Employers have been using video applications for years and now the storied University of Chicago, which dates back to 1890, is looking to the digital future by having potential students show off their knowledge and skills in a two-minute video introduction.

To help level the playing field for everyone,  the University of Chicago has launched a new initiative to empower first-generation and low-income students to use online and other resources to present themselves as well as any other college applicant.

“We want students to understand the application does not define you—you define the application,” said James G. Nondorf, dean of admissions and vice president of enrollment and student advancement at the University of Chicago.

Revised admissions policies, including a new test-optional selection for domestic students, offer students increased flexibility to share what they feel best represents them in the admissions process.

Students now have the choice to make use of the media of their choice to personalize elements of their application, including submitting a two-minute video introduction in lieu of the traditional college interview.

“The UChicago Empower Initiative continues the University and College’s unwavering commitment to access and inclusion,” said John W. Boyer, Dean of the College at the University of Chicago.

“Throughout the past century, UChicago has considered a broad diversity of cultural perspectives and academic merit without regard to socioeconomic class to be fundamental. We are delighted to now also provide an admission process that makes UChicago even more accessible by enabling students to present their best, most authentic selves,” Boyer said.

In an email Thurs, June 14 to his cabinet, academic deans, department chairs, and board members, David Wilson, president of Morgan State University  wrote:

“I think it’s time for us at Morgan to have a serious discussion about the testing requirement.”

As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible.

Nearly 1,000 candidates received bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at the historically black college and university’s 142nd Commencement on Saturday, May 19.  Morgan State offers more than 100 programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate.