Interviews - Acceptances - Rejections 2018

IndecisiveElle

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Thought I'd start a central thread - they've been nice in previous years to quickly spot which school is in what stage and for us all to come together in one spot.

so far AFI (directing, screenwriting and producing) has sent out interview invites. Doesn't look like any others have gone out yet but UCLA should be coming up pretty soon based on the last few years.
 
Seeing this thread makes me realize that the time has finally come to know where and what we'll be doing this Fall and that's terrifying to me.
 
Thought I'd start a central thread - they've been nice in previous years to quickly spot which school is in what stage and for us all to come together in one spot.

so far AFI (directing, screenwriting and producing) has sent out interview invites. Doesn't look like any others have gone out yet but UCLA should be coming up pretty soon based on the last few years.

Wonder if AFI will be doing a second or third round of interview invites for the various programs. They seem to stagger them over weeks if you look at last year and the previous year via the spreadsheet. While UCLA and Columbia, for instance, seem to stick to certain dates.

I was selected to interview on 1/30 in 2017 for Screenwriting at AFI but others had been contacted the week before me and some were contacted afterwards. Also, I contacted Jill Murrin this past Friday and she said that the committee(s) was (were) still sending them that day.

I imagine UCLA could be delayed given they changed application platforms midstream. Made for a very interesting but challenging submission process to keep up with their various emails. The department admitted to their own frustration with the graduate division this year.
 
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Wonder if AFI will be doing a second or third round of interview invites for the various programs. They seem to stagger them over weeks if you look at last year and the previous year via the spreadsheet. While UCLA and Columbia, for instance, seem to stick to certain dates.

I was selected to interview on 1/30 in 2017 for Screenwriting at AFI but others had been contacted the week before me and some were contacted afterwards. Also, I contacted Jill Murrin this past Friday and she said that the committee(s) was (were) still sending them that day.

I imagine UCLA could be delayed given they changed application platforms midstream. Made for a very interesting but challenging submission process to keep up with their various emails. The department admitted to their own frustration with the graduate division this year.

I'm sure it's just the beginning for AFI's interview sessions. Last night I realized as happy as I was to be contacted early, it means two months of waiting for a decision! I'll have to find a new project to keep myself distracted.

I had no idea UCLA changed platforms. Wow, what a pain for everyone. Although, I'm not surprised by the timing of it. Even though it's a pain for schools to change software between quarters, the fiscal year still affects our purchases like that so financially/contractually. I bet it was the only time they could switch. Glad I wasn't affected by it but sympathize with any applicants who were.
 
If some of you didn't know - we have a Google Spreadsheet for tracking applications and so forth.

Graduate Film School Applications 2018

You can find previous years in a sticky at the top of the Grad Forum. Can be helpful in knowing what to expect and when. But my advice is not to get too fixated on comparing yourself to others!
 
Since the interview season is about to start, I wanted to share this amazing piece of advice that I came across while reading this amazing book called Film School (A Practical Guide to an Impractical Decision) by Jason B. Kohl. Cheers and all the best to everyone! ;)
 

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Since the interview season is about to start, I wanted to share this amazing piece of advice that I came across while reading this amazing book called Film School (A Practical Guide to an Impractical Decision) by Jason B. Kohl. Cheers and all the best to everyone! ;)
I only skimmed the book when I got it and now I regret it, this is great advice! Thanks for sharing it with us!
 
That's awesome. Congratulations buddy!
 
Thanks, Sachin. Fingers crossed for you. Looking out for your good news.
Thanks man. Haha this wait is a pain.
 
Awesome thread! Tagging along. No news from UCLA yet. And yes, the platform thing was a pain in the ass. Fingers uncrossed. Hopefully Lady Luck will play on our side.
 
I'm sure it's just the beginning for AFI's interview sessions. Last night I realized as happy as I was to be contacted early, it means two months of waiting for a decision! I'll have to find a new project to keep myself distracted.

I had no idea UCLA changed platforms. Wow, what a pain for everyone. Although, I'm not surprised by the timing of it. Even though it's a pain for schools to change software between quarters, the fiscal year still affects our purchases like that so financially/contractually. I bet it was the only time they could switch. Glad I wasn't affected by it but sympathize with any applicants who were.

Congrats on that interview, Elle. And totally hear you about finding a new project. Did that last year and need one this year. Good to keep the momentum, notwithstanding.

With UCLA, the platforms cannibalizing other platforms and the cascade of emails were dizzying. But the rationale for the timing of it all makes sense, tricky as it was.

Otherwise, interesting thing about UCLA is that they give repeat applicants some extra weight. They said it shows grit. Rare as places like Columbia tell you they do not. To each their own.

Continued luck for everyone!
 
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Congrats on that interview, Elle. And totally hear you about finding a new project. Did that last year and need one this year. Good to keep the momentum, notwithstanding.

With UCLA, the platforms cannibalizing other platforms and the cascade of emails were dizzying. Felt like a test, Ele, for applicants. But the rationale for the timing of it all makes sense, tricky as it was.

Otherwise, interesting thing about UCLA is that they give repeat applicants some extra weight. They said it shows grit. Rare as places like Columbia tell you they do not. To each their own.

Continued luck for everyone!

I interviewed at UCLA last year for screenwriting - they were very encouraging about reapplying but I believe I've mentioned in other threads that I'm glad I didn't get in because I love being on set more than I love writing.

Reapplying definitely shows grit. I like that word. Especially if you've continued to build your body of work. I think that's what's most important. It shows dedication and craft. AFI also seems to encourage reapplication too. I wonder what other schools give extra weight. Although I hope this year I don't have to worry about it!
 
I interviewed at UCLA last year for screenwriting - they were very encouraging about reapplying but I believe I've mentioned in other threads that I'm glad I didn't get in because I love being on set more than I love writing.

Reapplying definitely shows grit. I like that word. Especially if you've continued to build your body of work. I think that's what's most important. It shows dedication and craft. AFI also seems to encourage reapplication too. I wonder what other schools give extra weight. Although I hope this year I don't have to worry about it!

I like to think USC gives repeat applicants extra weight -- in their denial letter, they had a long section about how many applicants don't get in on their first attempt, and they encourage people to reapply in the future, etc. Seems to indicate they appreciate the concept of applying again, at the very least. Numbers wise, not sure if the actual people they admit back that up. I certainly hope so, though!

I also agree with you regarding the importance of building up your body of work, and improving upon your previous application. Most schools are looking for applicants they can mold into better filmmakers. Being able to do that even on your own shows you have the capacity for growth which, IMO, is super important in the realm of higher education.
 
If it confirms nothing else, reapplying to a program at least speaks to the resilience and emotional health of an applicant, which are obviously great attributes in any prospective student. In an industry full of rejections, an empirical record of dusting yourself off, repurposing that defeat into stronger work and AGAIN volunteering as tribute can only bode well for their impression of your character. If it doesn't, there's a good chance that you're dodging a bullet anyway.
 
I'm curious now - how many applicants this year have applied in the past?

This is my 3rd MFA application round over all, but first as a directing discipline. The last two years I applied as a screenwriter.
 
This is literally my first time applying to the MFA program. But looking at you guys, it's very inspiring and intimidating at the same time :)
 
This is my second time, and I'm already prepping for a third go around (this time, applying to more than one school). After that, I plan to throw in the metaphorical towel when it comes to getting a master's degree. At that point, I would take it as a message from the universe that my path in this industry lies elsewhere. But, for now, in it to win it I guess!
 
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