Skip to main content

Video Essay

David LiuAbout 6 min

Video Essay

Optional, but strongly recommended

Prepare a 1-3 minute video that lets the admission committee know who you are, what you do well, and what you are looking to achieve in your graduate study at the LTI.

Note: that the video (and audio) must be of the applicant (not a proxy). If there is more than one person in the video, please clarify which person is the applicant. What you do or say is totally up to you as long as you provide the information requested.

If all else is equal, an applicant with a video essay will have an advantage over an otherwise identical applicant without a video essay.

Upload the video or provide a link below.


Here's a script for your video essay, tailored to your background and objectives:


Hello, I'm Yongbei Kuang, a senior student from Northeastern University in MIS.

I have great acdemic performance, reflected in my high weighted average score of 90.32. I always ranked top 3 in my major and I ranked 1ts during my junior year with all of my major course excells.

I also have a lot of software developement competition experience. I am awarded with the 2nd price in the Mobile Application Innovation Contest with my AR social application Trace Note. And I also get the 1st price in the Bytedance Youth Camp with my blog system with TrustSVD recommendation system.

[Opening with a smile]

"Hello, I'm Dawei Liu, a recent graduate from Northeastern University in Software Engineering, where I explored my deep interest in Artificial Intelligence, reflected in my high GPA of 4.2779."

[Transition to Academic and Professional Highlights]

"During my studies, courses like Big Data Technology and AI ignited my passion for the field. This academic foundation was further enriched through my professional experience at JD.comopen in new window, where I contributed to pioneering AI projects, enhancing efficiencies and shaping future technologies."

[Segue to Team Leadership and Collaboration]

"Leadership has been a cornerstone of my journey. I led teams in projects like 'Trace Note' and 'Juejin,' utilizing Scrum methodologies and tools like Trello for effective project management. These experiences sharpened my collaborative and organizational skills, essential for AI innovation."

[Motivation for Graduate Study]

"I'm drawn to CMU’s MSAII program because it aligns perfectly with my aspiration to delve deeper into AI. I'm excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge and contribute to groundbreaking AI research and development."

[Goals and Aspirations]

"My goal is to join a leading AI-focused company to hone my skills in AI product development. In the long term, I envision founding my own startup to revolutionize how we interact with AI in our daily lives."

[Closing Remarks]

"I am enthusiastic about the journey ahead at CMU and confident that the MSAII program will be a pivotal step in achieving my career aspirations. Thank you for considering my application."


[Start with enthusiasm and a personal touch]

"Hello! I'm [Your Name], and I am passionate about transforming the world through AI. As a top graduate from Northeastern University's Software Engineering program, my journey in AI has been more than academic; it's been a calling."

[Connect your past to your aspirations]

In my role at JD.comopen in new window, I contributed to an innovative project: the AI Pilot Marketing Platform. This platform revolutionized marketing processes by condensing tasks, typically requiring multiple specialists, into a single-person operation. What used to take 14 days for campaign planning and execution, we streamlined to just one day.

Our system leveraged AI to produce diverse, low-cost content and materials tailored to the financial industry, implementing targeted marketing strategies for individual user profiles.

My focus was on developing the 'Activity Page AIGC Setup' - a crucial component that enabled automated, intelligent page creation. This work not only demonstrated my technical skills but also highlighted the significant impact of AI in optimizing and personalizing marketing efforts.

[Emphasize leadership and collaboration with a story]

"As a leader for 'Trace Note' and 'Juejin,' I didn't just manage - I inspired teams. We used Scrum and Trello, yes, but our real success lay in our collaborative spirit and shared passion for AI."

[Articulate why CMU and your future vision]

"I see CMU’s MSAII program as a launchpad. It's where I can deepen my AI expertise, yes, but also where I can turn my vision into reality. I don't just see myself as a student; I see myself as an AI innovator in the making."

[Conclude with a forward-looking and thankful note]

"I am eager to bring my blend of academic excellence, professional experience, and leadership to CMU. I'm not just applying for a program; I'm taking the next step towards a future where I redefine AI's role in our lives. Thank you for considering my journey to be part of CMU's legacy."


[Start with a Personal Introduction]

"Hello, I'm [Your Name]. My journey in AI began at Northeastern University and found its practical application in my work at JD.comopen in new window, where I contributed to groundbreaking AI-driven platforms."

[Academic Excellence and Passion for AI]

"My academic life was not just about grades, with a GPA of 4.2779, but a deep dive into the world of AI. Courses like 'Big Data Technology' and 'Introduction to AI' were more than just classes; they were the building blocks of my understanding of AI's potential."

[Professional Experience and Impact]

"At JD.comopen in new window, I worked on the AI Pilot Marketing Platform, a transformative project that revolutionized marketing. Our platform reduced the multi-functional team requirement to just one person, bringing marketing campaigns from ideation to execution in just one day. This wasn’t just an innovation; it was a revolution in AI-driven marketing."

[Highlighting Leadership in Team Projects]

"Leadership is about inspiring others. As the team leader for 'Trace Note' and 'Juejin,' I implemented the Scrum methodology and used tools like Trello for effective project management. We didn't just meet deadlines; we created AI solutions that were practical and innovative."

