All Answers
Education Expert
MIT Sloan’s video essay prompt is: “Introduce yourself to your future classmates.” You get 60 seconds to show your personality—not credentials. Think of it as what you'd say on Day 1 to a new peer group.
- Start with your name and where you're from
- Share one thing that makes you memorable—a hobby (like baking sourdough), a fun fact (like growing up in five countries), or a unique interest (like comic book art or marathon running)
- End with a line on what excites you about joining the Sloan community
Keep the tone peer-to-peer, not overly formal or scripted. Avoid résumé highlights—this isn’t a pitch. Just be real, warm, and clear. Look into the camera, smile, and keep it simple. The goal is to help your future classmates remember you for who you are—not just what you’ve done. You can even check out MIT Sloan's official video on " How to Shoot the Perfect MBA Video Essay "
Business analyst
The MIT Sloan MBA video essay gives you 60 seconds to introduce yourself to your future classmates. The goal isn't to restate your résumé—it's to show personality, presence, and authenticity. Start by saying your name and where you're from, then share something personal and memorable—like a unique interest, cultural background, or life experience. Think about how you'd introduce yourself in a small team setting. Keep the tone warm and confident. Smile, speak clearly, and try to avoid sounding scripted. This isn’t about listing accomplishments—it’s about how you'd contribute to the Sloan community as a person. If you're stuck on what to say or how to film it, check out our blog that breaks down the MIT video essay with examples and filming tips
The Sloan video essay isn’t a pitch, it’s your chance to just be human. Think of it like Day 1 in class when everyone’s going around introducing themselves. Start with your name, where you’re from, and then share something personal that sticks.
It could be anything, maybe you’ve been collecting coins since childhood, or you’ve run a half-marathon on five continents. End with one line about what excites you about Sloan, like collaborating with classmates from around the world or joining the FinTech Club. Keep it relaxed and genuine. A simple smile and natural tone go a long way.
Software Developer
Most people overthink the Sloan video, but it’s really just: “How would you introduce yourself in a classroom?”
Here’s what usually works:
- Start with your name and where you're from. Keep it simple.
- Share something personal or unexpected, like hosting a movie podcast, being obsessed with cooking regional Indian dishes, or hiking in the Western Ghats every monsoon.
- End with something specific about Sloan that excites you—like joining the Food & Agriculture Club or diving into Action Learning projects with real companies.
- Skip job titles and awards. Focus on what makes you memorable to classmates, not what’s already in the application.
- Talk like you’re meeting a group of new friends. Warm, clear, and relaxed always works better than scripted and stiff.
That 60 seconds is just about helping people remember the person behind the profile.