select a client as your recommender. Personal references are not appropriate. All applicants are required to submit at least one academic reference unless that applicant received a bachelor’s degree more than 5 years prior to the date of the application. Applicants who received a bachelor’s degree more than 5 years prior to the date of the application are strongly encouraged, but not required, to submit an academic reference. If you are unable to comply with the recommendation requirement, please contact apply [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu for assistance.
Important Policies Related to Recommendations:
- Under no circumstances should you upload a letter on behalf of a recommender. Any person who writes a letter of recommendation must submit that letter themselves through the application system.
- All letters must be uploaded by the recommender directly to the application system . Letters of recommendation may not be sent via email, nor may paper letters be sent via postal mail.
- You are required to submit at least one academic reference, unless you received a bachelor’s degree more than 5 years prior to the date of the application. Applicants who received a bachelor's degree more than 5 years prior to the date of the application are strongly encouraged, but not required, to submit an academic reference. If you are unable to comply with the recommendation requirement, please contact apply [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu for assistance.
- Please note that an academic reference must be from a professor or faculty member at your degree-granting institution and should provide examples of your academic or professional contributions. If you are submitting a second academic reference, the other recommendation may be from a professor or faculty member with whom you have studied at another post-secondary institution. References from instructors for the following are not acceptable: not-for-credit programs, education companies, workshops, or trainings. Academic advisors are not acceptable.
- Please note that a professional reference must be from a supervisor or manager who can speak to your performance as a full-time employee, part-time employee, or intern employed at their organization. If you own your own business or are your own supervisor, you may select a client or peer within your organization as your recommender. Recommendations from professional mentors, or project advisors, and references of a personal nature are not acceptable.
- You must enter the institutional or professional email address of your recommender in the application system. If you are unable to provide a professional email address for your recommender, please email us at apply [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu with an explanation of why a professional email address cannot be provided. References submitted from personal or anonymous email accounts without prior approval (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, 123.com, 163.com, qq.com etc.) may result in your application being considered ineligible for admission.
- Letters of recommendation cannot be provided by family members under any circumstance. If a family member provides a recommendation, you will be considered ineligible for admission.
- Under the guidelines of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all letters of recommendation are confidential during the admissions process, even if you have not waived your right to view them. This policy applies to both domestic and international applicants. If you did not waive your right to see one or more of the letters, you may view them only after you are enrolled in Columbia SPS. Students who do not receive an offer of admission, or those admitted who do not enroll, are not permitted access to the letters at any time. A complete explanation of the FERPA policy can be found here .
Share These Five Things With Your Recommenders
- Tell your recommender the name of the program you are applying to and the specific information they should address in their letter of recommendation (see Program of Study section).
- They will be asked to complete a brief evaluation form within the application system and upload a letter of recommendation on letterhead (whenever possible). Both components are necessary to fulfill the requirement and must be provided within the application system. We will not accept letters sent via email or post mail.
- Share our email address with them ( apply [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu ) so they can look out for the notification and add it to their address book or list of contacts to ensure that the message is routed to their inbox.
- They should expect and comply with outreach from Re Vera Services, a third party verification provider, who will reach out to them via email to confirm that they supplied the recommendation.
- Share the timeline for when you need the recommendation.
Important Tips About Recommendations
- You should request letters of recommendation from your recommenders as early as possible and be sure to provide your recommender with the information below.
- Track the status of your recommendation submissions within the application system on the Applicant Status page. To avoid any delay in the review of your materials, we urge you to verify that all your letters have been submitted by the time you submit your application, and re-notify your recommender through the application system if they are missing.
- Columbia will use an outside verification vendor to verify all submitted letters of recommendation. You will be asked to authorize the vendor to contact your recommenders and must do so before your admissions decision will be released. Specific instructions will be provided after submission of your application.
- You may submit your application even if all of your letters have not yet been received , but your application will not be considered complete until the letters have arrived. In addition, you will be notified via email when a recommendation has been submitted.
Statement of Purpose (250 Words)
Why are you pursuing the Columbia University Strategic Communication Program, and how does it relate to your career goals?
Supplemental Essay (250 Words)
Describe the values that guided you through a personal or professional challenge you recently encountered.
Video Essay
After you have submitted your application and fee, you will be required to submit a 1-minute video essay. You will be given time to create test videos to ensure that your system is working properly. When you are ready, you will be given a randomly selected prompt for which you will have one minute to prepare and one minute to record a response. You will not be able to re-record your video. Please note that the video essay response should be your own thoughts and should not be rehearsed or prepared beforehand.
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (GRE preferred; GMAT accepted)
This information is required, with two exceptions:
- If you have already earned a graduate degree (such as a Master's degree, MBA or PhD) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores are not required.
- Applicants with five or more years of postgraduate work experience can request a waiver for this requirement by emailing communications [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu with a current resume.
When submitting test scores with your application, please note that we require official test scores before your application can be reviewed.
- For complete information regarding the GRE, go to www.gre.org . School report code: 3602.
- For complete information regarding the GMAT, go to www.mba.com/exams/gmat . To send your scores, please choose “Columbia University - School of Professional Studies” as the recipient.
