How much importance does CMC assign to the optional video response? Does “optional” really mean “90% of our admits will submit this?”
I ask because my laptop (the only computer in the house with a video camera) is very much dead, has been returned to the seller via mail, and may be a few weeks in returning (I know CMC allows 2 weeks for the video). This makes filming even a 2-minute video something of a production - likely involving borrowed equipment from our school’s film teacher - during a couple of very busy weeks for me.
If CMC strongly prefers for applicants to submit the video, I’ll be able to fit in the time somewhere, but if it’s like the “additional information” section of the Common App - in that leaving it blank has little effect - I’d rather focus on other concerns, such as end-of-term exams.
@NotVerySmart I think if you rank CMC very highly, it would be best to do the video. While doing the video might not add a lot of “points” to your application, doing it simply shows that you’re really interested in the school and if you’re a borderline applicant, they might choose you over someone who chose not to do the video. Also, if you have an iphone/if you could borrow a friend’s iphone, you could try filming with that?
The video seems required. Looking through decision pages from last year I noticed most people who said they didn’t do the video were rejected while people with the same general stats who did the video were accepted. Not doing the video signals to them that they are simply another school on your list and that they are not worth the few hours it takes to do the video.
@Calimom23 A couple days after application submission you should receive e-mail from CMC directing you to claim your “application portal”. You can find instructions and upload location for video there. I also received an e-mail about five days later with instructions and specified deadline of two weeks to turn in video.
Also CMC interviews! I was able to interview with the Director of Admission when she was in my city. This will do be even more impressive than submitting a video alone.
I personally live within a few hundred km and several hundred $ worth of air fare of the closest CMC interview location. I love the college, but my parents aren’t flying me to another country to interview.
@oboeplayingcorgi In all seriousness I found a few publicly available CMC supplementals you may want to check out. I think these all vary quite drastically in quality but hey, who am I to judge? I am but a measly applicant.
I applied to CMC RD. I visited the school twice and did an on campus interview with an admissions counselor. I previously decided to not do the video response since I had the interview. Today, I 'm rethinking that choice. The wait for decisions is killing me. So, should I send in the video interview today, even though I applied way back in Dec.? (They state that they want the video within 2 weeks of app.) Will it look badly that I waited 2 months to get the video in or will they just add it to my app (providing that they haven’t already reviewed me)? I have some acting experience so I think I could do a good job on video.
I wouldn’t send in the video now. They ask for the video to be submitted, as you noted, within two weeks.
CMC writes: “We would love to interview every student who applies, but unfortunately that is not practical.” To me, that statement implies that for those who have done an interview, there is little (or no) need to submit this video. But for non-interviewers, the video is essentially recommended.
Thank you. That was my original thought. But yesterday, I guess I had too much time on my hands and wondered if I should send it. I will not send it in now.
I agree. My son interviewed, and we considered having him also submit a video but decided against it. Sometime more is less. Be at peace. I wish you (and my son) the best of luck!