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Brown Video Portfolio: Tips + Examples

What’s covered, brown video portfolio requirements.

• Tips For Making Your Video Engaging

Examples of Great Brown Video Portfolios

• What Are Your Chances At Brown

Say goodbye to the traditional college interview process. Brown University has canceled formal interviews in favor of a new, technology-focused approach—video portfolios!

Your video portfolio serves as your interview for Brown University, and it’s an excellent way to show your personality, interests, and essential information that transcend the boundaries of your application.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to create a two-minute video portfolio that will significantly improve your chances of acceptance at Brown.

You might be surprised to discover that there are few requirements for the Brown video portfolio. However, here are a few rules to keep in mind:

• Your video must be two minutes or less.
• Your video must be submitted before the Early Decision deadline on November 4 or the Regular Decision deadline on January 10 .
• Submit your video by logging into your Applicant Portal and uploading your video file directly through the link provided on the sidebar.
• There are no required topics or formats the admissions team is looking for in your video. This is your opportunity to allow your creativity to shine!

Tips for Making Your Video Engaging

Before you start filming, read through this list of tips from the Brown admissions team and students who have successfully filmed and submitted videos that have granted them admission to Brown.

Start with an introduction.

Make sure you start your video by saying, “Hi, my name is [insert name] from [high school], in the same way that you would introduce yourself if you were meeting a new person.

Show your face.

It’s okay to use creative filming techniques and to include unique clips you’ve filmed in the past during your video. However, don’t forget to show your face and spend some time talking directly to the camera, too!

Dress casually.

Even though you’re filming a video interview, you don’t have to dress as formally as you would for a traditional interview. Wear an outfit you would wear for a typical day at school that showcases your personality.

Speak clearly.

Most importantly, ensure that you enunciate and speak clearly during your video. Even if you have an extremely creative video, it won’t boost your admission chances if the person watching your video can’t hear what you’re trying to say.

Film in landscape orientation.

Submit your video in landscape orientation. This looks more professional and is easier for the admissions team to watch.

Showcase your personality.

If you have an outgoing personality, don’t sit in front of a screen reciting a script with a monotonous tone. Whether you’re funny, introspective, bubbly, or empathetic, find unique ways to let your personality shine in your video!

Share your interests. 

Your video portfolio is a great way to dive deeper into your interests beyond your extracurriculars. Perhaps you can talk about your love for reading, your passion for serving the homeless, or your history with competitive barrel racing. Whatever you think is necessary for the Brown admissions team to know about you—this is your chance to share it!

Tell a story.

Instead of listing your extracurriculars, consider telling a story about a life event that’s deeply impacted you. You can also talk about your ethnic background, family history, or other qualities that have shaped you into who you are today. 

Be creative.

Creativity is crucial in your video portfolio. Brown’s admission team will be watching thousands of these videos, so ask yourself—what can you do to make your video stand out?

Consider adding captions.

Adding captions is a great way to ensure your video is easy to understand. You can see some inspiration for adding captions in the videos below.

If you’re looking for more tips, read through this helpful post about one student’s experience with the Brown interview process.

Are you looking for some inspiration for your video portfolio?

Watch these five engaging, creative videos from students who were accepted into Brown to discover unique ways you can use a two-minute video to allow your personality to shine.

This video, submitted by Claire Yang, is an excellent example of a Brown video portfolio. In the video, Claire sits in front of the screen and reveals items from her “smile box.” This box is a collection of things that bring her back to different moments in her life.

Using her smile box, Claire can focus on three passions: art, dance, and her relationship with her sisters. Claire is visible and audible to the camera, and throughout the video, she showcases photos, videos, and other graphics that enhance her portfolio.

This video, submitted by Cecile Schreidah, earned her early admission into Brown because the admissions team loved it so much!

In this video, Cecile truly allows her personality to shine. She includes some video clips of herself that are silly, serious, and fun, but each one showcases a unique aspect of her character.

In the video, Cecile explains her passion for learning about parasites. She includes a speech she gave about tapeworms and how that speech empowered her as a woman in STEM. She also shared her interest in fashion, her accomplishments competing in National History Day and other speech and debate events, and more. Overall, Cecile does a great job showcasing her personality and humanizing her profile while still sharing her interests and accomplishments.

This video, submitted by Josh Benzon, focuses less on listing interests and accomplishments and more on telling a story. In the video, Josh shares how his perspective of life was changed when his dad was diagnosed with cancer. He shares that now, he thinks life is worth living to the fullest every day. Because of the video clips he shows at the end of the video, we can also tell that Josh is a swimmer, artist, and academic. Unlike the other two videos, it showcases his interests in a more subtle way.

Josh also does a great job of listing his full name clearly at the beginning of the video, and he adds captions to make his video easily readable.

In this video, Edward Zang shares that he has learned to “seek discomfort” through his commitment to each of his hobbies: the mental discomfort from speedcubing, the physical discomfort from table tennis, and social discomfort from magic. He shares how this discomfort has caused him to grow, and he is always hoping to be challenged in whatever he does.

This video is an excellent example of a video portfolio. Even though it is simple, Edward does a great job showcasing three unique hobbies that set him apart from other applicants, and he ties them together with a common theme. The video also ends on Edward’s face, which is a helpful way for the admissions team to remember and form a connection with him, in the same way they would during an interview.

In this video, Hannah-Marie Santos shares what she calls her “grandma hobbies,” writing pen pal letters to other kids across the world and baking with her grandma in Puerto Rico.

Hannah-Marie does a great job of showcasing her creativity. She creates art and writes letters to tell the story of her video, and even though she doesn’t show her face, she does show photos of herself as she talks about her Puerto Rican heritage. Hannah-Marie also includes captions in her video, which is an excellent choice since she has a soft-spoken voice.

What Are Your Chances at Brown?

Although Brown has an incredibly low 6.9% acceptance rate, your personal chances may be higher or lower, depending on your academic profile.

You can use our free chancing engine to calculate your chances of acceptance into Brown University. This tool uses your test scores, extracurriculars, GPA, background, and more to determine your likelihood of acceptance and will give you tips on improving your profile to increase your chances. 

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How to Submit a Compelling Brown Video Introduction–Expert Tips for Admission

Learn expert tips for creating a compelling brown video introduction that will set you apart in the admission process.