- GRE and GMAT scores are considered valid for five years after your test date.
An Admissions Interview
This may be required.
Students whose first or native language is not English must include proof of English proficiency
To be considered for admission, students must be comfortable with rapid and idiomatic spoken English. If your first or native language is not English, you must provide official scores on the TOEFL or IELTS. Applicant total scores must meet the Columbia SPS minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL iBT) or 7.0 (IELTS). You will be required to enter your test scores or your anticipated testing date within the online application, and official test score reports will be required for your application to be considered complete and ready for admission review. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years after your test date. Applicants receiving scores below the posted minimums may be advised to apply directly to the American Language Program.
- To submit TOEFL iBT scores: Visit www.ets.org and send your official score to our school code 2594. Please note: we do not accept TOEFL best scores.
- To submit IELTS scores: Please include your TRF number on the English Language Requirements section of the application. Alternatively, you can also send us your official score through your testing center.
Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete an intensive course with the American Language Program (ALP) prior to beginning their studies in the degree program as a condition for admission. Applicants may also be asked to complete an interview using a video conferencing tool.
International students must fulfill visa requirements
Visa requirements.
International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understand the University’s student visa application eligibility and requirements . Please note that it is not permissible to enroll while in B-1/B-2 status. Since the program offers a full-time study option, international students enrolled in a full-time course load—registered for at least 12 points of credit-bearing courses a term—are eligible for a student visa.
Eligible international students who wish to apply for a student visa should do so immediately after they have received their letter of admission to Columbia University. This should be done by completing the Application for Visa Certificate (AVC) . Applicants should be aware that after admission into a program it may take up to four weeks to receive the documents needed from Columbia to obtain a student visa, so please plan accordingly.
International students who require a student visa to study at Columbia are required to pay an International Services fee. See Tuition and Fees for more information.
You can find the online application for visa certificate by clicking here: http://isso.columbia.edu/ . While you are not permitted to submit the application until you have gained admission, we strongly encourage you to read the instructional information provided.
For questions about individual cases, please contact: International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) 212-854-3587 isso [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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What do you mean there's a video essay.
In almost every information session or meeting with a student, I always feel the mood shift when I mention that SIPA has a video essay component. Students get super nervous about the idea of this being part of the application. I'm completely aware that the type of student who is applying for SIPA is one that likes to prepare in advance before submitting an assessment however in the case of the SIPA video essay, there are very little ways to prepare. I know, I know.. it sounds stressful but I promise you it's not! We are not here to fool you. Let's talk more about what the video essay actually is.
What is the video essay?
The video essay is the final component of the SIPA application. You can only access the video essay only after you submit your application and pay the application fee. We will give you a random prompt and you'll have 60 seconds to think of your answer and 90 seconds to record your answer, then you're done! No reshoots, one and done.
Ok, Brianne.. that sounds intimidating. How can I prepare?
Well candidates, to be honest, it's very hard to prepare for this. The actionable items I tell students they can do is make sure you are in a quiet space and you test your audio/visual settings prior to beginning. The prompt is random so you won't know in advance what you will get. My best advice is treat this like you're going on a first date; have good eye contact, talk clearly, go in with the mindset of wanting the admissions committee to get a sense of your personality, and do the best to your ability. Ultimately, this prompt is just like a conversation between us on the admissions side and you. There's no expectation to be an expert on the question you're given so I think it's most important to just relax and be yourself. The best video essays are the ones that come across as conversations rather than speaking as if you're reading off a piece of paper. Also, unlike a first date, no need to get dressed up!
So I've submitted my application and paid the fee, I now have my video prompt. What are your tips in the 60 second prep time?
First, take a deep breathe and read the question. As I mentioned before, it's not a prompt that is meant to stump you. These prompts can be anything from policy-based, political, opinion, behavioral, etc. so it should not be out of your subject zone. Remember, you only have 60 seconds to think of your answer so use your time wisely, but know it's not expected that you're going to have every single piece of thought ready for this. I see many students who are trying to cram so much information into the video, especially when it's a policy driven prompt. Sometimes less is more, and I feel that can definitely be the case with the video essay. If it's a question about yourself, don't overthink it. I think the utmost important thing to remember is there is no "right" answer for these prompts. I said it before but use your 60 seconds wisely; create a structure with the prompt you have been given; maybe you have some buzz words you write down that want to remember when you're speaking. You'd be surprised what you can accomplish in 60 seconds!
My prep time is done. It's time for the 90 seconds. Any advice?
One thing that's important to share is that there will be no sound or light alerting you that your 90 seconds has started so be aware of your time. Right before it starts, take a deep breathe and remember what I shared above. One personal recommendation is to use the first five seconds of your time to introduce yourself "Hi, my name is", and start going into your prompt. I think one of the worst things students can do is clearly be reading their notes word for word on the screen in front of them. Remember, this should be conversational - we don't want it to feel rehearsed but instead more natural. It's ok to have notes, as mentioned maybe some buzz words to remember, but please do not spend the whole time reading off of something. If you experience technical difficulties during your video essay, reach out to the Office of Admission for assistance.
