USC MFA Fall 2016 Applicants

[WriterGirl]

Congrats to all those who got in!

If you don't mind sharing, could you tell me if it was your first time applying or if you were re-applying? TIA!

 

[Paul J.]

In my case, though my joining date might be off-putting, it was actually my first applying to any U.S. schools. I have been working in the industry outside of the U.S. for 6 years after my undergrad, so I have had time to build my portfolio and gain experience both in narrative work as well as in advertisements. I am sure that is what helped me getting accepted first time applying. Hope that helps!

 

[OEO]

This was my first time too, I've graduated in July 2015 from engineering, so not much experience. Lately I've been thinking, are they not that picky? I don't know if it's because I'm an international student (no financial aid, so easier to get money from) or what, but I didn't get an interview, didn't hear anything before the acceptance letter (also applied to Chapman, same thing happened). Even when I applied to London Film School I've had an interview! (Had a really nice chat about my portfolio and the script I've submitted.) I don't really know about their reputation in admissions so what do you guys think?

Also this might be a funny question but I've always thought I've applied to cinematography emphasis at USC, but now I'm not so sure. Did we submit the emphasis we wanted when applying? I can't remember

 

[Paul J.]

@OEO I believe concentrations are chosen after the first year. Though I bet they have tried to make a good mix of ppl beforehand so that not everyone coming in wants to be the boom-pole-guy.

 

[WriterGirl]

This was my first time too, I've graduated in July 2015 from engineering, so not much experience. Lately I've been thinking, are they not that picky? I don't know if it's because I'm an international student (no financial aid, so easier to get money from) or what, but I didn't get an interview, didn't hear anything before the acceptance letter (also applied to Chapman, same thing happened). Even when I applied to London Film School I've had an interview! (Had a really nice chat about my portfolio and the script I've submitted.) I don't really know about their reputation in admissions so what do you guys think?

Also this might be a funny question but I've always thought I've applied to cinematography emphasis at USC, but now I'm not so sure. Did we submit the emphasis we wanted when applying? I can't remember

Don't be mistaken, they liked something about you because they are very selective, so pat yourself on the back!

I have no idea on their handling of international students (I'm one myself) in regards to applications. On one hand, they might be interested in bringing people from elsewhere for diversity reasons, but admissions are supposed to be (at least in theory) need-blind. And they do offer financial help to international applicants if they want them enough. Whether they advertise it or not, all schools have a discretionary budget for scholarships that can go to anyone. It's only Federal aid that is limited to US citizens. So if they think they have the next Oscar winner among the applicants, they can lure that kid, no matter how poor, with scholarships so that they can compete with other schools who are likely to want him/her too

Also, don't use interviews as you guide because some schools simply don't interview anyone for some programs. They do their selection based entirely on the portfolio submitted, and that doesn't mean it's easy to be admitted (if anything, I feel they make it harder for you to prove you'd be a good fit).

You mentioned you're not sure what you applied for? If it was for writing, many programs don't interview writers at all, so there's that

Congrats on your admission! Feel good about it because it's definitely not that easy!

 

[OEO]

Don't be mistaken, they liked something about you because they are very selective, so pat yourself on the back!

I have no idea on their handling of international students (I'm one myself) in regards to applications. On one hand, they might be interested in bringing people from elsewhere for diversity reasons, but admissions are supposed to be (at least in theory) need-blind. And they do offer financial help to international applicants if they want them enough. Whether they advertise it or not, all schools have a discretionary budget for scholarships that can go to anyone. It's only Federal aid that is limited to US citizens. So if they think they have the next Oscar winner among the applicants, they can lure that kid, no matter how poor, with scholarships so that they can compete with other schools who are likely to want him/her too

Also, don't use interviews as you guide because some schools simply don't interview anyone for some programs. They do their selection based entirely on the portfolio submitted, and that doesn't mean it's easy to be admitted (if anything, I feel they make it harder for you to prove you'd be a good fit).

You mentioned you're not sure what you applied for? If it was for writing, many programs don't interview writers at all, so there's that

Congrats on your admission! Feel good about it because it's definitely not that easy!

Thank you for the uplifting response I know about the scholarships, it's just that I didn't get one And I applied to production mfa, but couldn't remember if I chose an emphasis when applying. Probably mixed it with Chapman's application, where we certainly did choose a specialization. Hope you get good news from the remaining schools!

 

[Paul J.]