Posted January 31, 2024

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Table of Contents

In today's competitive college admissions process, it's essential to find unique ways to stand out from the crowd. One increasingly popular method is submitting a video introduction. Brown University recognizes the value of a video introduction and includes it in its admission process. In this article, we will explore the importance of a video introduction, how to prepare for it, and the crucial technical and presentation aspects to consider.

The Importance of a Video Introduction

A video introduction offers an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and communication skills in a dynamic format. It allows the admission committee to connect with you on a deeper level beyond your written application. Understanding the role a video introduction plays in Brown's admission process is key to maximizing its impact.

When crafting your video introduction, it's important to consider the power of visual storytelling. By presenting yourself in a video format, you can engage the admission committee in a way that written words simply cannot. Try using visual cues, facial expressions, and body language to convey your enthusiasm and authenticity.

A video introduction allows you to demonstrate your creativity and presentation skills. You have the opportunity to think outside the box and create a unique and memorable video that showcases your individuality. Whether it's through the use of props, music, or a carefully crafted script, your video introduction can leave a lasting impression on the admission committee.

The Role of the Video Introduction in Brown's Admission Process

Brown University values a diverse student body, not just in terms of academic achievements, but also in terms of backgrounds, talents and perspectives. The video introduction provides a window into your character and interests, helping the admission committee evaluate your fit within the community.

Through your video introduction, you have the opportunity to highlight aspects of your life that cannot be fully expressed in writing. You can share personal experiences, hobbies or community involvement that have shaped your identity and contributed to your growth as an individual. This allows the admission committee to gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you can bring to the Brown community.

Additionally, the video introduction serves as a platform for you to express your genuine interest in Brown University. You can discuss specific programs, courses, or research opportunities that align with your academic and career goals. By showcasing your knowledge of the university and your enthusiasm for its offerings, you demonstrate your commitment to becoming a valuable member of the Brown community.

Why Your Video Introduction Needs to Stand Out

With a high volume of applications, it's crucial to make a lasting impression. A compelling video introduction can grab the admission committee’s attention, making them want to know more about you. It can be the differentiating factor between acceptance and rejection.

When creating your video introduction, think about how you can make it unique and memorable. Consider incorporating elements that reflect your personality and passions. Whether through a creative theme, a thought-provoking question or a captivating story, find a way to make your video introduction stand out from other applicants.

Make sure to also pay attention to the technical aspects of your video and ensure that the lighting, sound quality and editing are all of high standard. A well-produced video introduction demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism, leaving a positive impression on the admission committee.

Remember, your video introduction is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and make a personal connection with the admission committee. By putting thought and effort into creating a compelling and unique video increases your chances of standing out among the pool of applicants, ultimately securing your spot at Brown University.

How to Prepare for Your Brown Video Introduction

To create an impactful video introduction, thorough preparation is key. Consider these essential steps before diving into the creative process.

When it comes to making a video introduction for Brown, you want to make sure you leave a lasting impression. This means taking the time to carefully plan and prepare before hitting the record button. By following these steps, you can ensure that your video stands out from the rest and showcases your unique qualities.

1. Identify Your Unique Selling Points

Reflect on your experiences and accomplishments to identify the aspects that make you unique. This could be your academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, or personal qualities. Take a moment to think about what sets you apart from other applicants and what makes you a perfect fit for Brown University. Is it your passion for community service? Your ability to think critically and solve complex problems? Or perhaps it's your dedication to pursuing knowledge and making a positive impact in the world. Whatever it may be, emphasize these strengths in your video introduction, showcasing what sets you apart.

For example, if you have been actively involved in volunteering at your local homeless shelter, talk about how this experience has shaped your perspective on social issues and ignited your desire to create meaningful change. Highlight how this involvement has not only impacted your own personal growth but also how it aligns with Brown's commitment to community engagement and social justice.

2. Structure Your Ideas and Thoughts

Here is how you can approach structuring your ideas and thoughts.

• Create an outline of the main points you want to cover
• Highlight your unique selling points and how they align with Brown's values
• Start with an attention-grabbing hook
• Speak clearly and confidently to convey enthusiasm
• Incorporate visual elements to enhance, but don't overwhelm
• Structure thoughts to ensure smooth flow and powerful impact
• Rehearse and refine delivery to come across as authentic and engaging

3. Write a Compelling Script

When writing your script, it is crucial to focus on capturing the essence of who you are. Be authentic, sincere, and passionate about your interests. Think about what makes you stand out and how you can convey that effectively through your words. Showcase your motivation to attend Brown University and how you can contribute to the university's vibrant community.

One tip for writing a compelling script is to start by brainstorming your key points and ideas. What are the experiences, skills, or qualities that you want to highlight? Once you have a clear understanding of what you want to convey, you can start crafting your script.

Another important aspect to consider is the structure of your script. Begin with a strong opening that grabs the viewer's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the video. From there, you can delve into your journey, highlighting significant moments or experiences that have shaped you. Remember to be concise and avoid rambling, as a well-structured script will keep the viewer engaged.

Additionally, incorporating your own voice and personality into the script is essential. Avoid using generic language or clichés and instead, use language that reflects your unique perspective. This will help the viewer connect with you personally and make your video introduction more memorable.

The Art of Storytelling in Your Video Introduction

Storytelling has the power to make your video introduction engaging and memorable. By using anecdotes or personal experiences, you can effectively demonstrate your values, your journey and the lessons you've learned along the way. This approach helps create an emotional connection with the viewer, making your video introduction more impactful.

When incorporating storytelling into your video introduction, consider the following tips:

• Choose a compelling story that aligns with your overall message and showcases your unique qualities.
• Focus on the details that make the story vivid and relatable.
• Highlight the challenges or obstacles you faced and how you overcame them.
• Showcase the lessons you learned and how they have shaped your character and perspective.

Remember, the goal of storytelling in your video introduction is to create an emotional connection with the viewer. By sharing personal experiences and demonstrating your growth, you can leave a lasting impression and make your video introduction stand out.

In conclusion, crafting a compelling video introduction requires careful thought and planning. By writing a compelling script and incorporating the art of storytelling, you can create a video that showcases your unique qualities and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. So, take your time, be authentic and let your passion shine through in your video introduction.