It's done. Now what?
You're officially done with the application - woohoo! Please take a moment to be so proud of yourself; it can be daunting applying to graduate schools, especially if you've been out of undergraduate for a while. If you're worried that you did terrible or wish that you could redo it, remember that this only one component of your application; SIPA takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications meaning we take a very thorough review of all aspects of your application. Good luck!
Avoid verbal, vocal, and visual mistakes in #videoessays and #interviews
How to avoid the three most common types of #videoessay mistakes – verbal, vocal, and visual.
How can you utilize video to stand out from other applicants? I created my YouTube account in 2008. Still, it took me until 2012, four years, to figure out how to use video to differentiate myself from other admissions consultants. You don't have four years. How can you use video to stand out now?
First, please understand why schools want to see your video.
Why do schools ask for videos?
As with written essays, schools ask for video responses because they want to get to know you. The schools are seeking to see how you present yourself visually and with little time to prepare or polish answers. They are testing articulation and presence in a way that essays can’t and at much less expense than interviews. In that sense, these videos are a pre-interview screening device in addition to a way to learn more about your likes and dislikes, achievements, dreams, goals, and challenges. Schools want to accept students who reflect well on them.
How to avoid the three most common types of video essay mistakes
1. verbal mistakes (what you say).
(7% impact)
2. Vocal mistakes (how you say it)
(38% impact)
3. Visual mistakes (what you look like)
(55% impact)
Understand your impact
I recently came across a study that claims that what you say (verbal communication) only accounts for 7% of the impact of your message. Your tone of voice (vocal communication) accounts for 38% of your impact. Perhaps most surprisingly, your visual communication (non-verbal physical behavior) conveys 55% of your impact. While I cannot verify these statistics, I do know that what we say is often less important than how we say it. Others do not always perceive us the way we wish to be perceived
Verbal communication (words) = 7% impact
Vocal communication (tone of voice) = 38% impact
Visual communication (non-verbal physical behavior) = 55% impact
(found at https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=bZbPjMPec1kC&pg=PA13; accessed 2015/10)
Vague answer
Describe a unique perspective, skill set, or life experience you have. Articulate how it might benefit your classmates, enhance discourse in the classroom, and/or contribute to our school community.
Unorganized answer
Unprofessional tone.
Avoid slang or profanity
Negative first impression – is your opening warm, classy, and engaging?
Always introduce yourself – opening (name and location) and closing (thank you)
Compare early VincePrep videos and more recent ones
Abrupt closing
Say something like, "Thank you for watching this video. I hope to see you on campus."
Do you sound articulate?
Minimize verbal junk
What is verbal junk?
Verbal junk includes "umm," and "uh"
Why do we use verbal junk?
We sometimes make noises to fill the silence as we think
This verbal mitake happens when are are unprepared
Why is verbal junk problematic: too many "umms" and "uhs" detract from presence. We sound unprofessional. We appear to lack confidence
Solution: think for a few seconds before you reply and then minimize pauses that we tend to fill with “umms” and “uhs”
Are you too quiet? – we cannot hear you
Be sure your room is quiet and you are loud (but not too loud)
Are you too loud?
Your voice sounds distorted, like a singer in a punk or metal band
If you can see the sound wave of voice in an audio recording software, you want to be just slightly in the red zone
Are you speaking too fast? – we cannot follow your ideas
We often speed up when unprepared
Is it possible to speak too slow?
Speak as slowly as you can (show Mr. Aluminum sample)
According to psychologists, visual communication (what you look like) accounts for more than half of the impact of your message. Is your presence weak or unconvincing? Is your physical appearance unprofessional? Are your hand gestures natural? Are you making eye contact? How are your facial expressions? Are you recording your video in the best location, with proper lighting? Is your camera placed at eye level?
Is your presence weak or unconvincing? – we cannot believe you
You look scared, not confident
Is your physical appearance unprofessional? – would we want to hire you?
Dress neatly, as you would at a job interview
Follow any dress guidelines the school provides
Women, put on light make-up and minimal jewelry. If you wonder if your attire is too revealing, it is
Men, get a haircut and shave. Trim that beard or mustache, if you have one
Never let them see you sweat
Max the AC in the room where you will record but turn off all AC / fans when recording to avoid hum
Your video is only one minute; you should be able to finish your recording before the temperature starts climbing
Bad posture – you look scared and small
Sit up straight and lean a little bit forward
Unnatural hand gestures – are you using your hands to emphasize your main points? Do you look like you are drowning?
Keep your hands in neutral position
Practice using them to emphasize certain points
Weak or inconsistent eye contact – you are not sure where to look
The little green dot is your best friend
Too much (or too little) breathing – you sound out-of-breath, and/or I can hear your exhalations
Remember to breathe naturally
Wrong facial expression – do you look like you are in pain?
