Questions to prompt discussion with students:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Students (dialogue starters):

Positive Impressions

• In the YouTube videos that you watch, what are some things you look for to decide if the person in the video is someone you’d want to know?

Starting Early

• Why could it be smart to start as early as elementary school learning how to make YouTube videos that show positive things about you?

Showing Your Strengths

• What are some things you’re good at that you could teach others in a YouTube video one day?

Middle School Students (dialogue starters):

Knowing What to Trust

• What are some ways you gauge if a YouTuber is authentic and knows the subject they’re discussing?

Getting Started

• How could it help you to start making positive YouTube videos now as practice for building a future college application video resume?

Passion Projects

• What skills or interests do you have that you might show in a YouTube video to impress college admissions officers in the future?

High School Students (dialogue starters):

Benefits of a College Application Video

• What can a college application video resume show that’s hard to convey in a traditional application?

Using Technology to Get Noticed

• How can you make it more likely that admissions officers will see your YouTube college application resume?

Beyond Your Application

• What are some positive aspects of your character and life you could showcase in YouTube videos that a future college/employer might notice in addition to your video resume?

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• ChatGPT Guide (2023): What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know
• Can YouTube Help A Student’s Online Reputation?
• Navigating YouTube (2023): What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

Conclusion

YouTube offers so many opportunities to help students navigate the college exploration process and help jumpstart their future career planning. By taking advantage of the wealth of YouTube videos available, students can gain valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and potential career paths.

YouTube can be a powerful tool to research colleges, learn about different majors, find scholarships, and even create a standout video resume for college applications. With a little preparation and research, students can gain a competitive edge that sets them up for success in their college and career journeys.