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Technical Aspects of Creating Your Video

While content is crucial, the technical aspects of your video can significantly impact its quality and effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Equipment and Setting

Investing in a good-quality camera and microphone is worth considering. Additionally, choose a well-lit and aesthetically pleasing setting. The environment should be clean, clutter-free and free from distractions.

Lighting and Sound Considerations

Proper lighting and sound quality can greatly enhance the professionalism of your video. Make sure your face is well-lit, avoiding harsh or distracting shadows. Pay attention to the sound quality, ensuring that your voice is clear and easy to understand. Consider using an external microphone if necessary.

Present Yourself Professionally

Aside from the technical aspects, it's important to consider how you present yourself in your video introduction.

• Professional Attire: Choose attire that reflects your personality and aligns with your desired impression. Dress neatly and professionally while letting your style shine through. Remember, first impressions matter.
• Body Language and Speech: Pay attention to your body language, maintaining good posture and making eye contact with the camera. Speak clearly, articulating your words and using appropriate gestures to express yourself. Remember to smile and be yourself, as authenticity is key.

By following these expert tips for submitting a compelling Brown video introduction, you can seize the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admission committee. Remember to be authentic, showcase your strengths and captivate the viewer through engaging storytelling. With careful preparation and attention to detail, your video introduction can be the key that opens the gates to your dream university.

Key Takeaways

• Consider using visual storytelling elements like props, music, and creative scripts to engage the admissions committee.
• Highlight your unique experiences and accomplishments and fit with Brown's values and community.
• Create an outline and practice your video to ensure a smooth flow and confident delivery.
• Identify your unique strengths and how they align with Brown's mission and values.
• Use compelling storytelling and anecdotes to create an emotional connection.
• Pay attention to technical aspects like proper lighting, audio quality, setting and attire. Maintain good eye contact, posture, articulation and enthusiasm in your video presence.
• Be authentic, personable and passionate in your video introduction to leave a memorable impression.

Read these next:

• Video Introduction Prompt
• Seven Tips To Make Your Brown University Admissions Video Memorable

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Creating a Successful Brown Video Introduction: A Full Guide

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

If you’re curious about the Brown video introduction and how to prepare for it, we’ve got you covered! This article will go over some information, tips, and sample prompts to help you know what to expect. 

If you’re considering Brown University, you know that getting in is challenging. You’ll find yourself in competition with students who want that acceptance letter as much as you do. So, what can you do to stand out?

As you take the time to put together your application package for Brown University, you’ll be invited to submit an optional two-minute video introduction as a part of your application. 

You might think that this is another extra step that you don’t really have to take–after all, your acceptance will ultimately be based on your academic success–transcripts, grades, and SAT scores, right?

This might be true, but submitting the Brown video introduction could be just the thing to push your already stellar application to the next level. This article will discuss how you can create a successful video introduction that leaves a lasting impression!

How Important is Video Introduction in Brown’s Admission Process?

The video introduction is an important part of Brown's admission process. Though it is optional, submitting a strong video introduction will help you stand out from the crowd. 

Brown receives a staggering number of applicants each year. In the 2022-23 academic year alone, Brown received over 50,000 applications. However, with the university accepting only around 2,500 students, competition is fierce, to say the least.

In such a highly selective environment, any chance to leave an impression on the admission committee is worth taking. A thoughtful video introduction allows applicants to showcase their personality, motivations, and suitability for Brown University in a way that may not come through on paper.

The Brown Video Introduction

Brown used to have an alumni interview program that it has since gotten rid of. Instead, you’ll be given the opportunity to share a bit about yourself through a brief video introduction for Brown University. 

The purpose of the Brown admissions video is to give the admissions committee a better picture of who you are; this includes hobbies, interests, and accomplishments that might not have made it into your application. 

You can use your Brown University video introduction to talk about moments and experiences that have shaped you as a person.

How to Prepare a Script for a Video Introduction

Preparing a script for your video introduction can help you convey your message clearly and effectively. Here's a straightforward guide on how to prepare:

• Introduction : Start by introducing yourself confidently in front of the camera. Begin with a simple greeting like, "Hi, my name is [insert name] from [high school]." This sets the tone and immediately lets the viewer know who you are and where you're from.
• Content : Decide what key points you want to convey during your video. Consider talking about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, passions, and why you're interested in attending Brown University. Highlight unique experiences or qualities that make you stand out as a candidate.
• Structure : Organize your thoughts in a logical order to ensure coherence and flow in your presentation. You can structure your script by starting with a brief overview of yourself, followed by discussing your academic interests, extracurricular involvement, and concluding with your motivations for wanting to attend Brown.
• Language : Use clear and concise language that reflects your authentic voice. Avoid overly formal or scripted language; instead, aim for a conversational tone that feels natural and genuine. Don't hesitate to inject a bit of personality and enthusiasm into your delivery.
• Length : Keep your script within the two-minute limit specified by Brown University. This requires you to be concise and prioritize the most important information you want to convey. Practice speaking at a comfortable pace to ensure you stay within the time limit.
• Practice : Rehearse your script several times before recording your video. Practice speaking naturally and confidently, paying attention to your tone, pacing, and body language. Familiarize yourself with the content so you can deliver it smoothly without relying too heavily on reading from the script.
• Visuals : While the focus is on your spoken content, consider the visual aspect of your video. Dress casually as you would for a typical school day or event. Ensure good lighting and clear visibility by positioning yourself in front of your camera or device. Record your video in landscape orientation for optimal viewing.
• Review and Edit : After recording your video, review the footage to ensure you're satisfied with the final product. Check for any technical issues, such as audio clarity and visual quality. Make any necessary edits to refine your presentation before submitting your video introduction.

By following these steps and preparing a well-thought-out script, you can create a compelling video introduction that effectively showcases your personality, interests, and enthusiasm for attending Brown University.

Brown University Video Introduction Prompts

While there is no particular format or topic the admissions committee is hoping to see, here are some Brown video introduction examples of prompts you’re suggested to choose from:

• What do you love about your neighborhood or hometown? (This prompt is especially useful for international students !)
• Share a time that you were moved by music or art.
• How would your friends describe you?
• Describe how you were influenced by a book that changed your perspective.
• Talk to us about a meaningful family activity or tradition.
• In what ways are you similar to or different from your siblings or friend group?
• Tell us about your favorite time of day. 
• Highlight any topic of your choice that will allow us to get to know you better.