Remember to smile
I know it is awkward speaking to a machine
When I record VincePrep videos, I put a photo of someone who makes me smile just above my computer’s camera
Wrong location – we can see your dirty laundry
What is a good background? Also, check continuity (a viewer of one of my HBS videos noticed the Stanford alumni directory on my bookshelf)
Wrong lighting – we cannot see your face
Grab every portable light in your apartment / office and flood your face with light. You will feel strange, but look GREAT for your audience
Have the window in front of you, not behind you
Wrong camera placement – we are looking up your nose
Place the camera at eye level
If you are using a laptop to record your video, put it on top of some large books
How to practice
When I first starting making VincePrep videos, I found the experience very unnatural. I hope I’ve improved with practice. You can too.
If you feel quite nervous about the video exercise or about speaking in public, consider joining Toastmasters and forcing yourself to speak publicly. You will improve your “presence” and gain confidence. Hopefully, you are reading this blog post months before you need to record your admissions video. If not, then please follow the steps below to practice with the time you have.
When recording your sample, put yourself in the exact setup you plan to use for the real thing.
Practice questions
What are some typical questions you can practice now? While you may not be able to prepare for a specific question, you definitely can and should prepare. Practice answering sample questions in 60 seconds or less. Then view the video. Did you avoid the verbal, vocal and visual mistakes listed above in this post? Once you have recorded a video that represents your best effort, contact your Agos Admissions Consultant to arrange a one-to-one session. Be sure to share your video as "unlisted" and include the URL in your email to your consultant. Here are a few sample questions to get you started:
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT LIFE
What is the most interesting course you took as a student?
Why did you choose your college major?
PERSONAL INTERESTS
What do you do for fun?
What are your passions, interests, and hobbies?
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to try?
If you had an extra hour every day, what would you do with it?
If you could meet anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
What is your most treasured possession and why?
What invention during your lifetime has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Tell us about the most interesting place you’ve traveled to. What did you enjoy most about it?
If money was not a concern, what would you do?
What’s the best book you have ever read and why?
If you could witness any event —past present or future —what would it be?
What is the most meaningful thing anyone has done for you in your life?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
How have you handled a difficult interaction? What did you learn from it?
What impact have you had on your co-workers?
LEADERSHIP AND ROLE MODELS
Whom do you respect most, and why?
What is your favorite motto or quote, and why?
What inspires you?
What word describes you best and why?
Tell us about the first job you ever had.
When you have a problem, whom do you approach for advice and why?
What accomplishment are you proud of?
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Tell us about an organization or activity in which you have dedicated significant time. Why was it meaningful to you?
How have you changed in the last five years?
What risk have you taken and what did you learn?
Describe a difficult professional decision you had to make. What were the consequences, and what, if anything, did you learn?
CONTRIBUTIONS
If you could teach a class on any subject, what would it be and why?
What is one interesting thing about you that you would want your future classmates to know?
The real thing
Expect the worst. Our clients have reported system malfunctions and delays.
How to share your video
Send your Agos Admissions Consultant the link to your video. Be sure to make the video "unlisted," not "private." Please upload your video to YouTube. We recommend that you use the "Unlisted Video" setting so that only individuals who have the URL can view it. Only those who you send the link to will be able to view it. It isn't searchable. It won't be password protected but the only way it can be shared is if someone posts/shares the link applicants send, which we obviously won't be doing. Please click this link to learn more about creating “Unlisted” videos in YouTube: http://support.google.com/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=181547
Bottom line
The biggest mistake is simply not making a video. This video is an opportunity. Take it and make the most of it
Vince Critiques his own sample videos
What was well done, and what could be improved? Check the changes across four versions of my Columbia Business School essay tips recorded from 2012 to 2015.
First attempt (Jul 2012)
Link ▸ https://youtu.be/tR5uKrfX-8E
▸ Original analysis (good content)
Could be improved
▸ Very long (one hour!)
Bad body language
learning back in chair
touching face
not smiling
Second attempt (Jun 2013)
Link ▸ https://youtu.be/PTcaniPIC0o
▸ Clear content, well structured
▸ Monotone (I sound low energy)
▸ Not smiling
▸ Not well lit
▸ Noise in the background (low grade hum probably caused by the AC unit running while I recorded the video)
Third attempt (June 2014)
Link ▸ https://youtu.be/LurfX3xpXpM
▸ Clear content, well-structured
▸ Personal insights combined with school-specific data points
▸ Less monotone than second attempt from 2013 but still some awkward pauses
▸ Strange lighting and echo (shot at friend's apartment, not an ideal set up)
Fourth attempt (June 2015)
Link ▸ https://youtu.be/jWQCDunkfzE
▸ Higher production value (opening music, titles)
▸ Vocal delivery sounds relatively natural, especially when compared to 2012 and 2013 videos
▸ Audio inconsistent between opening theme music and Vince's spoken words
▸ Text on screen hard to read
▸ Could have created some visual aids to demonstrate key points
Preparation for Virtual Interview
Dress professionally, and maintain good posture and body language
Position your camera a little above your eye level, leaving your head and shoulders visible and 10-20% of the top of the screen unfilled
Sit facing your light source, allowing for a clear and bright video
Minimize background distractions and outside noise
Information is subject to change. Please verify all data with the schools.
