Columbia 2014 Applicants

[TheRealSV]

Just finished my interview for the director/screenwriter program via Skype. It seemed to go really well. It was very casual and they allowed me to chat and explain my past experience as well as what I thought my vision was, etc. I mentioned to them a few things about film that they didn't know and that in turn received a response from them that "we can learn a thing or two from you." which made me feel good. So it seems promising! We will see!!

 

[Carrie Z]

My interview isn't until March 17th, so I'm hoping I hear soon after that!

What's your major? Producing?

 

[cadencotard]

What's your major? Producing?

My interview is on March 17 as well, and my major is Writing/Directing.

 

[A Favorable Wind]

Hey folks!

Haven't been on for a while but I wanted to check in with some news for Creative Producing students. I just received a call from Ira informing me that I'm in! If you've had your CP interview be sure to keep your cell phone at the ready and sound off if you've received good news!

 

[Carrie Z]

Hey folks!

Haven't been on for a while but I wanted to check in with some news for Creative Producing students. I just received a call from Ira informing me that I'm in! If you've had your CP interview be sure to keep your cell phone at the ready and sound off if you've received good news!

congrats！！Omg, I'm so nervous.

 

[A Favorable Wind]

congrats！！Omg, I'm so nervous.

If it helps in calming your nerves, I live near NYC. Maybe they're contacting domestic students first then international. Either way my fingers are crossed for you, Carrie Z!!!

 

[Carrie Z]

If it helps in calming your nerves, I live near NYC. Maybe they're contacting domestic students first then international. Either way my fingers are crossed for you, Carrie Z!!!

Thank you. I live in Miami. I woke up 8 in the morning to wait the phone call. Hope to see you in Columbia in August. Thank you~~~~~~

 

[Alice Barden]

i have an interview on Monday and really interested in knowing what percentage of interviewees get into the program. ???Final acceptance seems to be roughly 10%. Would they really interview 20%. Please weigh in on this. I am NERVOUS!!

 

[A Favorable Wind]

i have an interview on Monday and really interested in knowing what percentage of interviewees get into the program. ???Final acceptance seems to be roughly 10%. Would they really interview 20%. Please weigh in on this. I am NERVOUS!!

Yep, Columbia's Film MFA has a very low acceptance rate quoted between 6 to 10% of +\- 1,000 applicants.

Speaking from my experience, the interview is very relaxed and is really your opportunity to share your personality and passion for film. The questions were very standard (Why Creative Producing? What have you been doing until recently?) and were asked in a casual yet encouraging manner. It was all very friendly!

The one bit of advice I took from this forum that helped me feel prepared going in there is to go in there with a clear idea of what kind of filmmaker you want to be and the kinds of films you're interested in making. Be prepared to articulate those points. Other than that, relax and plan on having a conversation about yourself with some nice people! Good luck!

 

[kseaplease]

I've read that zero applicants are admitted to Columbia without an interview. Therefore, I can say with a heavy heart: rejection hurts. Sigh... Setting my hurt feelings and damaged ego aside, I feel I am obligated (almost morally) to give advice to future candidates (Keep in mind: I only applied to Columbia University).

I believe that at some point during the application process, an applicant must adopt the paradigm that the totality of their chances (regarding acceptances) rest on/in your resume. Both objectivity and subjectivity WILL be present during the vetting processes, but they will only exist to the extent of the resume. Columbia will not do research beyond the scope of the resume. They will not call and ask for the opinion(s) of your mother, bff or of your favorite Professor. Columbia WILL NOT peruse your Facebook page, tweeter feed or instagram posts. Columbia will however predicate their decision on the material present in the resume (application). Perhaps this principle is self-evident to most of you. I for one, am an idiot. In hindsight, I feel I took the application process too lightly. I placed too much weight on my experience and I spent too little time developing an application that would mirror the esteemed opinions of my dog Turkish, my mother, my bffs, and my Professors.

I'm not sure where I will be in nine months. (I currently work full time in the industry, but I've managed to pigeonhole myself, directing only commercials. As for me, like most of you, well my heart lies on/with the silver screen). I wanted to go to Columbia SO badly.

I wish all of you the best of luck, I sincerely thank you all for being so supportive of each other. This forum (particularly this thread), has been awesome.

Well, with no further ado I'll conclude my thoughts with the God's honest truth: REJECTION HURTS.