The purpose of this component is to simply add depth to your Brown portfolio. Video introductions can’t necessarily be wrong, but what you choose to share will impact how you’re perceived. Be authentic in your video introduction, keep your answers concise, and highlight what you think will impress the admissions committee the most! 

Brown Video Introduction Deadline

If you choose to complete a video introduction, you must submit it within one week of receiving your application acknowledgment email from Brown that contains your login credentials. 

While you won’t be able to upload the video until you receive these credentials, you’re highly encouraged to record the video anyway to upload it as soon as you receive them. 

Tips on How to Nail the Brown Video Introduction

The video introduction is fairly freeform and serves as a strong asset that can get you one step closer to getting into Brown University . With that said, here are a few pointers to help you create a stellar Brown video submission:

• Clothing : Brown suggests you wear something you would usually wear to class. Keep it casual and true to yourself.
• Length : Make sure your video is no longer than two minutes.
• Orientation : Make sure your video is in landscape. 

It is also important to note that although your video won’t be assessed based on its production value, there are still some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind as you film your video introduction. Make sure you consider the following: 

• Location : You can choose to record indoors or outdoors–just make sure your background is clean and free of any distractions. For instance, you might want to avoid recording in a room with a lot going on in the background. This might be distracting to your viewer and ultimately take away from what you have to say.
• Framing : As previously mentioned, make sure you film in landscape and that your face is in the center of the frame. If you’re using your phone to record, make sure you prop it up on your table or tripod. Do not hold it up in selfie mode as this can be distracting and come off as unprofessional. 
• Lighting : Make sure your video’s lighting allows the viewer to see your face clearly. Especially when outdoors, avoid recording at night or in places where the light source is behind you. It is always best to have your light source in front of you. 
• Sound : Finally, make sure you’re recording in a place that can capture your voice clearly. Though some background noise is sometimes inevitable, avoid recording in areas that are naturally loud, like busy cafes and main streets. 

On top of these tips, you’re encouraged to think about your answers before starting your video to make the best use of your limited time, to be genuine, and to show your excitement!

Technical Considerations for Brown Interview

Prepare your video for Brown University by using a stable device and ensuring clear sound and lighting. Though your Brown video won’t be judged on its production quality, it’s still important to keep these technical considerations in mind. Let’s take a closer look at each of them. 

• Device Choice : Use a computer, laptop, phone, or camera that can record in landscape orientation. This format works best for the submission platform.
• Stable Setup : Prop up your device instead of holding it to prevent shaky footage. Find a stable surface or use a tripod to keep your device steady.
• Sound Quality : Record in a quiet space to ensure clear audio. If possible, use an external microphone for better sound.
• Lighting : Make sure you're well-lit to avoid shadows on your face. Natural light or additional lighting sources can help illuminate you evenly.
• Submission Process : Upload your video through the Brown Applicant Portal once you receive access. Follow the submission instructions provided.
• Preview and Verification : Before finalizing, use the preview feature to check your video for any issues. Make sure it meets the specified requirements.

By addressing these technical aspects, you'll be well-prepared to create and submit your video introduction for Brown University without any hiccups.

Brown University Video Interview FAQs 

Now that we’ve gone over the essentials, we will now address some frequently asked questions about the Brown video introduction. To learn more about how to get into Brown, take a look at our end-to-end college guide .

1. Do I Need an Interview For Brown?

The Brown video interview is not a mandatory part of the application process. However, it can help the admissions committee put a face to your name and learn more about you!

2. Does Brown Do Interviews in 2024?

Brown has transitioned from conducting alumni interviews to a new approach where students can submit video interviews. This shift applies to all upcoming admissions cycles.

3. Do All Brown Applicants Get Interviews?

All Brown applicants can submit video interviews.

Final Thoughts 

Seize this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. While they’ll know who you are on paper, you can use your video introduction to demonstrate your excellence beyond your application!

With this guide in mind, you’ll be able to approach this optional component of your application with more confidence and a better understanding of what the admissions team is looking for. Best of Luck!

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The Supplement: How students developed their video introductions

The Supplement is a new series and newsletter by The Brown Daily Herald aimed at providing applicants to the University, and their families, with perspectives from students and admission officers on the application process, as well as other admission news. To receive The Supplement in your inbox for the rest of the semester, you can sign up below. 

Asya Gipson ’25, frozen in time on YouTube as a high school senior, stares straight into the camera. 

“Are you looking for passionate, interesting students to attend your school?” she asks. “Well, look no further! Because I have three charming applicants just for you.” On the screen rolls a bouquet of roses and a graphic in the style of ABC’s ‘The Bachelor,’ reading “The Applicant.”

Gipson’s video, in which she introduces three different prospective applicants with different interests, concludes with a gimmick: The three applicants are actually all her. 

Every Ivy League institution other than Brown recommends that prospective applicants complete a virtual alumni interview as part of their application  — though Cornell only requires one for specific schools within the university. But for the classes of 2024 and 2025, the University, citing concerns about access to stable internet connections for a 45-minute interview, legal guidelines about interacting with minors online and a host of other issues, shifted to recommending applicants submit a two-minute video introduction , an option they first introduced for the class of 2023.

The video introduction is a smaller part of the application, which also includes a number of essays, a transcript and teacher recommendations, among other elements. Five first-years interviewed by The Herald detailed their different approaches to the creative process — ranging from intensive productions to not submitting the video at all. 

According to admission officers and resources the University provides, the videos are not judged on production value or videography. Instead, the Admission Office focuses on the “content and information,” said admission officer Bailey DiOrio.

DiOrio added that she often advises applicants not to worry about “technical pieces.”

A quick YouTube search returns dozens of students like Gipson who, after sending their video introductions to the University privately, put theirs online to serve as inspiration for next year’s applicants. Students often refer to these videos as “video portfolios.” 

Some are as simple as students talking to their laptop camera; others are as elaborate as Gipson’s, and a fair number that make it to YouTube have a musical component.

“It can be as simple as they want,” DiOrio said. “Some of the best video introductions are students sitting in front of their laptop or shooting on their phone, selfie style.” 