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Compilation of Video Essay Interview Questions and Tips
INSEAD Video Interview Questions & Tips
- Foster School of Business Compiled Video Interview Questions
- Kellogg Video Questions | More Questions and Essay Tips from Aringo
- LBS Video Essay Tips
- Fisher(Ohio) video questions
- Notre Dame kira interview
- Purdue Kranert video questions
- Kellogg video questions
- Carlson video questions
- Emory video questions
- Oxford Said video questions
- Mendoza KIRA interview
- Babson KIRA interview
- Rice Jones KIRA interview
- Ivey KIRA interview
- Schulich KIRA video assessment
- Rotman KIRA interview
- You get 45 second to prep, 60 seconds to answer.
- I recommend that you review the questions below, and come up with an idea for each one.
- DON’T write out a detailed script that you have to memorize.
- DO brainstorm content for each question, and sketch out the main points. For example, write out something like, “discuss Napal story and (fill in blank thing you did) to keep my travel group safe in a blizzard.”
- Once you have brainstormed ideas for each question, put it to the test. Record yourself several times; iterate. One of the most difficult things is getting into a rhythm of the timing; what 60 seconds feels like. I have my candidates record themselves, upload to YouTube and send me the link so I can coach them around it.
- For the “give me an example” questions use STAR format https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situation ... on,_result in a nutshell, tell the story beginning, middle and end.
- Do NOT have a script on the screen and “read” from it.
- Do NOT sound like a robot who memorized each of the answers.
- Do make little grammatical mistakes – it’s charming.
- Eliminate “ums” and stuff – but the key to doing well here is to be as NATURAL as possible.
Question List
Compiled Video Interview Questions for Foster School of Business
Set 1 : - (Thanks to abhimahna )
Set 2 : - (Thanks to murtuzahn )
Set 3 : - (Thanks to injineer )
Set 4 : - (Thanks to okhotnikovaalina )
Set 5 : - (Thanks to TravisfromAUS )
Set 6 : - (Thanks to saswata4s )
Set 7 : - (Thanks to Siddharth.Juneja )
Set 8 : - (Thanks to diligent )
Set 9 : - (Thanks to subi007 )
Set 10 : - (Thanks to praneshchitre )
Set 11 : - (Thanks to hannibal535 )
Set 12 : - (Thanks to msbae0308 )
Set 13 : - (Thanks to gauravs2 )
Set 14 : - (Thanks to ngplnikhil )
Set 15 : - (Thanks to nadirhashmi )
Set 16 : - hehe! The below are the questions that I faced. No thanks to anyone :-P
Set 17 : - (Thanks to Talayva )
The following are the questions I found in a document , Here is the link to download it (https://gmatclub.com/forum/download/file.php?id=32862): -
Kellogg Video Questions
Video Interview Tips by ENGRTOMBA2018 , Kellogg Class of 2018.
Kellogg Video Questions Shared on Forum
LBS Video Essays
Video Essay Tips
- Be sure to use the "setup" function to test your network, microphone and video. I tried it several times to find the best network to use. Don't use the network which it reminds like "you may expect delay during your assessment", just find a better one.
- Pay attention to the countdown of preparation, it will immediately begin recording after 3,2,1.
- The loading of question video and uploading of your answer can be very slow, just stay calm and patient!
- My second question is "Describe a time when you were a leader".
Fisher(Ohio) video questions
Notre Dame Kira Interview
Krannert (Purdue) video questions
Carlson Video Questions
Emory Video Questions
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How to ace columbia sipa's "video response" interview.
The School of international and Public Affairs (SIPA – pronounced “SEE-pa”) at Columbia University in New York City is one of the leading institutions in public administration and international affairs in the world. With research centers in Development Economics, Global Energy, Global Economic Governance, International Conflict Resolution, and War and Peace Studies, any student interested in international public policy can find a home for themselves at this Ivy League School.
Overview of the Video Response
Unlike many other graduate government programs, SIPA has included a video interview essay or “Video Response” as part of their application. The Video Response is only available to applicants on their application portal after they have submitted their application and paid the application fee.
The response is high-stakes in that you only get one 60-second opportunity to answer a random question and the question could be on ANYTHING!
What is SIPA Looking For?
The Video Response is not a job interview. It is not an opportunity for SIPA to fill-in gaps in your application, nor is it an avenue for you to learn more about SIPA. The question you answer is not one that the admissions committee serves up specifically for you after reading your application. Given that the questions asked range from softballs like “how was your summer” to real stumpers like “Would you detain or kill a terrorist suspect without a trial?” it is also not a controlled experiment to see measure the knowledge of applicants or understand how they think on their feet.
Instead, SIPA’s Video Response is a way for you to put a literal face with your application. And so you want that face to look as professional and poised as possible.
Tips for perfecting the SIPA Video Interview
1. Expect to be flustered.
The questions could be on ANYTHING. Which means the likelihood that you will prepare for exactly the right question are nil. Instead, make it your priority to practice the act of answering questions, rather than to memorize responses to specific questions.
