NanoFlick — Shot-by-Shot Video Guide
College Application Video Profile 60-sec
Use this guide to quickly create a video for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
✏️About This Video Story
Many programs require that the video be in a single take, so this is for perfecting your pitch (rather than final submission). Use this to compose and review your response. Once you have the content down, practice doing in one take and record with your camera app or the application website.
How to Make a Great Video
Shoot each of the shots and keep the duration to the bare minimum. We've included instructions for each shot to create a short, fast-moving video your friends and followers will love. When you're finished shooting, just combine all the shots and you're done.
Find this template in the free NanoFlick app.
Video Shot List
ShotDescriptionLength
1
Introduction
00:04In front of a visually-compelling background (related to your interests), introduce yourself and say what program you're applying to.
2
The Hook
00:04What's the most unique or interesting thing about you? An interest, accomplishment, adversity, skill? Use a strong hook to draw the viewer in (without being boastful).
3
Your Background
00:09Share a bit more comprehensive detail about yourself: origin story, career path, current situation.
4
A Key Experience
00:12Describe an anecdote that's either a proud accomplishment, a breakthrough, a meaningful failure, something outside your comfort zone, or something that demonstrates rule-breaking, creativity, initiative, etc.
5
Ambition For College
00:08Explain your personal goals and expectations for college. Make sure they align with a program, professor or initiative that's unique to the school you're applying to.
6
Why THIS School?
00:07Explain why you're applying to this particular program. This should align with the previous shot, but be more about the school. Which aspects are most compelling?
7
Why You?
00:06Describe what you're excited to bring to the community: activities, skills, interests.
8
For Fun
00:06Share what you do for fun, relaxation, recreation. If you can demonstrate, or even just grab a related object (like a guitar) while discussing, do so.
9
Sign Off
00:04Thank the viewer for watching and say you look forward to being on campus soon.
Top Video Tips
Keep it short...
...then cut it even shorter. Usually under 90 seconds for a serious video; under 30 for a fun one.
Keep it moving
Make sure each shot has a point...and get to it fast! No fluff or filler.
Tell a story
Stories need structure. Make sure you've got a beginning, middle and end.
Know the audience
Family will watch a 2:00 video. Everyone else gets bored after 45 seconds.
Focus on people
Go easy on transitions, filters, etc. The best content is people relating.
Time passages
Use transitions like Dissolve or Dip-to-Black to indicate passage of time
Multiple angles
Using multiple short shots with different angles is better than one longer shot.
Start wide...
...then move closer on subsequent shot for the scene.
Video Timeline
Timeline
This story template (and hundreds more) is built into the free NanoFlick iOS app. Download now for the fastest, easiest way to get this done. It'll coach you through every shot and automatically assemble your video for instant sharing — no editing required.
