U.S. News Launches “Why My School Rocks!” Video Contest on YouTube

–Students invited to submit school videos for grand prize “Spring Break Trip for Two”–

Washington, D.C. – September 2, 2008 – U.S. News Media Group today announced the launch of its first “Why My School Rocks” college video contest in collaboration with STA Travel on YouTube. As part of the 2009 America’s Best Colleges package, U.S. News invites students to create and upload videos on its contest page at www.usnews.com/youtubecontest starting today and continuing until 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31, 2008.

“Why My School Rocks” videos should showcase unique and memorable characteristics of their campus to demonstrate why it should be recognized by U.S. News. All subject matters are welcome: From unusual campus traditions to dorms that put the Ritz to shame…whatever it is that makes a school “rock.”

In order to win, contestants must promote their videos to friends, family and general viewers through social networking/media sites, E-mail, and other outlets to try to rack up the most views by October 31, 2008. The 10 videos with the greatest number of views will move on to the finals where the U.S. News – STA Travel judging committee choose the winner based on their ability to use the theme “Why My School Rocks,” creativity, and effectiveness in providing an overall campus viewing experience.

The Grand Prize Winner and the winning video will be announced by the U.S. News judging team on November 12, 2008. The winner of the video contest will receive a “Spring Break Trip for Two” from STA Travel to one of four top destinations: Jamaica, Cancún, Acapulco, or the Bahamas (including air and hotel packages for their vacation, maximum value $1,500 per person or total value of $3,000).

“We’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to utilize digital media and engage our readers. The goal of this contest is to enable students and educators to view what institutions across the country are doing to increase the quality of campus life and the overall college experience,” said Brian Kelly, editor of U.S.News & World Report.

Entry requirements:

• Submissions will only be accepted from contestants registered at or from staff members at an accredited four-year college;
• Entrants may use any artistic medium to create their original video; and
• Videos must be less than two minutes in length.