2. Remember the 7-38-55 Rule .
Pioneered by psychology professor Albert Mehrabian at UCLA and popularized through books such as Never Split the Difference by FBI Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss, that 55% of meaning in conversation is communicated by body language, 38% by the tone of your voice, and just 7% through the actual words that come out of your mouth! There is a reason why many politicians including Donald Trump replay their TV appearances on mute – that’s how people get most of the meaning.
If you just practice the words to say, you are missing out on 93% of the meaning! Instead practice looking and sounding excited, open, and friendly by rehearsing answers to questions in front of a mirror or by video recording yourself.
3. *Lights*, Camera, Action!
Remember that you need to set your stage. That means having good lighting (to show your face), a good camera (ideally at eye-level), and a professional non-obtrusive background. Do a screen test in different locations to find the one with the best lighting, acoustics, and ambience!
Sample questions.
For a full list, including actual questions from the past 3 years, please check out our interview prep service.
Personal Background
What are your most formative memories as a child?
What is the leadership experience at work that you are most proud of?
What is a piece of feedback you’ve gotten?
How do you think your academic and professional experience has prepared you for SIPA?
What are you looking forward to doing at SIPA?
How will being in New York City help your short term goals?
Behavioral Questions
How do you handle multi-tasking?
What are you unusually good at?
Who do you turn to for advice?
Areas of Interest
What course did you enjoy the most as an undergraduate student?
Where do you get your news?
What policy issue has changed the most in your lifetime?
Head Scratchers/ Current Events
Should government policy provide equity or opportunity?
What responsibilities do companies have to incorporate environmental sustainability into business practices?
How should western countries balance their immigration policies with the economic needs of their social safety nets?
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We offer master's degrees in the arts, media, and the business of the arts
Apply as a graduate student if you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree (or are nearly finished with one) and are interested in earning a master of arts, master of fine arts, master of management or certificate.
In addition to your online application, each graduate program has specific application requirements. Please review the additional materials needed for your program of interest.
Are you an international student? Follow the same steps listed here and review this page for additional requirements .
Graduate application requirements, by program
This program is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis
Please submit the following in addition to your online application (required):
- Application fee: $60
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended
- Your personal statement should describe your training and performance experience in devised and physical theatre over the past one to three years.
- URTA Satellite Auditions
- One on One Audition with Columbia College Chicago
- A portfolio is optional. You should submit one only if you feel that it greatly enhances your application.
- Your personal statement should include an explanation of your goals for learning within the program. It should also elaborate on your interest in exploring alternative methods of creating performance, as well as describing your interest in an immersive experience of international theatre training.
- Your personal statement should be approximately 750 words and include the following: career goals; reasons for pursuing a Masters of Arts Management; examples that demonstrate your level of understanding of arts management; examples of leadership potential, interpersonal and communication skills, analytical and reasoning capabilities, and personal qualities such as maturity, judgment, and individual initiative; and knowledge and experience with electronic spreadsheets and other business-related software and technologies.
- An interview may be required during the admissions process. If necessary, the department will contact you directly regarding the interview.
Optional materials:
- We encourage you to upload a portfolio that demonstrates your professional and creative work related to the arts and arts management field. This work may include a link to your professional website, links to organizations you have collaborated with, and examples of creative and professional practice e.g., performances, designs, photographs, compositions, business or marketing plans, audio recordings, and videos.
This program is no longer accepting applications for Fall 2023. If you would like to recieve an alert when the application opens for Fall 2024, please sign up here .
- Your personal statement should include the following: a concise but in-depth investigation of your need to work in a personal medium, focusing on particular motives, attitudes, thematic material, and perspectives that lie behind your urge to create; and a description of special interests, experience and strengths you would bring to the program.
- Creative Portfolio: Strong work samples containing visual or written material that demonstrate the potential for successful creative work. Work samples should exhibit your creativity, talent, visual storytelling ability, personal themes, and depth of content. These may include, but are not limited to, films, videos, sculptures, paintings, drawings, graphic art, photographs, scripts, treatments, poetry, short stories, and/or expository writing.
- Visualization Project: Construct a narrative in 8-12 frames. You can draw pictures, shoot them with a still camera, or use existing shots. If you use existing frames, from a video or from the internet, you must not simply duplicate a scene from an existing film, but must tell an original story, using material from more than one source. What is important is that the pictures you use tell a clear, cohesive, original story with a beginning, middle, and end. Do not use text, titles, shot descriptions, or captions. This is strictly visual. Do not use more than two frames per page.
- Baptism: https://f.io/FsU82Wlg
- Password for both: ccc2021
- Short Film Thesis Statement: This is a brief description of an idea you have for a short cinema project that might eventually serve as your short film thesis. Briefly tell us the story – what is the beginning, middle and end? The statement should also include your feelings about why you are compelled to tell this story. It should display your potential for developing personal subject matter in the medium and is used by the admissions committee to assess your maturity and ability to communicate your ideas. This document should be between 250 – 500 words, typed, double-spaced, and labeled: "Cinema and Television Arts Short Film Thesis Statement." You will need to upload this within the application under your "Work Sample Upload" in addition to your Creative Portfolio and Visualization Project documents.
