You might hear people talking about a “TikTok resume.” The idea sounds new and exciting. But should you really use a TikTok video for your college application? Let’s look at this trend. We will see the risks and find better ways to use video. Using short video can be part of your college application strategy, but you need to be smart about it. For a professional online presence showcasing your achievements, consider building a profile on Cirkled in.

What’s the Buzz About TikTok Resumes?

Short videos are everywhere, especially on platforms like TikTok. It feels natural to think about using them for everything, even applying to college. Some think a video shows personality better than paper. It seems like a quick way to stand out.

The idea is that a short, catchy video could grab an admission officer’s attention. Maybe it shows your skills or tells your story in a fresh way. But there are big problems with sending a direct link to a social media video.

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Why Direct TikTok Links Are Risky for Applications

Sending a link to your TikTok profile or a specific video is usually a bad idea for college applications. Here’s why:

• Not Professional: TikTok is mostly for fun, casual content. Admission officers expect professional application materials. A TikTok link might look like you don’t take the process seriously.
• Distractions: Your profile might have other videos that are not right for an application reviewer. They might see personal jokes or trends that don’t fit.
• Platform Issues: Admission officers might not have TikTok accounts. They might not want to click unknown links. The link could break, or the video could be taken down.
• Doesn’t Fit: Colleges have specific ways they want information. A TikTok video doesn’t fit the standard application format. They want essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters.

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A Smarter Way: Video in Your Digital Portfolio

Instead of a “TikTok resume,” think about adding a short video to your digital portfolio or personal website. This is a much better approach.

A digital portfolio is a place you control. You can collect samples of your best work, projects, and achievements. It looks professional. You can then include a link to your portfolio in your college application where allowed (like in an activities section or additional information). Cirkled in offers a platform to build such a professional digital presence.

Inside your portfolio, a short, well-made video can add value. It becomes one piece of a larger picture showing who you are and what you can do.

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When Can a Short Video Actually Help?

A short video in your portfolio works best in certain situations:

• Creative Fields: If you’re applying for programs like film, theater, dance, or music, a video showing your talent is often expected or helpful.
• Demonstrating Skills: Maybe you built a robot, created an animation, or have amazing public speaking skills. A short video can show these skills in action better than words.
• Explaining Complex Projects: If you worked on a big science project or community initiative, a short video could help explain it clearly.
• Language Skills: A brief clip of you speaking a foreign language fluently can be powerful.

The key is that the video should add new information or show something difficult to explain with text alone. It should not just repeat your resume.

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Tips for Creating a Great Application Video

If you decide a video belongs in your portfolio, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep it Short: Aim for 60-90 seconds maximum. Respect the reviewer’s time.
• Focus on Content: What do you want to show or explain? Plan it out. Don’t just talk to the camera without a purpose.
• Be Professional: Film in a quiet place with good lighting. Dress appropriately. Speak clearly. Avoid distracting backgrounds or shaky camera work.
• Get to the Point: Start strong. Don’t waste time with long introductions.
• Good Quality: Use the best camera and microphone you can access (a smartphone often works fine). Ensure clear sound and video.
• Host it Properly: Upload it to a stable platform like YouTube or Vimeo (set to unlisted if you prefer) and embed it cleanly in your portfolio website. Do not just link to a social media post.

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Final Thought: Video is a Tool, Not a Replacement

Think of a short video as one possible tool in your application toolkit, best used within a curated portfolio. It’s not a magic trick or a replacement for strong grades, good essays, and meaningful activities. Using a video college application element requires careful thought. Avoid the risky “TikTok resume” idea. Focus instead on where a polished, purposeful video inside your professional portfolio can truly add value.

Need more tips on college applications, scholarships, or just how to survive this whole process? Cirkled In has your back—check out Cirkled In resources to help you through every step of your college journey!

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