James Walsh, another admission officer, stressed that applicants should focus on their “paper” applications first — the elements like essays and recommendations. And he noted that the deadline for video introductions is a few days later than the deadline for the rest of the application.

Students, Walsh noted, might want to consider touching on pieces of themselves that they hadn’t mentioned elsewhere in their application, or expanding further on something they briefly discussed.

“It shouldn’t be you rehashing your resumé,” he added. Common topics include hometown tours, discussions about favorite books, research that students are interested in or their families. 

Keelin Gaughan ’25, a first-year from outside of Dallas, Texas, recorded a relatively simple video, which was the last piece of her application. After days of brainstorming, she landed on framing a broader narrative about art and storytelling using her favorite book, “Station Eleven ” by Emily St. John Mandel. Writing a script and recording it in front of a camera took a day, and the editing took another, she said. 

“I’m not super talented at editing,” Gaughan said. “I know people who could do super amazing, talented things that I couldn’t compare with. I knew it would be a better approach for me to talk to the camera.”

Gipson — the mock Bachelor contestant hailing from Anchorage, Alaska — said that she brainstormed for a week before writing a script over the course of a day, filming on her iPhone the next day with help from her mom, and editing in HitFilm, a free video-editing software, on another day.

Elijah Cohen ’25’s video , a Ferris Bueller-esque look at his “quarantine routine” that alluded to him “going insane,” included him engaging in a staring contest with his dog and attempting to blow the shell off a hard-boiled egg. But it also featured a dive into the art he creates and an interaction with a purple, human-like animated character edited into his video. The idea, he said, was to combine art, animation and humor.

While learning to use a green screen took some time, Cohen, who hails from Los Angeles, California, estimated that the video came together over the span of three days, with some filming help from his dad. He animated in Procreate, a popular drawing app, and edited his video in iMovie.

“I was having so much fun with it,” he said. “It wasn’t like, ‘I have to get it done.’”

The person who watches the video, Walsh noted, is often looking to see if the applicant presented in a file matches the person on video. The memorable ones, he said, feel authentic. 

“That always stands out to me,” he said, “when you have that feeling of, ‘this is exactly who that student is, and they’re showing me their true self.’”

“Something that was important to me in doing the video was being very earnest about who I was,” Gaughan said.

Gipson said that she hoped her willingness to break out of the traditional dialogue with the camera would show off her creativity.

“I feel like a part of what made it fun is that it was corny,” she said. Her mom was initially skeptical but came around to the idea as the video came together.

“My video is pretty ridiculous,” Cohen said. “If they didn’t like it, then Brown was not right for me.”  

Most videos will only be watched by one or two people, DiOrio said. During a case summary at committee meetings where  the University decides if it will admit a student, an admission officer might summarize an applicant’s video if it’s “particularly strong” or gives insight into something that makes an applicant “tick.”

Some applicants also choose not to submit videos at all, DiOrio noted. 

Mikael Obiomah ’25, from Taunton, Massachusetts, said he chose not to submit a video. “My essays did more than a video ever would have,” he said. 

TyKerius Monford ’25, from Athens, Georgia, added that he felt “overwhelmed” by the process and thought he had shown every aspect of himself through the University’s specific supplements and those required for the QuestBridge program. 

“I was a little nervous,” Monford said. “But I was like, ‘It will work itself out if it’s meant to be.’”

“It’s absolutely okay if the student doesn’t feel like they have the time to put together the video, or if that might not be the best way for them to express themselves,” DiOrio said, adding that leaving out a video will not hurt an applicant’s chances. Still, she noted that the University “strongly recommends” submitting videos because they find them to be “incredibly helpful.”

Some students post their videos online in an effort to help future applicants. Though most students don’t see viral success, some applicant’s videos get thousands of views, such as Cohen, whose video had racked up 185,000 views as of Nov. 15.

“I’ve had a decent amount of people come up to me and say, ‘you’re the guy from the video portfolio!’” he said. “I’ve never experienced something like that before.” One first-year, he said, approached him, took a selfie and sent it to her mom — who also knew who Cohen was. 

Cohen said he has never posted anything else to YouTube. And while the video serves as a good conversation starter, he admitted he doesn’t like when other people pull it up in front of him: he’s seen it too many times.

Gipson, whose video has more than 15,000 views, said she’s been recognized once or twice. When she posted it, she said she had no expectation of it leading to interactions at the University.

“When I first met my roommate, I was talking about, ‘I submitted a video portfolio,’” Gipson said. “She was like, ‘I know, I watched it.’”

Will Kubzansky is the 133rd editor-in-chief and president of the Brown Daily Herald. Previously, he served as a University News editor overseeing the admission & financial aid and staff & student labor beats. In his free time, he plays the guitar and soccer — both poorly.

Graduate student parents reflect on community building

The Supplement: How students decided whether to submit standardized test scores

Dear Blueno confessions page unpublished by Facebook

41 arrested Brown University students issued six-month not-guilty filing By Anisha Kumar | May 16

Community Coordinator union to continue bargaining through summer By Grace Hu | May 13

Program in Liberal Medical Education

Take note of these dates when applying to the PLME program.

Important Dates

Video introduction.

PLME applicants are  strongly encouraged  to submit a video portfolio as part of the application process. The video portfolio provides a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about you. After you have submitted the Common Application you will receive access to your Brown Applicant Portal. Once logged into your Brown Applicant Portal you will be given the option to submit a 2-minute personal video portfolio. When submitting a video introduction, the Early Decision and QuestBridge deadline is 11:59 p.m. (applicant's local time) November 4 and the Regular Decision deadline is 11:59 p.m. (applicant's local time) January 9. 

Due to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, interviews are not part of the application process for the current application cycle.

Brown v. Board of Education: 70 Years of Progress and Challenges

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After 70 years, what is left to say about Brown v. Board of Education ?

A lot, it turns out. As the anniversary nears this week for the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic May 17, 1954, decision that outlawed racial segregation in public schools, there are new books, reports, and academic conferences analyzing its impact and legacy.

Just last year, members of the current Supreme Court debated divergent interpretations of Brown as they weighed the use of race in higher education admissions, with numerous references to the landmark ruling in their deeply divided opinions in the case that ended college affirmative action as it had been practiced for half a century.