- If you wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistant position, please include an optional one-page statement of teaching experience and teaching philosophy.
- Applicants with 10 hours or more of Cinema and Television Arts coursework from Columbia College Chicago will not be considered. (The Cinema and Television Arts Department believes that those undergraduate students who have already completed significant coursework in Cinema and Television Arts with Columbia College Chicago's faculty are best served by continuing their graduate study in a new and different academic setting.)
- Describe your background and one major influence to be socially conscious.
- How does your personal and professional experience align with the program’s values?
- Why do you feel you are a good fit for the program?
- What inspired you to pursue an MA in Civic Media?
- What do you hope to learn from the program?
- What social issues interest you and how would you like to use media to address them?
- Anything else you think the review committee should know.
- Media Production, Artwork and/or User Experience: These portfolio pieces should represent your design and/or production skills that demonstrate your ability to create an effective message to a specific target audience using digital media.
- Leadership, Community Organizing and/or Entrepreneurial Work: These portfolio pieces can vary from documentation (video, audio, visual print, or written text) of an event you organized for an initiative, or a project that showcases your ability to inspire and collaborate with others.
- If you feel that you have work that does not fit into these categories but will enhance your application, feel free to submit it for consideration as part of the 2-3 portfolio materials.
- Application fee : $60
- Your personal statement should include the following: a description of your background especially as it relates to your interests in writing; the kinds of work you see yourself pursuing; why an MFA in Creative Writing is the best course of action for you right now.
- a single genre (state which genre)
- a combination of genres (state which genres)
- hybrid writing
- When your writing sample is fully prose (i.e., fiction or nonfiction), it should all be double-spaced . If your writing sample is poems , it may be single-spaced . If your writing sample is hybrid writing with some prose elements, the choice is yours; just know that significant quantities of prose are easier to read if double-spaced.
- If your writing sample contains multimedia elements (any film, photography, music), please also include those as part of your portfolio. Your writing sample may also contain visual elements within the text itself via scanning if that suits the presentation of your work.
The application for the Combined Degree program is for current Columbia College Chicago juniors only. The application is separate from our other degree programs. More information about this program is available on the Combined Degree website .
- Why are you interested in the MA program, and why at this point in your life?
- What entrepreneurial goals are you pursuing now or hope to pursue?
- What have you done that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, engage in purposeful research, and lead people?
- What have you done that reveals your individual initiative, judgment, and maturity?
- In what ways have you used business-related software and technologies effectively?
- What else would you like the committee to consider when reviewing your application?
We encourage you to also upload a portfolio that demonstrates your professional or creative accomplishments. These may include: a link to your professional website; links to creative work, e.g., photographs, designs, performances, compositions; a business or marketing plan; a video of a pitch-session you conducted; a proof of concept demo or illustration.
- What are your personal and professional goals, and how do you envision this degree will help you achieve those goals at this point in your career?
- Please explain your decision making process for how you assembled your portfolio for this application. For example: why did you include the artworks you’ve included? How do the artworks included demonstrate your commitment to conceptual thinking? How do the artworks connect to one another to demonstrate your ideas and motivations?
- Your portfolio should include 15 examples of artworks (e.g. social practice, installation, performance, print, text, media-based works, time-based works, sculpture, painting, drawing, etc.) that best represent your creative practice. With each item, please include: title, date of completion, materials/media, and relevant dimensions. Please indicate whether the item is a detail of a larger work. Individual entries or excerpts of time-based works (e.g. performance, video, audio) should not exceed 3 minutes.
- We value portfolios that demonstrate a strong commitment to conceptual thinking and a depth of experience with materials/media, while providing a clear sense of how your ideas and motivations for creating artwork connect across the breadth of work samples.
- Two letters of recommendation from theatre/filmmakers who know you as a collaborator and/or an intimacy coordinator or choreographer.
- Your statement of purpose should include an explanation of your goals for learning within the program. It should focus on what in your experience has brought you to a desire to work in Consent and Boundaries work with performers and creative teams, and what you think you bring to the training and ultimately the work. What is your philosophy around intimacy work? Also, if your desire is to work primarily in film or theatre, please indicate.
- You should also include documentation of any Intimacy Training in which you have participated along with your personal statement.
- Your personal statement should include: Why are you interested in composing music for film, TV, games, AR/VR and other visual media? What do you expect from our MFA program? What are your future plans and career goals, and how do you see our program fitting into those? What kinds of creative collaborations have you been a part of in the past, what have you liked about them, and what have you disliked? How do you rate yourself as a collaborator, and why? Please also describe your musical background and qualifications, discuss your strengths as a creator of original music (and perhaps also your weaknesses), and include any other information you feel is important to give us an idea of who you are, as a composer, as a creative artist, and as a member of a team. The essay should be 500-800 words.
- Your portfolio should be a true, thorough representation of your voice as a music creator. Be sure to include a wide variety of those musical styles that are important to you and that you excel at.
