The Rise of Glimpse by InitialView: What You Need to Know About College “Selfie Videos”
- jchassell
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
In an age where AI is rewriting the rules of communication, many colleges are turning to short “selfie videos” to bring back authenticity to the admissions process. Enter Glimpse by InitialView, a platform designed to let students record a brief, unscripted video introducing themselves in their own words. With AI-generated essays becoming harder to detect and written applications sometimes feeling impersonal, these short video introductions give colleges a more human, spontaneous window into who a student really is.
More schools are experimenting with Glimpse or similar tools each year, and while these videos are typically optional, they’re quickly gaining traction as a new way to showcase personality, communication skills, and confidence. But as with any new admissions trend, students and families should understand how it works, when it helps, and what potential drawbacks to consider before pressing “record.”
Why Glimpse Was Created
In essence, Glimpse was designed to give admissions officers a faster, more personal way to “meet” applicants. On the website: “Glimpses will be sent to colleges via the InitialView platform, which is already integrated with many prominent colleges and universities.” Schools realized that essays and resumes only tell part of the story. Video gives tone, voice, demeanor in a highly competitive pool; that extra layer helps them differentiate. Because Glimpse is a self-recorded (“one take”, minimal editing) short video (60-90 seconds) that a student can direct to multiple colleges, it offers scalability.
How Glimpse Works
After creating an account on InitialView, you record your 60-90 second “Glimpse” video. You choose which colleges will receive that video. Many schools have built their application portals to accept Glimpse or an equivalent video via InitialView. You cannot heavily edit or produce the video; it should feel authentic. “No editing programs allowed” is often emphasized.
Colleges and Universities Accepting Glimpse Videos
Glimpse by InitialView is growing quickly—according to the company, more than 400 academic programs worldwide now include a link to InitialView as part of their application process. While not every school formally requires or even promotes Glimpse, many accept it as an optional supplement for students who want to share more of their personality and communication style.
Below is a sampling of colleges and universities currently accepting or experimenting with Glimpse videos (always verify each school’s current policy on their admissions website before recording or submitting).
Brown University
University of Chicago
Duke University
Vanderbilt University
Northwestern University
Washington University in St. Louis
Middlebury College
Bowdoin College
Boston University
Colgate University
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
UMass Amherst
For a full list of schools, here is a link to InitialView's website.
How to Prepare a Strong Glimpse Video
Pick a story that adds something new, what your application hasn’t already shown.
Be authentic: a casual setting, good lighting, clear voice. Over-production can feel disconnected.
Avoid school-specific references if you plan to send the same video to multiple colleges. The “universal” approach is safer.
Practice, but don’t script everything. You want natural delivery.
Check requirements and deadlines for each school.
Use it strategically: A short, unique clip (60-90 seconds) that shows personality, passion, or communication strength.
The InitialView website has great examples here.
When Might You Skip the Glimpse Video?
Yes, it’s optional in most cases, and there are reasons to not use it:
If your video doesn’t add value (e.g., you’re extremely camera-shy and the result feels forced).
If you already have strong alternative evidence of communication and personality (e.g., outstanding essays, interviews, letters of recommendation), and you worry that a weak video could detract.
If the school explicitly says it’s optional and you feel your application is already strong in other dimensions, adding a video should not introduce the risk of a negative impression.
Addressing Bias and Equity Concerns
While Glimpse videos can humanize an application and showcase authenticity, they also reintroduce information that most U.S. colleges have deliberately minimized since the Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action.
Here are the key considerations:
Implicit Bias: Admissions readers who view videos may consciously or unconsciously make judgments based on appearance, accent, or background. Although most admissions offices receive implicit bias training, the risk of unintended bias remains a valid concern.
Equity of Access: Not all students have equal access to quiet, well-lit spaces, quality recording equipment, or confidence on camera. These differences can affect presentation and perceived polish, though they may have nothing to do with a student’s potential or character.
What Colleges Say: Most colleges that accept Glimpse emphasize that these videos are not evaluated for production quality or appearance, but rather for authenticity and insight into who the student is. Still, applicants should go in with eyes open about how visual and verbal cues can influence perception.
My Professional Take
As with most aspects of college admissions, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A Glimpse video can be a powerful way to bring your story to life, especially if you’re animated, personable, or feel your personality doesn’t come through fully in your written materials. However, if you’re uncertain or uncomfortable on camera, it’s better to skip it than to submit something that feels forced.
What matters most is authenticity. Admissions officers want to meet the real you, whether through your writing, your activities, or your video. My role is to help you decide when a video adds value and when it’s best to let your application speak for itself.
Bottom Line
Glimpse videos represent an important evolution in how colleges evaluate applicants. For students comfortable on camera and with a thoughtful message to share, they have a chance to stand out. But optional means you choose wisely: only submit if you can present yourself confidently, authentically, and in a way that enhances your overall application story.
Thinking about submitting a Glimpse video, but not sure how to make the right impression? I can help you prepare, from brainstorming what to say to practicing delivery, so your video feels natural, confident, and authentically you. Schedule a consultation today here to get personalized guidance on your Glimpse video and overall application strategy.