Meanwhile, some school district desegregation cases remain active after more than 50 years, while the Supreme Court has largely gotten out of the business of taking up the issue. There are fresh reports that the nation’s K-12 schools, which are much more racially and ethnically diverse than they were in the 1950s, are nonetheless experiencing resegregation .

At an April 4 conference at Columbia University, speakers captured the mood about a historic decision that slowly but steadily led to the desegregation of schools in much of the country but faced roadblocks and new conditions that have left its promise unfulfilled.

“I think Brown permeates nearly every aspect of our current modern society,” said Janai Nelson, the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the organization led by Thurgood Marshall, who would later become a Supreme Court justice, during the Brown era.

“I hope that we see clearly now that there is an effort to roll back [the] gains” brought by the decision, said Nelson, whose organization was a conference co-sponsor. “There is an effort to recast Brown from what it was originally intended to produce. If we want to keep this multiracial democracy and actually have it fulfill its promise, because the status quo is still not satisfactory, we must look at the original intent of this all-important case and make sure we fulfill its promise.”

Celebrations at the White House, the Justice Department, and a Smithsonian Museum

On May 16, President Joe Biden will welcome to the White House descendants of the original plaintiffs in the cases that were consolidated into Brown , which dealt with cases from Delaware, Kansas, South Carolina, and Virginia. (The companion decision, Bolling v. Sharpe , decided the same day, struck down school segregation in the District of Columbia.) On May 17, the president will deliver remarks on the historic decision at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona marked the anniversary at an event at the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday.

“ Brown vs. Board and its legacy remind us who we want to be as a nation, a place that upholds values of justice and equity as its highest ideals,” Cardona said. “We normalize a culture of low expectations for some students and give them inadequate resources and support. Today, it’s still become all too normal for some to deny racism and segregation or ban books that teach Black history when we all know that Black history is American history.”

On May 17, 1954, then-Chief Justice Earl Warren announced the decision for a unanimous court that held that “in the field of public education, ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”

That opinion was a compromise meant to bring about unanimity, and the court did not even address a desegregation remedy until a year later in Brown II , when it called for lower courts to address local conditions “with all deliberate speed.”

“In short, the standard the court established for evaluating schools’ desegregation efforts was as vague as the schedule for achieving it was amorphous,” R. Shep Melnick, a professor of American politics at Boston College and the co-chair of the Harvard Program on Constitutional Government, says in an assessment of the Brown anniversary published this month by the American Enterprise Institute.

The paper distills a book by Melnick published last year, The Crucible of Desegregation: The Uncertain Search for Educational Equity , which takes a fresh look at the 70-year history of post-Brown desegregation efforts.

Melnick argues that even after 70 years, Brown and later Supreme Court decisions remain full of ambiguities as to even what it means for a school system to be desegregated. He highlights two competing interpretations of Brown embraced by lawyers, judges, and scholars—a “colorblind” approach prohibiting any categorization of students by race, and a perspective based on racial isolation and equal educational opportunity. “Neither was ever fully endorsed or rejected by the Supreme Court,” Melnick writes in the book. “Both could find some support in the court’s ambiguous 1954 opinion.”

The Supreme Court issued some 35 decisions on desegregation after Brown , but hasn’t taken up a case involving a court-ordered desegregation remedy since 1995 and last spoke on the issue of integration and student diversity in the K-12 context in 2007, when the court struck down two voluntary plans to increase diversity by considering race in assigning students to schools.

Citations to Brown pervade last year’s sharply divided opinions over affirmative action

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., in his plurality opinion in that voluntary integration case, Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District , laid the groundwork for last year’s affirmative action decision, which fully embraced Brown’s “race-blind” interpretation.

Last term, the high court ruled that race-conscious admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina violated the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. (The vote was 6-2 in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College , with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson not participating because of her recent membership on a Harvard governing board. The vote was 6-3 in SFFA v. University of North Carolina .)

The Brown decision was a running theme in the arguments in the case, and in the some 230 pages of opinions.

Roberts, in the majority opinion, said a fundamental lesson of Brown in 1954 and Brown II in 1955 was that “The time for making distinctions based on race had passed.”

Brown and a generation of high court decisions on race that followed, in education and other areas, “reflect the core purpose of the Equal Protection Clause: doing away with all governmentally imposed discrimination based on race,” the chief justice wrote.

Justice Clarence Thomas, who succeeded Thurgood Marshall, joined the majority opinion and wrote a lengthy concurrence that touched on views he had long expressed about the 1954 decision. He cited the language of legal briefs filed by the challengers of segregated schools in the Brown cases (led by Marshall) that embraced the view that the 14th Amendment barred all government consideration of race.

Thomas said those challenging segregated schools in Brown “embraced the equality principle.”

Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh also joined the majority and acknowledged in his concurrence that in Brown , the court “authorized race-based student assignments for several decades—but not indefinitely into the future.”

(The other justices in the majority were Samuel A. Alito Jr., Neil M. Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett.)

Writing the main dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor rejected the view that Brown was race-blind.

“ Brown was a race-conscious decision that emphasized the importance of education in our society,” she wrote, joined by justices Elena Kagan and Jackson. “The desegregation cases that followed Brown confirm that the ultimate goal of that seminal decision was to achieve a system of integrated schools that ensured racial equality of opportunity, not to impose a formalistic rule of race-blindness.”

Jackson, in a separate dissent (joined by Sotomayor and Kagan), said, “The majority and concurring opinions rehearse this court’s idealistic vision of racial equality, from Brown forward, with appropriate lament for past indiscretions. But the race-linked gaps that the law (aided by this court) previously founded and fostered—which indisputably define our present reality— are strangely absent and do not seem to matter.”

Amid reports on resegregation, some legal efforts continue

As the Brown anniversary arrives, there are fresh reports about resegregation of the schools. Research released this month by Sean Reardon of Stanford University and Ann Owens of the University of Southern California found that students in the nation’s large school districts have become much more isolated racially and economically in recent years.

The Civil Rights Project at the University of California, Los Angeles, which has been sounding the alarm about resegregation for years, says in a new report that Black and Latino students were the most highly segregated demographic groups in 2021. Though U.S. schools were 45 percent white, Blacks, on average, attended 76 percent nonwhite schools, and Latino students went to 75 percent nonwhite schools.