[Motivation for Joining CMU’s MSAII Program]

"I see CMU's MSAII program as more than just an educational journey. It's an opportunity to deepen my AI expertise and turn my vision of an AI-empowered world into a reality."

[Future Goals and Aspirations]

"My goal is to contribute to a leading AI-focused company and eventually to lead my own startup. A startup not just focused on AI, but one that reshapes how we interact with technology in our daily lives."

[Concluding with Gratitude and Forward-Looking Optimism]

"I am excited about the prospect of joining CMU and contributing to the field of AI. I believe the MSAII program is the key to unlocking my potential and shaping the future of AI. Thank you for considering my application and being a part of my journey."


[Introduction with Enthusiasm]

"Hello, I'm [Your Name], an undergraduate from Northeastern University, where I delved deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence. My journey in AI has been a path of discovery, innovation, and application."

[Academic Background]

"In my studies, I was captivated by courses like 'Big Data Technology' and 'Introduction to AI,' which laid the groundwork for my understanding and passion for AI."

[Professional Experience and AI Impact]

"My role at JD.comopen in new window was a pivotal experience. Here, I worked on the AI Pilot Marketing Platform, revolutionizing marketing processes, making marketing campaigns more efficient, and personalizing customer interactions with AI."

I mainly developed and refactored the AIGC activity page generation service, which is a really amazing application of AI in marketing field.

[Innovative Project – Juejin]

"Another key project that demonstrates my AI proficiency is 'Juejin,' a knowledge-sharing platform I developed. This wasn't just a platform; it was an AI-powered ecosystem, utilizing an TrustSVD recommendation system to enhance user experience. And I am awarded with the First Prize of the 4th ByteDance Youth Camp.

It highlighted my ability to not only understand AI but to apply it in a way that fundamentally changes how we interact with digital content."

[Innovative Project – Trace Note]

"Exploring beyond AI, I developed 'Trace Note,' an AR social app. It’s a platform where users can leave messages at specific locations and interact in an immersive, augmented reality world. This project highlighted my ability to innovate and blend technology with human interaction."

[Team Leadership Experience]

"Leading teams for projects like 'Trace Note' and 'Juejin,' I adopted Scrum methodologies, fostering collaboration and innovation. These experiences have been instrumental in enhancing my leadership and project management skills."

[Purpose of Joining CMU’s MSAII Program]

"I am drawn to CMU’s MSAII program as it aligns with my goal to deepen my AI expertise and transform these insights into real-world solutions. CMU is the ideal environment for me to grow as an AI innovator."

[Future Goals and Aspirations]

"My ambition is to join an AI-focused company, contributing to groundbreaking products, and eventually, to establish my own startup, revolutionizing how AI integrates into our daily lives."

[Conclusion with Forward-Looking Optimism]

"I am excited about the potential to join CMU and contribute to the evolving field of AI. This program is not just a learning opportunity; it’s the next step in my journey to becoming a leader in AI innovation. Thank you for considering my application."


[Introduction with Enthusiasm]

"Hello, I'm Dawei Liu, an undergraduate from Northeastern University, where I delved deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence. My journey in AI has been a path of discovery, innovation, and application."

[Professional Experience and AI Impact]

"My role at JD.comopen in new window was a pivotal experience. Here, I worked on the AI Pilot Marketing Platform, revolutionizing marketing processes, making marketing campaigns more efficient

I mainly developed and refactored the AIGC activity page generation service, which is a really amazing application of AI in marketing field.

[Innovative Project – Juejin]

"Another key project that demonstrates my AI proficiency is 'Juejin,' a knowledge-sharing platform I developed. This wasn't just a platform; it was an AI-powered ecosystem, utilizing an TrustSVD recommendation system to enhance user experience. And I am awarded with the First Prize of the 4th ByteDance Youth Camp.

[Innovative Project – Trace Note]

"Exploring beyond AI, I developed 'Trace Note,' an AR social app. It’s a platform where users can leave messages at specific locations and interact in an immersive AR world. This project highlighted my ability to innovate and blend technology with human interaction. And I am awarded with the Second Prize of the Mobile Application Innovation Contest held by Apple.

[Team Leadership Experience]

"Leading teams for projects like 'Trace Note' and 'Juejin,' I adopted Scrum methodologies, fostering collaboration and innovation. These experiences have been instrumental in enhancing my leadership and project management skills."

[Purpose of Joining CMU’s MSAII Program]

"I am drawn to CMU’s MSAII program as it aligns with my goal to deepen my AI skills and transform these insights into real-world solutions. CMU is the ideal environment for me to grow as an AI innovator."

[Future Goals and Aspirations]

"My ambition is to join an AI-focused company, contributing to groundbreaking products, and eventually, to establish my own startup, revolutionizing how AI integrates into our daily lives."

[Conclusion with Forward-Looking Optimism]

"I am excited about the potential to join CMU and contribute to the evolving field of AI. This program is not just a learning opportunity; it’s the next step in my journey to becoming a leader in AI innovation. Thank you for considering my application."