Overview
As part of the application to our Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP) or Berkeley Global Computing and Data Science Program (CDS Global), applicants are asked to record a short video essay. This video takes the place of a traditional written personal statement.
The purpose of the video response is to give our team a better sense of who you are, what motivates you academically, and how prepared you are to engage in coursework at UC Berkeley. Your response also helps us understand how this program fits into your broader academic or career plans so we can better guide you if admitted.
Why We Ask for a Video Essay
Your video submission allows us to:
- Learn about your academic interests and goals in your own words
- Understand your reasons for applying to the program
- Assess how well the program aligns with your goals
- Review applications more holistically
The video essay is meant to be personal and reflective, giving us a better sense of who you are. It is not intended to look professional or measure your video-making abilities. We also will not take your personal style or accent into account.
What You’ll Be Asked to Talk About
You will be shown a prompt during the application process. You can find examples of prompts on your program’s 'How to Apply' webpage
For more detailed information read: How to Record and Submit Your Video Essay
If you have questions about the video response requirement, contact us at visiting-student@berkeley.edu. We look forward to learning more about you through this portion of your application!