The UChicago Video: A Two-Minute Tale (of Woe, or Maybe Not?)
Ah, the University of Chicago video essay. A chance to ditch the formality of essays and show your quirky side with some, well, video-y goodness. But here's the rub: it's gotta be two minutes or less. Two whole minutes to cram in your hopes, dreams, and juggling skills (because, hey, who doesn't love a good juggling metaphor?). Is this enough time? Are we all doomed to a montage of frantic blinking and rapid-fire talking?
Fear not, future UChicago applicant! Here's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (well, mostly):
- Two minutes is tight, but not impossible. Think of it like that awkward silence on a first date – uncomfortable, but definitely survivable. Focus on your most impactful stories and ditch the life story of your goldfish (unless, of course, your goldfish is secretly a chess prodigy).
- Channel your inner filmmaker (or at least your inner YouTuber). Who needs Hollywood budgets when you have a phone camera and some creative energy? Think quick cuts, interesting angles, and maybe even a strategically placed sock puppet to represent your inner monologue.
- Don't panic and record yourself reciting Shakespeare for two minutes straight. Unless you're a secret thespian with a hidden talent for Elizabethan English, this might not be the best strategy. Keep it natural, keep it you.
But wait, there's more! What if you're overflowing with brilliance and your epic tale simply refuses to be contained within the measly confines of two minutes?
- Consider the Glimpse option. UChicago offers a shorter video format (think 60-90 seconds) through a platform called Glimpse. It's like the haiku of college applications – short, sweet, and hopefully impactful.
- Focus on a specific aspect of your application. Maybe your video essay becomes a love letter to your favorite academic discipline, or a hilarious reenactment of that time you accidentally set off the fire alarm during a chemistry experiment (safety first, people!).
- Remember, the video is optional. While it's a great way to showcase your personality, a stellar application can shine without it.
The final verdict? Two minutes can be your springboard to UChicago glory. Embrace the challenge, have fun, and remember: it's not the length of the video, but the content within, that truly matters. Now go forth and conquer that video essay! (And maybe avoid juggling chainsaws – safety first, after all.)