The CRP says the Brown anniversary is worth celebrating, but “American schools have been moving away from the goal of Brown and creating more ‘inherently unequal’ schools for a third of a century. We need new thought about how inequality and integration work in institutions and communities with changing multiracial populations with very unequal experiences.”

At the Columbia conference, Samuel Spital, the litigation director and general counsel of the Legal Defense Fund, noted that many jurisdictions are still under desegregation orders, some going back decades.

He highlighted one where LDF lawyers have been in federal district court, involving the 7,200-student St. Martin Parish school district in western Louisiana. Black plaintiffs first sued over segregated schools in 1965. In a 2022 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, in New Orleans, noted that the case had been pending for “five decades,” though largely inactive for long stretches. The court nonetheless affirmed the district court’s continued supervision of a desegregation plan that addressed disparities in graduation tracks and student discipline, though it said the court overstepped in ordering the closure of an elementary school in a mostly white community.

As recently as this month, the LDF and the Department of Justice’s civil rights division joined with the St. Martin Parish school board in a proposed consent order for revised attendance zones for the district’s schools. The proposed order suggests that court supervision of student assignments could end sometime after June 2027.

“We try to make sure that with the vast docket of segregation cases we have, that we have not lost sight of what Brown’s ultimate intent was,” said LDF’s Nelson, which was not just “to make sure that Black and white children learn together” but also to foster principles of equity and citizenship.

With a hostile federal court climate, advocates more recently have turned to state constitutions and state courts to pursue desegregation. Last year, a state judge in New Jersey allowed key claims to proceed in a lawsuit that seeks to hold the state responsible for remedying racial segregation in its many “racially isolated” public schools. In December, the Minnesota Supreme Court allowed a suit under the state constitution to move forward, ruling that there was no need for plaintiffs to prove that the state itself had caused segregation in its schools.

“We see a path forward through state courts with the very specific goal of trying to challenge state practices, which really boil down to segregative school district lines,” Saba Bireda, the chief legal counsel of Brown’s Promise , said at the Columbia conference. Bireda, a former civil rights lawyer in the Education Department under President Barack Obama’s administration, co-founded the Washington-based organization last year to help address diversity and underfunding in public schools.

A Supreme Court exhibit offers the idealized take on Brown

At the Supreme Court, there has been no formal recognition of the 70th anniversary of Brown . But the court did open an exhibit on its ground floor late last year that tells the story of some of the first desegregation cases, including Brown .

The exhibit is primarily about the Little Rock integration crisis of 1957, when Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus defied a federal judge’s order to desegregate Central High School. The exhibit is built around the actual bench used by Judge Ronald N. Davies when he heard a challenge to Faubus’ use of the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the nine Black high school students from entering the all-white high school that year. (Davies withstood threats and intense opposition from desegregation opponents, but he ruled for the Black students. The Supreme Court itself supported desegregation in Little Rock with its 1958 decision in Cooper v. Aaron .)

To tell the Little Rock story, the exhibit starts with Brown (and some of the prior history). A central feature is a 15-minute video featuring all current members of the court.

In the video, the justices set aside their differences over the meaning of Brown and provide a more idealized perspective on the 1954 decision.

“ Brown was a godsend,” Thomas says in the video. “Because it said that what was happening that we thought was wrong, they now know that this court said it was also wrong. It’s wrong not just morally, but under the Constitution of the United States. It was like a ray of hope.”

Kavanaugh says: “ Brown vs. Board of Education is the single greatest moment, single greatest decision in this court’s history. And the reason for that is that it enforced a constitutional principle, equal protection of the laws, equal justice under law. It made that real for all Americans. And it corrected a grave wrong, the separate but equal doctrine that the court had previously allowed.”

Jackson, the court’s third Black justice, who has spoken of her family moving in one generation from “segregation to the Supreme Court,” reflects in the video on Brown ‘s legacy.

“I think I’m most grateful for the fact that my parents have lived to see me in this position, after a history of them and others in our family and people from my background not having the opportunity to live to our fullest potential,” she says.

As the video comes to a close, Roberts speaks with evident pride in his voice.

“The Supreme Court building stands as a symbol of our country’s faith in the rule of law,” the chief justice says. “ Brown v. Board of Education , the great school desegregation case, was decided here.”

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Why the Equal Rights Amendment Is Again a Hot Topic in New York

The proposed amendment to the State Constitution has become a divisive culture-war issue that encompasses abortion, discrimination and transgender athletes.

By Grace Ashford and Claire Fahy

Reporting from the State Capitol in Albany, N.Y.

The former congressman rocked back and forth, his face turning red as he jabbed his finger in the air. It had been 18 months since Lee Zeldin lost his bid to become governor of New York, and now he was back at a rally in Albany, with a new war to fight.

The enemy was a proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the State Constitution. But instead of attacking the amendment’s signature purpose — safeguarding abortion protections — Mr. Zeldin, a Republican, railed against what he framed as the Democrats’ secret agenda: forcing sports teams to welcome transgender athletes.

“There has been no greater attack on women’s rights and girls’ rights in the State of New York throughout any of our lifetimes than Proposition 1 in November,” he said at the rally in the State Capitol earlier this month.

The amendment, he added, was an “attempt by New York Democrats to deceptively put abortion on the ballot, when in reality it was a full-fledged attack on women’s rights, free speech, girls’ sports, rule of law and much more.”

As Election Day approaches, the fight over the amendment has taken on an outsize role in New York, even in a pivotal election year when the presidency, the House and state legislative races are on the ballot.

Voters were to decide the fate of the amendment in a binding statewide referendum this November, but that is now in flux. Last week, a state judge in western New York declared that Democratic lawmakers had made procedural errors in putting the referendum on the ballot, and ordered it removed. On Tuesday, the Democratic state attorney general, Letitia James, formally appealed the ruling.

The uncertainty surrounding the proposed amendment underscores the deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans and the ways that both parties have used it to fuel campaign rhetoric.

Democratic supporters say the Equal Rights Amendment would help safeguard the rights of women and anyone else confronted with discrimination based on race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristics. (New York already has a number of anti-discrimination laws, but, advocates say, these protections could be removed by a future Legislature if political winds change. Amending the constitution is a more permanent measure.)

Republicans have tried to shift the focus away from the threat to abortion, an issue that Democrats have successfully used to win a number of high-profile races across the country. Polling shows that a vast majority of Americans support abortion access, and voters, even in Republican-led states, have consistently voted to preserve it.

