Columbia University MFA Film : FALL 2017

[ireneyang]

I don't think they liked it when I asked them, "if accepted why should I chose them instead of another well established school?"

Why did you ask that?

 

[Operator]

Why did you ask that?

Because, if I'm going to be spending over $30k a semester, they better have a damn good reason for charging that much.

 

[Christopher Gooley]

Because, if I'm going to be spending over $30k a semester, they better have a damn good reason for charging that much.

Ivy League that's why they charge that much.

 

[Operator]

Ivy League that's why they charge that much.

That's fine. I just wanted to hear their reasoning as to why they're the best choice. Maybe next time I apply I won't ask them that. lol

 

[HBG]

That's fine. I just wanted to hear their reasoning as to why they're the best choice. Maybe next time I apply I won't ask them that. lol

You know as much as you feel like it's a valid question and you'd truly like to know if it's financially worth it for you, you do have to be strategic about the way you carry the interview, it's your first impression.

Also a big part of pursuing an MFA is knowing why you'll be spending that much on your own and through your research, not having the interviewers justify it for you.

 

[Ashley]

That's fine. I just wanted to hear their reasoning as to why they're the best choice. Maybe next time I apply I won't ask them that. lol

Lol yeah prolly not the best question

 

[icygee]

Lol yeah prolly not the best question

It's actually a great question it's just something that needs to be worded sincerely and not come across as smug. Good work @Operator

 

[Ashley]

It's actually a great question it's just something that needs to be worded sincerely and not come across as smug. Good work @Operator

Alright like how?

 

[icygee]

Alright like how?

"What experience/advantages might I gain by attending Columbia that would be unavailable to me at a different program?"

"What sets Columbia apart from the other film programs of similar ranking?"

It's about being savvy. Letting them know that Columbia is your #1 choice (even if it isn't) and still getting information out of them.

 

[Ashley]

"What experience/advantages might I gain by attending Columbia that would be unavailable to me at a different program?"

"What sets Columbia apart from the other film programs of similar ranking?"

It's about being savvy. Letting them know that Columbia is your #1 choice (even if it isn't) and still getting information out of them.

The first one sounds smug

 

[icygee]

The first one sounds smug

Maybe offer some constructive criticism then it seems like you like to insert yourself into conversations to hear yourself talk

 

[Ashley]

Maybe offer some constructive criticism then it seems like you like to insert yourself into conversations to hear yourself talk

You can't hear on a board..but okay.

 

[Ashley]

Maybe offer some constructive criticism then it seems like you like to insert yourself into conversations to hear yourself talk

The first one you said sounded smug..and that's that. Pretty cut and dry.

 

[icygee]

The first one you said sounded smug..and that's that. Pretty cut and dry.

You know what I hope you have a blessed day. I hope you hear back from a school today! It's a great feeling.

 

[Operator]

Play nice everyone. Lol

 

[SaltyDornishman]

I'm small and new, but I don't think there's anything wrong with asking a question based in the idea that Operator had in mind. That is, every prospective student should be able to understand what sets one school apart from another. It's not that much different from the school doing the same with students.

"Why should we select this student over another...."
"Why should we select one school over another...."

Perhaps the wording could have been more "savvy" as icygee stated, but at the end of the day, there shouldn't be any harm in asking, in my opinion.

 

[clairewitchproject]

It's actually a great question it's just something that needs to be worded sincerely and not come across as smug. Good work @Operator

Maybe I'm misreading this chain but I thought the question was asked in @Operator's Feirstein interview. In which case, I think it's totally fair to ask a brand new program what they have to offer and what's their differentiating factor. Now that question could rub some interviewers the wrong way. Yet delivered with tact, you can certainly ask really provocative questions, as long as the question and proceeding convo do not feel tense and combative.

So for a school like Feirstein, I might present that in the most conversational manner. I like this approach: Compliment + Pivot + Hard Question

"COMPLIMENT: I've read you have amassed incredible support from the entertainment community, like how Ethan Hawke is on your board of directors. And you've built out the largest studio facilities for aspiring film students on the east coast. Congrats.

[maybe you and interview chat a bit here about that. mood is nice and lite]

PIVOT: However, your program is quite young compared to the more established film schools. This is super exciting but I do have some questions....

[uh-oh, your bringing out the tuff questions now. Anticipate a raised eyebrow from your interviewer, but don't fear, it's all how you position your question. Watch your tone your here.]

HARD QUESTIONS:

• What resources will the school provide post-graduation to help ensure student success?
• Since the alumni network is not that large, what opportunities will the school provide to make industry connections?
• Are there opportunities to collaborate with students from other institutions, either here or abroad?

 

[Christopher Gooley]

We didn't get in so, does it even matter anymore? LOL....

We don't know if we got waitlisted tho lol

 

[Ashley]

You know what I hope you have a blessed day. I hope you hear back from a school today! It's a great feeling.

LOOOOL I'm here for this gif

 

[Ashley]

I'm small and new, but I don't think there's anything wrong with asking a question based in the idea that Operator had in mind. That is, every prospective student should be able to understand what sets one school apart from another. It's not that much different from the school doing the same with students.

"Why should we select this student over another...."
"Why should we select one school over another...."

Perhaps the wording could have been more "savvy" as icygee stated, but at the end of the day, there shouldn't be any harm in asking, in my opinion.

good point