GSAS Application Instructions - Video Requirements

Some programs (see the list below) have specific requests for the URL you submit. If you do not see the program you are applying to, you may submit a URL for anything you wish to include as part of your application.

VIDEOS
OTHER MATERIALS

Submitting a Video

If you will be submitting a video, remember that you are submitting a link (URL) to your video (such as on YouTube.com, youku.com, tudou.com, some other video hosting site, or your own website), not the video itself. If you are not using a video hosting site, please save the video in .mp4 format.

Do not secure your video with a password. Instead, we recommend that you make the video unlisted. The following descriptions apply to YouTube.com, but should be applicable to other video hosting sites. YouTube has three privacy settings: Public, Private, and Unlisted.

  • Public means anybody can find it and view it. Do not use this option.

  • Private means it can only be seen by the you, and the people you select. The video doesn't appear in your channel or in search results. Viewers you select must have a Google account to log in and see the video, and you must also know to whom to grant permission. Do not use this option.

  • Unlisted means that anybody who has the link can view the video, but it doesn't appear in your channel or in search results. Use this option.

Putting Materials Online

If you have files or documents that cannot readily be uploaded to your application such as audio/video files, and you do not have your own web page, you can post them to a service such as Google Drive. Add the URL for the directory that contains the files and be sure to set "Share" to "Anyone who has the link." See http://bit.ly/193zj0A as an example. You should add the URL for Google Drive (or whatever service you used) to your online application on the page labeled Personal, Part 2. [Please note that not all older web browsers support Google Drive.]

Program-Specific Guidelines

Chemistry...Ph.D. and M.S.

The Chemistry Department encourages you to submit a short video statement. This is an optional part of your application and is not required.

  • Your video should be no more than three (3) minutes in length.
  • In your video, consider answering two (2) or more of the the following questions:

    1. What is your primary motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in Chemistry?
    2. What is an experiment or discovery in Chemistry that has inspired you? Feel free to use a whiteboard if useful for explaining.
    3. Why did you apply to NYU-Chemistry?
    4. Why do you think you would be a good match for our graduate program?
    5. Is there additional information you would like to tell us about yourself that is relevant to your application?
       
  • Your video need not be anything more than you answering the questions. Your answers, not production values, are what will be evaluated.

Computer Science...Information Systems

The master's program in Information Systems requires that you submit a short video, no more than three (3) minutes in length. As part of the video, please introduce yourself, indicate your number of years of industry experience (as applicable) and state your rationale for applying to the master's program and why you feel you are a good candidate. Please speak slowly and clearly and be sure to keep your video professional.

Ph.D. Program in Economics

The Ph.D. program in Economics requests that you submit a short video (no more than three minutes in length) that describes your background and achievements briefly. Then, devote the greater part of the video to telling us about your research interests and post-degree goals.

Video submission is an optional part of your application and not required. Whether or not you submit a video, your written Statement of Academic Purpose should include a full account of your background and career goals. Videos mainly will be used to distinguish between finalists. Do not be concerned if there is substantial redundancy between your written application and your video.

Journalism...All Programs

If you wish to submit recorded material or video as part of your application, the Journalism Institute requests that you use the URL to point to an online collection of your materials. You should add the URL to your online application on the page labeled Personal, Part 2. If you use electronic materials in place of a writing sample, please upload a note in the Writing Sample(s) section of the application alerting the reviewer to go to your URL.

  • Submission of Recorded Materials and Video. Candidates should post recordings, video, and other visual representations of their work to third-party servers and provide the links as part of their application. Please note that the Graduate School cannot accept hard copies.
  • Recordings, photography or video submissions should be uploaded to a third-party server such as Vimeo, Viewbook, YouTube, Soundcloud, Box, Google Drive or Dropbox. The first four options are recommended.

As you will be submitting links only, be sure that the site you choose will continue to support access to your materials during the time we are evaluating your application. If you are unable to make electronic versions of the material available, please contact your program director directly.

Ph.D. Program in Mathematics or Atmosphere Ocean Science/ M.S. Program in Mathematics or  Scientific Computing

The video is required for applicants who are not able to take the TOEFL or IELTS, see FAQ. All other applications to the Ph.D. and MS programs are encouraged to submit a short video.

  •  Your video should be no more than four (4) minutes in length.
  •  In your video, you should answer three (3) of the the following questions:

    1. What are your goals and objectives in getting a Ph.D. in Mathematics or Atmosphere Ocean Science or a MS in Math or Scientific Computing?
    2. Tell us about a theorem or subject in mathematics you particularly like in the format of a blackboard presentation.
    3. Why did you choose Courant?
    4. Why do you think you are a good match for Courant?
    5. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself that is relevant to your application?
  •  Your video need not be anything more than you answering the questions. Your answers, not production values, are what will be evaluated

Master's Program in Mathematics in Finance or Mathematics in Finance/General Management

The department requires you to submit a short video statement. 

  • Only applicants to the full-time program should submit a video.
  • Your video should be no more than five (5) minutes in length.
  • In your video, you should answer one (1) of the the following questions:

    1. Describe a project or experience that challenged you, and explain its relevance to your intended career in quantitative finance.
    2. If your career goals involve a particular type of quantitative finance, explain your goal and why it suits you.
  • Please note that the preliminary screening of applications will use both the written personal statement(s) and the video submission.

Music...All Programs

If you submit recordings and musical scores, it is preferred that you do so by using a URL to point to an online collection of your materials. You should add the URL to your online application on the page labeled Personal, Part 2. If you are unable to make electronic versions of the material available, please contact the Music Department directly at fas.music.gradadmissions@nyu.edu.

Psychology...Industrial/Organizational Psychology

This program requires that you submit a short (no more than 5 minutes in length) video that addresses two topics:

  1. Present an executive summary of your approach to the case study. The key topics and resolution suggested should be presented as if to an organization in a business format and context.
  2. Explain your career goals and interests as they relate to the approach presented in the case study.

Please note that the preliminary screening of applications will mainly make use of written personal statements, not videos. Therefore, your written personal statement should include a full account of your background and career goals. Videos mainly will be used to distinguish between finalists. Do not be concerned if there is substantial redundancy between your written personal statement, case study, and your video.