 

[TheRealSV]

I've read that zero applicants are admitted to Columbia without an interview. Therefore, I can say with a heavy heart: rejection hurts. Sigh... Setting my hurt feelings and damaged ego aside, I feel I am obligated (almost morally) to give advice to future candidates (Keep in mind: I only applied to Columbia University).

I believe that at some point during the application process, an applicant must adopt the paradigm that the totality of their chances (regarding acceptances) rest on/in your resume. Both objectivity and subjectivity WILL be present during the vetting processes, but they will only exist to the extent of the resume. Columbia will not do research beyond the scope of the resume. They will not call and ask for the opinion(s) of your mother, bff or of your favorite Professor. Columbia WILL NOT peruse your Facebook page, tweeter feed or instagram posts. Columbia will however predicate their decision on the material present in the resume (application). Perhaps this principle is self-evident to most of you. I for one, am an idiot. In hindsight, I feel I took the application process too lightly. I placed too much weight on my experience and I spent too little time developing an application that would mirror the esteemed opinions of my dog Turkish, my mother, my bffs, and my Professors.

I'm not sure where I will be in nine months. (I currently work full time in the industry, but I've managed to pigeonhole myself, directing only commercials. As for me, like most of you, well my heart lies on/with the silver screen). I wanted to go to Columbia SO badly.

I wish all of you the best of luck, I sincerely thank you all for being so supportive of each other. This forum (particularly this thread), has been awesome.

Well, with no further ado I'll conclude my thoughts with the God's honest truth: REJECTION HURTS.

How do you know you were rejected already? Aren't they still calling for interviews? This is my first time applying to C.U. so not sure how far into March they contact applicants. Are they done already and when do director / screenwriter applicants find out their fate? What I found interesting, is the two ladies I interviewed didn't see any of my films or anything I wrote except the Narrative Statement. They told me all the other professors seen my movies, read my scripts, etc but not them. So that was interesting. Kseaplease I hope you still get that email for the interview invite, don't give up hope!

 

[Carrie Z]

anyone hears anything from Columbia? A favorable wind received offer on last thursday noon, so it means they already started. it's driving me crazy....

 

[Brenda8888]

anyone hears anything from Columbia? A favorable wind received offer on last thursday noon, so it means they already started. it's driving me crazy....

Hello all,

I’m new in this thread. Thanks for all information you shared with.
I’m an international student and had an in-person interview for creative producing at Columbia on Feb.24th.

I also haven’t received calling from Ira or mail titled “Congratulations”. I start nervous when hearing A Favorable Wind got acceptance. (Congratulations!!)


Good Luck for all of us in this thread!!!!!

 

[Massi]

Hi, I also received a call of acceptance from Columbia last week. I'm also a Creative Producing applicant. Best of luck to everyone!!

 

[Fightclub]

anyone hears anything from Columbia? A favorable wind received offer on last Thursday noon, so it means they already started. it's driving me crazy....

Hi Carrie, I guess those who received admission are creative producing. We should be waiting until late March. Best of luck.
I did my interview also. It was good and my questions was exactly like you.

 

[Carrie Z]

Hi Carrie, I guess those who received admission are creative producing. We should be waiting until late March. Best of luck.
I did my interview also. It was good and my questions was exactly like you.

I was wondering if they give offer all at one time or they give them out separately. For now, I know two people got offer last week. Hope to hear the news soon. good luck fightclub.

 

[Fightclub]

I was wondering if they give offer all at one time or they give them out separately. For now, I know two people got offer last week. Hope to hear the news soon. good luck fightclub.

@Carrie Z Really? Are they accepted for directing/screenwriting? I am surprised because I think they don't send out notifications as far as interviews go on.

 

[Brenda8888]

Hi, I also received a call of acceptance from Columbia last week. I'm also a Creative Producing applicant. Best of luck to everyone!!

Hi Massi,

Thanks!
May I ask you are you a international student?
I am considering writing a letter to Ira.
Columbia is my first choose. I need to do as much as I can do.

 

[Carrie Z]

@Carrie Z Really? Are they accepted for directing/screenwriting? I am surprised because I think they don't send out notifications as far as interviews go on.

I think both of them are creative producing students. I guess the interview for creative producing ended already. I am waiting for Ira's call everyday. I get scared because they got the phone call last week. Lots of possibilities.

 

[Massi]

Hi Massi,

Thanks!
May I ask you are you a international student?
I am considering writing a letter to Ira.
Columbia is my first choose. I need to do as much as I can do.

Yes, I am an international student!