- When selecting pieces to include in your portfolio, please give preference to instrumental pieces created for storytelling media (film, games, theater, dance), and if you are submitting pieces that are not created for film or other media, choose those with an obvious dramatic character: Music that tells a story, or represents emotional arcs, or imitates actions.
- If you submit a video with music to picture, and the music is mixed low (i.e. under dialog or other noises in the soundtrack), please also submit a music-only version in addition to the original version. (This music-only version can be either video to picture or audio only, and does NOT count toward the total time or total number of pieces.)
- At minimum, some familiarity with music notation and instrumental composition is expected, so at least TWO of the pieces should feature an ensemble of acoustic instruments (i.e. orchestra, chamber ensemble, big band, or similar; this can also be hybrid acoustic/electronic), and those should be accompanied by a full concert score in PDF format. Where you don't have a live recording, MIDI realizations are acceptable.
- At minimum, some familiarity with computer music production is expected, so at least TWO of the pieces should highlight your capabilities of creating music using a Digital Audio Workstation as a production tool, and at least ONE of the pieces should be mixed entirely by you.
- The composer
- The arranger (if applicable)
- The MIDI programmer (if applicable)
- The recording engineer (if there was live recording involved)
- The mixing engineer (if applicable)
- The score preparer (who created the score PDF, if applicable)
- The main software(s) or other tools used in the production (i.e. the DAW, and/or any featured sound design tools or synths, or sound design processes, if applicable)
- A video interview is required during the admissions process. Interviews will be held via Skype, FaceTime or Zoom, and will be conducted in February of 2023. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.
- Incoming MFA students will be required to bring a recent Mac computer with recent OS, a recent version of a professional Digital Audio Workstation (Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase, Reaper, Ableton Live, or ProTools), a recent version of a professional notation program (Sibelius, Finale or Dorico), a MIDI keyboard, a pair of headphones, and a pair of powered speakers. We will provide support and tips regarding these items to admitted students well in advance of their arrival.
- Your personal statement should include an outline of your professional and personal goals and indicate how this degree will help you reach them.
- Your portfolio should include 20 images of original work. Each slide should be tagged with the following information: full name, title of work, medium, dimensions, and date.
- Why are you interested in the MA in Strategic Communication at this point in your life?
- How do you think this degree will augment your current skills and expertise, both short and long term?
- What special skills and perspectives do you bring to the field of Strategic Communication?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges facing communication professionals today working for businesses, organizations, and/or associations?
- Anything else you think the review committee should know?
- Professional Writing Examples (e.g., research paper, white paper, point of view letter, journalistic writing, creative brief, backgrounder, pitch, data analysis and interpretation, speeches, media alerts, etc.). If the work was collaborative, please indicate what role/s you played in the communication development.
- Creative Communication Materials (e.g., photography, illustration, performance, design, poetry, short fiction or non-fiction, social media, advertising, event promotion materials, etc.). If the work was collaborative, please indicate what role/s you played in the communication development.
- Your personal statement should be 500 words and include: how you plan to use your graduate degree to further your intellectual and creative self; an outline of your goals, aspirations and expectations of the program as you understand it; and an explanation of your interest in interaction design from the perspective of specific software or designed interaction experiences.
- Please include examples of any creative or scholarly work you feel would enhance your application.
Submit Transcripts
In addition to your online application and other materials , you'll need to submit official transcripts for admission.
The preferred method for submitting transcripts is via email to [email protected] . These must be emailed directly from your institution.
We also accept transcripts by mail to the address below. All transcripts received by mail must be in the original sealed envelope from the school in order to be considered official.
Columbia College Chicago School of Graduate Studies 600 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60605
You may receive a conditional offer of admission based on unofficial transcripts from the institution that issued your bachelor's degree. If an admission offer is made, official transcripts must be received before you can enroll.
Have more questions?
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Have more questions? We're here to help
David Marts Graduate Counselor [email protected]
- Cinema Art and Science
- European Devised Performance Practice
- Music Composition for the Screen
- Photography
Emily Schmidt Graduate Counselor [email protected]
- English and Creative Writing
- Civic Media
- Master of Arts Management
Sean Sullivan Counseling Associate [email protected] 312-369-3299
Requirements & Deadlines:
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Additional Information:
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My ideal work environment would be an environment that I could communicate with my peers and superiors freely. What's more, colleagues can
Columbia University's Master of Science in Strategic Communication is designed to respond to the urgent need for strategic perspectives
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You can only access the video essay only after you submit your application and pay the application fee. We will give you a random prompt and you
Why do schools ask for videos? How to avoid the three most common types of video essay mistakes. 1. Verbal mistakes (what you say). 2. Vocal
Question 1: Explain a situation when you have to change you communication style. What was the outcome? Question 2: Share an example of a time
Unlike many other graduate government programs, SIPA has included a video interview essay or “Video Response” as part of their application.
Strategic Communication (MA). This program is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. Please submit the following in addition to your online
Law and Ethics in Strategic Communication; Strategic Visual Communication. Some programs offer opportunities for specialization; many culminate
Deliver a polished answer to any video essay you may face in your MBA ... the origins of video essays and provide a series of practical and strategic