Columbia University MFA Film : FALL 2017

[Christopher Gooley]

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

Where did you get accepted?

 

[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?

I asked Columbia and Feirstein the same question....the only answer Feirstein gave me was they're located in NYC and have brand new equipment, and said they don't help with internships when I asked about that. Columbia told me they focus on story telling and a lot of their students get internships during the years they attend that usually lead to full time employment. Feirstein were the ones who seemed a bit pissed off at that question over Skype. Columbia did not, unless they were playing nice, although, Columbia seemed very eager to talk about it as well. I should have clarified that. My bad.

 

[Operator]

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

We don't know if we got waitlisted tho lol

I'm still waiting to hear back from Columbia College Chicago. I can't go off the spread sheet for that once since the creative producing program got extended until the end of the month. If I get into that one, I'll be moving to Stabby McStabtown or Bustacap Inyoassville depending what part of the city I can afford. Maybe I should invest in a bullet proof vest. O.O

 

[Ashley]

I'm still waiting to hear back from Columbia College Chicago. I can't go off the spread sheet for that once since the creative producing program got extended until the end of the month. If I get into that one, I'll be moving to Stabby McStabtown or Bustacap Inyoassville depending what part of the city I can afford. Maybe I should invest in a bullet proof vest. O.O

Which school got extended? Columbia in NYC or Columbia college Chicago?

 

[HBG]

I'm still waiting to hear back from Columbia College Chicago. I can't go off the spread sheet for that once since the creative producing program got extended until the end of the month. If I get into that one, I'll be moving to Stabby McStabtown or Bustacap Inyoassville depending what part of the city I can afford. Maybe I should invest in a bullet proof vest. O.O

Not nice, friend.

Which school got extended? Columbia in NYC or Columbia college Chicago?

He said Columbia College Chicago. And to be honest with you, I really don't like the procedure of admittance with these MFA programs. Admitted students got calls, but we have no email or written proof for almost two weeks. For example, I applied to Tisch and their application deadline was in November, and I still haven't gotten word back. Their results are different time/dates for every single applicant.

 

[Operator]

Columbia College Chicago MFA in Creative Producing was extended until March 31st.
Jack just emailed me. I'm waitlisted.

 

[Ashley]

Not nice, friend.


He said Columbia College Chicago. And to be honest with you, I really don't like the procedure of admittance with these MFA programs. Admitted students got calls, but we have no email or written proof for almost two weeks. For example, I applied to Tisch and their application deadline was in November, and I still haven't gotten word back. Their results are different time/dates for every single applicant.

Hmmmm

 

[Ashley]

Columbia College Chicago MFA in Creative Producing was extended until March 31st.
Jack just emailed me. I'm waitlisted.

Wait waitlisted...well it's not a rejection!

 

[Ashley]

Columbia College Chicago MFA in Creative Producing was extended until March 31st.
Jack just emailed me. I'm waitlisted.

Wait waitlisted for Columbia Chicago? Or NYC lol..my bad I'm so tired today

 

[Operator]

Wait waitlisted...well it's not a rejection!

Jack said that people who are waitlisted often end up getting in.

 

[Operator]

Wait waitlisted for Columbia Chicago? Or NYC lol..my bad I'm so tired today

Columbia University.
I emailed him yesterday because I was tired of waiting...he said waitlist and rejection notices will go out this week.

 

[Ashley]

Jack said that people who are waitlisted often end up getting in.

So jack emailed you today?

 

[Ashley]

Columbia University.
I emailed him yesterday because I was tired of waiting...he said waitlist and rejection notices will go out this week.

Can you show us the email? If you don't mind

 

[Operator]

Can you show us the email? If you don't mind

 

[Operator]

 

[Ashley]

View attachment 626

okay cool cool

 

[senhorjose]

Hi all - acceptance calls for screenwriting and directing have begun. Eric just called me a few minutes ago. Good luck to all applicants!

 

[fayelll]

Hi all - acceptance calls for screenwriting and directing have begun. Eric just called me a few minutes ago. Good luck to all applicants!

Oh my god i am so nervous now... Hopefully I can get the call.

 

[jojoe]

Hi all - acceptance calls for screenwriting and directing have begun. Eric just called me a few minutes ago. Good luck to all applicants!

Congrats! Was Eric also your interviewer?

 

[freshandcoy]

Hey guys! Just got a call from Eric Mendelson! Around 8:20pm! Accepted for Screenwriting/Directing

I almost didn't take the call.... it was an unknown #ID that said Atlanta, GA. So for anyone getting odd calls, PICK EM UP!
GOOD LUCK !!!