Columbia University: How to Apply for 2025, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Columbia SOA Film Student

At Columbia University School of the Arts, film students master the art of storytelling in motion, learning future-facing visual and narrative techniques. Instructors include Academy Award winners and nominees, such as James Schamus (Moonrise Kingdom, The Pianist) and Ramin Bahrani (The White Tiger, 99 Homes), respectively.

In 2024, Columbia maintained its no. 7 rank on The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of the top 25 U.S. film schools. And in 2022, FilmSchool.org ranked Columbia University among the top 10 undergraduate film programs in the U.S., along with runner-up for Best Screenwriting Program.

FilmSchool.org conducted an exclusive interview with Columbia University's Admissions and Industry Outreach departments. Take a look to find out what admissions officers look for in the application, common application mistakes to avoid, and tips to excel as a Columbia student:

What is it like studying film at Columbia University School of the Arts? ​

Located on the upper west side of Manhattan at 116th and Broadway, Columbia is widely considered one of the most beautiful and walkable urban universities in the nation. The University's historic residence halls are surrounded by greenery, including the South Lawns and Morningside Park. New York City's media scene rivals Los Angeles — it houses the four major American broadcast networks and popular cable channels, such as HBO and Comedy Central, along with dozens of independent film and television studios. Plus, filmmakers have an incredible range of locales for film shoots.

New York has many film screenings Columbia students can enjoy, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's film series to Manhattan's historic Quad Theater to the Lincoln Center. They can also attend the iconic Tribeca Film Festival, Brooklyn Film Festival, and New York Film Festival, among other noteworthy events.

Students use a variety of light packages and shoot on the Canon C200, Panasonic AU-EVA1, and Sony FS5. ARRI cameras are available for advanced film shoots. The Columbia Casting database connects students with talented and trustworthy actors. Additionally, the Digital Media Center assists graduate film students with their coursework.

For an inside look at Columbia University's film MFA, read FilmSchool.org's interview with Columbia graduate Patrick Clement:


For more information about studying film at Columbia, browse the Current Film Student Ask Me Anything (AMA) threads. You can also send Columbia University students general questions at askastudent@columbia.edu.

Renowned Columbia University film program alumni ​

Columbia University alumni dominate the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Peabody Awards, and other historic film awards.

Writer-director-producer Kathryn Bigelow (MFA, ‘79) became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker.

Writer-director-producer Lisa Cholodenko (MFA, ‘97) wrote and directed Olive Kitteridge and nabbed the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series. Most recently, she directed the Hulu limited series The Girl from Plainville.

Writer-director-producer Anna Winger (BA, ‘93) created the Netflix limited series Unorthodox. In 2021, Winger entered a partnership with the streaming service.

10 commonly asked questions about Columbia University​

1. What makes Columbia University School of the Arts exceptional? ​

Columbia trains students to become filmmakers by infusing its curriculum with producing, writing, directing, film theory, and navigating the business side of the industry. Students benefit from the University's impressive alumni network, award-winning instructors, vibrant urban location, and emphasis on storytelling.

FilmSchool.org spoke with cinematographer-producer Tal Lazar, who taught at Columbia University School of the Arts, to learn a bit more about what sets the film school apart and how it differs from other major film schools, namely AFI.

Part 1 of Tal Lazar's interview is available to all FilmSchool.org members:

2. Is Columbia University test optional? ​

Yes. Columbia does not require the SAT, ACT, or GRE.

3. What is the average GPA of Columbia University applicants? ​

There is no hard and fast minimum GPA requirement for Columbia's graduate and undergraduate film programs. However, you should aim for a competitive score. According to Campusreel.org, the average Columbia student has a minimum 3.91 GPA.

FilmSchool.org's Application Database allows members to see the accepted GPAs of Columbia applicants who are waitlisted, accepted, or rejected. You can also sort applications according to GPA.

4. Can I apply to more than one MFA film program?​

You can apply to two or more MFA film programs per application cycle. However, you must submit separate applications and pay two application fees.

5. How important is the portfolio? ​

Columbia University School of the Arts has a holistic admissions process. Each section of the application is positioned as an opportunity to tell the admissions committee what makes you the best fit for the BA or MFA program. Your portfolio should demonstrate your passion for film, the talents you will bring to your program, and your artistic vision.

6. Do all applicants receive an interview?​

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions does not require an interview for acceptance. (Optional interviews may be given depending on how many volunteers are available.)

The Office of Graduate Admissions requires an interview for acceptance.

To find out the percentage of FilmSchool.org members who were admitted after an interview, visit our Acceptance Statistics pages for Columbia's Screenwriting & Directing (MFA) and Creative Producing (MFA).

7. Do the MFA Film Programs emphasize collaboration?​

Both the MFA Creative Producing and Screenwriting/Directing cohorts work closely together to create short films. The 8-12 minute film at the end of year 2 allows Creative Producing students to actualize Directing students’ best works.

The 8-12 minute film project also helped create film crews for major motion pictures like Boys Don’t Cry, American Splendor, and Monsoon Wedding.

8. Are film students allowed to work part-time? ​

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and students should plan accordingly to finance their degrees. Part-time jobs on or off campus are permitted, but the Office of Admissions advises students to account for a heavy course load. Classes run Monday to Friday and often last over 8 hours.

9. Is student housing available?​

Columbia Housing offers undergraduate-exclusive residence halls where film students have a safe, inclusive space to study and form lifelong friendships. The program guarantees housing to all students (excluding visiting students) who apply to live on campus and study full-time for up to four years. Freshmen are required to live on campus (excluding sororities). Eligible students may request special housing accommodations.

Graduate applicants do not have guaranteed housing. If admitted, they can apply for dorm-style rooms and shared apartments through the Columbia University Apartment Housing program.

10. If I withdraw from the film program, can I reapply?​

Yes, but only if you attended Columbia University within the past five years. Request the paper application to reapply by contacting soaadmissions@columbia.edu. For more information, read “Readmission for Former Students” on the official Columbia University website.

Information sessions and campus tours​

Learn more about Columbia University School of the Arts in one of these information sessions, or schedule a guided campus tour by going to the University Visitor's Center. To make an appointment with a School of the Arts admissions counselor, please email soaadmissions@columbia.edu.

Virtual tours are also available for the Morningside Heights Campus and the Manhattanville Campus.

Graduate applicants​

MFA film overview
Watch the full session online

MFA Q&A sessions
Film MFA - Creative Producing
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 @ 6 PM ET
RSVP here

Film MFA - Screenwriting & Directing AND Writing for Film & Television
Date: Monday, November 25, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET
RSVP here

Undergraduate applicants​

General financial aid information
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET Online (Zoom)
RSVP here

Undergraduate information session I
Date: Friday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET
RSVP Here

Undergraduate information session II
Date: Friday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. ET
RSVP Here

International student Q&A
Date: Saturday, November 23 at 9:00 a.m. ET
RSVP Here

Students of color at Columbia panel
Date: Thursday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m. ET
RSVP Here

Application advice session: Regular Decision
Date: Friday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. ET
RSVP Here

Editor's Note: This article has been revised to reflect application for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Continue reading...​

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• How to Apply to Columbia University's BA in Film and Media Studies for 2025 Entry​

• Columbia University General Admissions Requirements for Graduates in 2024-2025​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's Screenwriting & Directing MFA for 2025 Entry​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's Writing for Film & Television MFA for 2024 Entry​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's Creative Producing MFA for 2025 Entry​

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• Read the full article​