schoolsearching

My question is somewhat lengthy, but i would greatly appreciate any advice, althoug i realize that it may be hard to interpret my situation.

I was working on my application for Early Decision and thought of submitting a video i made for a class as supplementary material. It is not of great artistic talent and i am no expert filmaker. I basically wrote the script, directed/produced it and acted it out with my friends. I think it may be risky because of the lack of seriousness in the film. I made the video for an AP Class in order to help remember material for the final exam and it counted as a test grade.

The video's tone is very silly. The plot is hard to follow at times, but with the script and background information i would provide with it (same as the program i provided my teacher), you can definitely see the facts that are vital to understanding the subject matter. The manner in which it is done however is EXTREMELY silly and done in the form of several short parodies and skits that stray very far from the main focus. The class found the video very good and helped everyone a lot with remembering the material. I received a high A on the assignment. I think it could really show a creative side to the adcoms but dont want to ruin any chance i might have with a video deemed to be nothing but nonsense and crazy.

loveduke22

Well, IMHO the point of sending in artistic material is to gauge your talent in order for you to CONTINUE on with whatever it is you're doing. For instance, Duke Dance would want to look at a tape of my dancing to see if I would be an addition to one of their repertory groups, and in that respect might put in a good word for admission.

I, personally, would not submit it because it won't be admissions who will see it, I don't believe. It would be sent to either the theater or art departments to be evaluated. In that case, unless you want to do extensive work with either department it wouldn't really matter. AND in your situation it's hard to figure out HOW they would feel about it...since the intention was not artistic it would probably not have the same weight as other applicants submissions.

You're more than welcome to send it, but just recall the purpose of supplementary materials and then make your decision. My opinion is that they would probably not give any weight to it at all, to be honest.

AdmissConsulting

I would send in the materials if

1) They were well made/produced and in good taste.
2) They would help in bringing your true character out to admissions counselors. After all, isn't that the goal of the application?

I personally think Duke would love to see more artistic characteristics among its applicants. Furthermore, quirkiness may serve as an added bonus, as it seems like most of those types of applicants are going elsewhere (Brown, Uchicago, etc.)

schoolsearching

Thanks, to be clear it would not be sent in as an "artistic supplement" using that form. It would just be sent in as additional material more focused on helping the adcoms better understand me as a person. Since I wouldnt be using the artistic supplement form to submit a piece of my work, i dont think that a specific department would critique the video, but could be wrong. Thanks for all opinions!

p_hp_fan

I know it seems hard to convey what kind of person you are to the adcoms using just pencil and paper. It seems this feeling is what's making you want to send in a supplemental video. Just remember, the adcoms are pros at seeing through to your true personality. I would advise you to leave out the video, get your common app, and do the best you can. Remember, the best place to inject your personality into your application is usually through your essay. Use it well.

schoolsearching

Thanks for the opinions, but I will follow up with one more question. The Universal App (which Duke of course accepts) has an area for a link to online material, such as a video. Would it be appropriate to post a link to the youtube version of the video in this area on the application, since it has a specific designated field?

ThoughtProvoking

My only concern is that Duke Admissions might still forward the video to the faculty in Film/Video/Digital ( website: Film Video Digital at Duke University ) for comment, even if you don't submit it using the art supplement.

schoolsearching

Thoughtprovoking, I think that I could provide an accurate explanation explicitly stating that no expertise is needed in any field to view the video on the Universal App. For those who arent familiar with the section, it reads as follows:

MULTIMEDIA INFORMATION

Optional: You may provide your selected college with a link to any online content you feel:
1)Tells the colleges more about yourself
2)Demonstrates a particular talent you possess
3)Highlights an activity in which you participated

Link:______________________

Description:

So I'm thinking that by putting the video online and linking it, as well as describing the content not requiring special expertise to examine, Duke wouldnt send it to a particular department. My main focus will of course be on my essays, but the video is already completed, as it was made back in the school year, and putting it on the app would be very little trouble. I just don't want it to hurt me in anyway. Once again, thanks to everyones advice.