Tufts University has been making headlines all over the world, because it is now giving potential students the option to submit a one minute video in addition to their traditional essays. The result is allowing the admissions reps to see a different side to their potential incoming class and it has also served as an indirect marketing tool for the university. Several thousand potential students have uploaded videos to YouTube proving in creative ways what going to Tufts means to them. Many of these videos have several thousand views with some even garnering more than a hundred thousand. That means thousands and possibly millions of people have seen how much these students want to go to Tufts. Right now, I’m working on getting the administration at OU on board with this idea. The videos would be in addition to their traditional essay and be an option. I’m pushing for it for five reasons. 1. Ottawa should stay on top of trends happening in the admissions process. 2. It will help us stand out from our competition. 3. The videos would indirectly serve as recruiting videos that other potential students would see. 4. We are using social media more and more in the admissions process. This is a natural evolution to our efforts. 5. Why not? We have nothing to lose by adding this an option. Here is a video from a potential Tufts student. How is great is this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNPXUWsMdIo