What College Students Should Know About Scholarship Video Essays 

 Posted on July 15,2026 in Uncategorized

Scholarships can be a pivotal resource for college students. Among the application requirements, many scholarships now ask for video essays instead of traditional written essays as part of their selection process. 

Video essays allow applicants to showcase their personalities and talents in a dynamic way that goes beyond the traditional written essay. However, some students may find creating a video essay daunting. Here are some key points to remember to help you ace your next video essay submission.

At OVC Scholarship Network, we have scholarships available that fit many different types of students. If you’re planning on attending college or university in the 2026-2027 school year, check out our scholarships and contact us for help applying. 

Understanding the Prompt and Criteria of Video Essays

Before you begin planning what you want to say, make sure you understand exactly what the scholarship committee is asking you to do. Video essay prompts often seem simple, but they may contain several parts. For example, a scholarship may ask you to describe a challenge, explain what you learned from it, and connect that experience to your future goals.

Read the prompt more than once. Pay attention to words such as "describe," "explain," or "give an example," because these tell you what kind of response the committee expects. You should also review all technical requirements, including:

• The time limit

• The accepted file type

• The submission deadline

• Whether editing, music, or visual aids are allowed

A strong video that ignores part of the prompt is an incomplete application that may be completely disregarded. Before recording, write down each requirement and make sure what you want to say addresses all of them.

Pick Details You Want the Committee to Remember

Most scholarship video essays are short. You may only have one to three minutes to introduce yourself, answer the prompt, and explain why you are a strong candidate. Trying to include every accomplishment or important event in your life will usually make the video feel rushed.

Instead, choose one main message. Think about what you want the scholarship committee to remember after watching your video. Maybe you want them to understand how a family responsibility shaped your goals, why you are committed to a particular career, or how you responded to a difficult experience.

Once you know your main point, choose one or two specific examples that support it. A focused story is usually more memorable than a long list of awards, activities, and general statements.

Plan What You Want to Say and Practice It 

Start with a simple outline. Your opening should introduce your main idea. The middle should provide a clear example or story. The ending should connect that experience to your education, goals, or reason for applying.

Writing a full script can also be helpful, especially if you’re nervous. However, you don’t want to sound like you’re reading an essay aloud. Written language often sounds too formal when spoken. Read your script out loud and replace any phrases that feel stiff, complicated, or unnatural.

You can use notes while practicing, but aim to become familiar enough with your message that you can speak naturally. The goal is not to memorize every sentence. It is to know your key points well enough that you can explain them clearly and confidently.

Be Specific and Personal

Saying that you work hard, care about education, or want to help others does not tell the committee very much unless you support those claims with specific examples.

Instead of saying, "I am a determined student," describe a time when you demonstrated determination. You might explain how you:

• Balanced school with a job

• Improved after struggling in a difficult class

• Cared for family members in need

• Worked toward a goal over several years

Reviewers are more interested in honest, thoughtful reflection than in a story that sounds impressive but not so authentic. 

Let Your Personality Come Through

A major advantage of a video essay is that the committee gets to see and hear you. Speak in the same clear, respectful way you would speak to a teacher, counselor, or admissions advisor. You don’t need to use complicated vocabulary or deliver a dramatic speech. You also do not need to hide your enthusiasm, humor, or personal style if those qualities fit the prompt.

At the same time, try not to be too casual. Treat the video as a professional application. Speak clearly, stay focused, and avoid slang that the audience may not understand.

Make Sure You Have Clear Audio and Lighting

You don’t need an expensive camera or professional studio to create a strong scholarship video. Clear sound and lighting are more important than expensive equipment.

Record in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off anything that may create background noise. If possible, record a short test clip and listen to it with headphones before filming the full video.

Natural light from a window often works well. Face the light instead of placing it behind you, which can make your face difficult to see. Keep the camera steady and position it at about eye level. A stack of books, a basic tripod, or another stable surface can work perfectly well.

Choose a simple background that is not distracting. You should remain the main focus of the video.

Review Everything Before Submitting

Watch the finished video from beginning to end before you upload it. Make sure the audio is clear, your response stays within the time limit, and you answer every part of the prompt.

Before submitting, check:

• The correct video was uploaded.

• The file plays from beginning to end.

• The sound and picture are clear.

• The video meets the time limit.

• Every part of the prompt was answered.

• The application was submitted before the deadline.

You should also confirm that the file opens and uses the required format. Name the file exactly according to the instructions, and upload it early enough that you have time to fix any technical problem.

The OVC Scholarship Network is Your Portal to Finding Your Ideal Scholarship

Gone are the days of endlessly scouring the internet for scholarships you may qualify for. With OVC Scholarship Network, we take the pain out of the process to better enable you to find the scholarship that best fits your needs. Contact us to get started today.