Instead, Republicans have focused their efforts on what they see as a more persuasive argument: barring transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports. A Siena College poll released in April showed that 66 percent of New York voters appeared to share Republicans’ concerns, telling pollsters that they believed that high school athletes ought to be required to compete in the gender category they were assigned at birth.

On Long Island, the Nassau County executive, Bruce Blakeman, issued an executive order barring transgender athletes from more than 100 county athletic facilities, unless they agreed to compete according to their assigned gender. The order was struck down in court last week largely on procedural grounds; Mr. Blakeman has said he will appeal the ruling.

Those opposing the amendment include the Coalition to Protect Kids, which describes itself as a nonpartisan group “composed of New Yorkers from all walks of life dedicated to defeating the so-called Equal Rights Amendment.”

The group has rebranded the measure the “Parent Replacement Act,” raising the prospect that the amendment’s passage would override parental decision-making on medical issues such as transgender health care and vaccines. (The amendment’s architects say that it would have no impact on medical decisions involving minors.)

Filings show that the bulk of the group’s funding so far has come from the anti-abortion activist Carol N. Crossed, vice president of the New York chapter of Feminists Choosing Life, and the author of a book about the women’s suffrage movement entitled “Vintage Tweets: Suffrage Era Postcards.”

Amending the Constitution in New York is a multiyear process requiring the approval of two separately-elected legislatures, as well as a voter referendum. From the outset, the Democrats’ goal was to get the initiative on the ballot in 2024, when they predicted higher turnout would ease its passage.

But even in heavily Democratic New York, no ballot measure is a sure bet. In 2021, an initiative to expand voting by mail that Democrats considered a fait accompli was defeated after a well-funded opposition campaign from the state Conservative Party.

The loss has haunted New York Democrats, who are determined not to repeat the mistake.

Last year, a coalition called New Yorkers for Equal Rights announced they intended to raise $20 million to support the initiative . Carolyn Maloney, a former congresswoman who is now the president of the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women, stepped in to assist with the fund-raising effort.

Recent changes to campaign finance rules further raised expectations for the fund, which organizers said would be spent on mailers, television ads and organizing. But the most recent available filings with the State Board of Elections show that in its first year, the coalition raised just $1.2 million.

Organizers said that they were not concerned with the slow progress on fund-raising, which they said would continue to ramp up as the election neared.

“New Yorkers are clear; they see the threats,” said Sasha Neha Ahuja, campaign director for the coalition, which includes the New York Civil Liberties Union, the New York Immigration Coalition, 1199 S.E.I.U. and the N.A.A.C.P. “They see what’s happening in Florida. They see what’s happening in Arizona.”

In the past months, the campaign has stepped up efforts, organizing 25 days of action alongside grass-roots groups from Long Island to Buffalo.

For now, Democrats may have to divert their energy to challenging the court ruling of Justice Daniel J. Doyle, a Republican in Livingston County, about 60 miles east of Buffalo. The judge ruled that Democratic leadership in New York had failed to receive an opinion from the state attorney general — a necessary step before amending the State Constitution.

Proponents of the amendment noted that lawmakers had followed the same process used in 18 past ballot initiatives, half of which are now law.

Chris Browne, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, was unimpressed with the Legislature’s defense that this was how these things had been done for years. His argument was simple, he said — their way was wrong.

“It’s not that complex,” Mr. Browne said.“ They could have avoided this if they had followed the process.”

Even if Democrats had followed proper procedure, Marjorie Byrnes, a Republican assemblywoman and one of the plaintiffs in the case, said that the amendment was being fueled by overblown concerns about women’s health and abortion.

Neither issue, she said, needed to be protected by the Constitution. “The Democrats control both houses, they control the governor’s mansion,” she said. “They don’t need a constitutional amendment.”

But Senator Liz Krueger, one of the primary architects of the amendment, said that the Republicans were misrepresenting what it would do. She said the underlying message was that New Yorkers should “not be discriminated against based on gender, which I’m very comfortable explaining to people and I think the vast majority of New Yorkers, frankly, regardless of party, don’t really have an issue with.”

An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname of a lawyer for opponents of the Equal Rights Amendment. He is Chris Browne, not Brown.

How we handle corrections

Grace Ashford covers New York government and politics for The Times. More about Grace Ashford

Claire Fahy reports on New York City and the surrounding area for The Times. She can be reached at [email protected]. More about Claire Fahy

Politics in the New York Region

Equal Rights Amendment: As Election Day approaches, the proposed amendment to the State Constitution has become a divisive culture-war issue  that encompasses abortion, discrimination and transgender athletes.

Office of Cannabis Management: The head of New York State’s cannabis agency will step down at the end of his three-year term in September as part of an overhaul of the embattled agency , Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

A Thorny Mayoral Race: Zellnor Myrie, an Afro-Latino state senator from Brooklyn known for backing progressive causes, announced that he is moving to challenge  Mayor Eric Adams in next year’s Democratic primary in New York City.

Special House Election: Timothy Kennedy, a Democratic New York State senator, easily won a special House election  to replace a retiring congressman in western New York, narrowing the Republican majority in Washington.

A $237 Billion Budget: Hochul and New York City emerged as two of the winners from a budget process that blew past the April 1 deadline. Here’s a look at how things went .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, brown admission without video portfolio.

I'm applying to Brown, and I didn't submit a video portfolio. Is it still possible to get accepted without one? How important is the video portfolio in their admissions process?

Certainly, it's still possible to be accepted into Brown without submitting a video portfolio. The video portfolio is an optional component of the application. However, it's a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and interests. You should do your best to submit one if you still can, especially since submitting it will show that you're highly-interested in Brown.

The optionality of the video portfolio is a bit like the optionality of a supplemental essay. It's highly encouraged and may look bad if you don't submit one. If you need more tips on how to make a good video portfolio, check out this post: https://blog.collegevine.com/brown-video-portfolio

That said, there are no stats on the percentage of students who are accepted with/without a video portfolio, and anecdotally on forums, many students have been accepted to Brown without one. If you don't submit one, your application will be evaluated based on the other materials you have provided, so make sure to focus on the pieces that showcase your strengths and what makes you unique.

Good luck with your Brown application!

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