Has anyone received notification via regular mail? What was in there? Was there financial aid plans? Also, what was the info you put on FAST? Planned graduation date? Are we enrolled during the summer etc? Kind of lost and still fighting to get my FAFSA properly through the system. :/

 

[ZSwriter]

Has anyone received notification via regular mail? What was in there? Was there financial aid plans? Also, what was the info you put on FAST? Planned graduation date? Are we enrolled during the summer etc? Kind of lost and still fighting to get my FAFSA properly through the system. :/

Hey! I received my physical letter the other day (Screenwriting mfa). I live on the east coast. It was a big envelope with a USC folder in it. On the left side of the folder was a USC Admissions certificate and on the right side was my official acceptance letter. Behind the acceptance letter was another letter informing me I had received the Shriram fellowship (this was the first I had heard). So, I'm assuming if you receive a scholarship/fellowship, it will come with your letter if not by email? That was the only financial related item in my letter. There was also a little brochure thing for Admitted Students Day.

As far as FAST goes, I put May 2018 as my graduation date, I think I put 8-14 credits a semester, and I only enrolled for fall and spring.

Hope this helps!

 

[panda]

@Paul J. I received my package in the mail last week! It unfortunately seems I wasn't awarded any sort of fellowship or scholarship - but that doesn't surprise me, considering how few scholarships there are for incoming graduate students. Financial aid notifications are sent later (I believe within a month of submitting all required documents through FAST).

And congrats @ZSwriter on your fellowship! Are you planning on going to the Admitted Graduate Student Day? I'm still on the fence.

 

[ZSwriter]

@panda Thank you! And I don't think so. I can't really justify it to myself to fly out just for the weekend. I also heard that it isn't a huge deal if you don't attend, so I'll probably sit this one out.

 

[Point Break]

It's not a huge deal if you miss the admitted students day, and definitely conserve your finances for the move, deposit, and eventual tuition fees if you're not in the general area/state.

BUT... I would recommend coming to the admitted students day if you can figure out a way (I personally megabus'd from the Bay Area to and fro, staying at a friend's house overnight). It's a cathartic way to cap off the application season and a great way to start your USC experience, should you decide to accept.

You get to meet your cohort for the first time, and interact with students a year ahead and from all the other divisions, which becomes less frequent the deeper you dive into your work here. Plus, free food..... a lot of free food lol.

I personally rode this exciting wave into writing a spec script over the summer. So, if you're looking to get a jump start on your portfolio, get a crew together and shoot a short, or ease the transition into LA with a group of motivated, talented, and inspiring people, you won't be disappointed.

 

[panda]

@Point Break how many people from your cohort went last year? Will all the professors be there, or just a few?

 

[Point Break]

@Point Break how many people from your cohort went last year? Will all the professors be there, or just a few?

I'd say about 75% came during my year. Some flew in overseas and one ended up choosing UCLA after weighing options/preference. It's a good way to get a feel for USC.

The majority of the faculty is there and current students from all divisions are encouraged to join.

 

[Timothy Marc Hopper]

Is there anyone out there who have not received an Acceptance, Rejection, Waiting list or any sort of notification from USC Screenwriting Department regarding your application?

Apparently they are still sending out Acceptance, rejection, and waitinglist notifications. The lady at the front desk stated she was actually processing ACCEPTED application notifications.

 

[Paul J.]

To those living outside the U.S. - have you received your physical acceptance letter already and when? (Production). Just came back from the states to find... nothing. And ofcourse, due to recent hiccups with Tish with another member, I got a bit worried. I was sure I'd come home to find it but nothing... Only the e-mail correspondence.

 

[peace.]

hey, i got the official acceptance letter by email and on the yousc website. It's an official letter, pdf format. What did you get?

 

[Paul J.]

Oh yeah, I got that too but I was kind of waiting for a physical letter via regular mail with perhaps more info etc. Am I waiting in vain?

 

[peace.]

@Paul J. don't sweat it: you got a pdf letter by email --- that's valid proof that you're in. It's something in writing vs. a phone call. You're on safe grounds.

I have a question all, i've been looking for cost of tuition and I repeat tuition only (NOT housing) for USC, can anyone help? I see the close to $60K figure everywhere but I know it can't be ONLY tuition, if not: how much is tuition on average --- esp asking current students here @Point Break if you around, you've been so helpful!

Thanks and good luck to everyone!

 

[Paul J.]

This is what I grabbed from the financial aid webinar back in the days. Kind of hoped the physical acceptance letter would have had costs etc info as well. Thats why I waited for it so eagerly! Also want to start getting finances in order asap.

 

[peace.]

thanks .... yes, I understand, same headache here! @Paul J.