Columbia 2021 MFA Screenwriting/Directing Applicants

They interviewed my faculty (David and Eric seem to top the list)

lmao I’ve been processing the inevitable rejection from Columbia having not received any interview requests but my third recommender finally submitted their letter today..... not that it’ll make much difference to my application they’ve probably already put at the bottom of the pile

For anyone that is set on making it in the industry... What’s everyone’s plan b if grad schools don’t work out?
ugh, i'm sorry to hear about your recommender. that's so rude of them. and this is my third time applying to MFAs, sooo will probably just continue what I've been doing-working in the industry and trying to get better on my own! I love the idea of attending graduate school but I definitely don't want to hold my breath... though then again, i'm hoping three times a charm lol
 
I have another thing I’m concerned about: did anyone see in the interview confirmation email they wrote to use an Ethernet cable? I don’t have one and now I’m panicking about how strong or weak my WiFi is
 
It was with faculty — I’ve seen some other people say they interviewed with Eric and David, who were my interviewers as well. They’re so nice and easy to talk to, they really make you comfortable the moment they start the zoom call.
That's really great! What kind of questions did they ask you?
 
That's really great! What kind of questions did they ask you?
We talked a lot about my autobiographical essay. To echo @quarantini33 they dig deep into your portfolio, and are wildly familiar with what you've submitted -- they even brought up certain quotes from the essay that they liked/had questions about. A lot of discussion about themes and stylistic elements that are important to me. We also touched on the feature excerpt and my video submissions, but weren't able to get to everything. To be honest they didn't have too many big questions -- it was a pretty open dialogue that was specific to the portfolio!
 
Guys! Just a question for you. International here and I don't know all the rules about interviews in USA. Would you ask them about scholarships during the interview? And they all insist on you to make questions. Sometimes I don't feel I have some questions, but I do it anyway, usually about the program. I've been thinking that it is maybe a stablished way to do interviews there, isn't it? What kind of questions "should" we ask? It would be great if someone could give a hand on this. ;) Thanks a lot!
 
I have another thing I’m concerned about: did anyone see in the interview confirmation email they wrote to use an Ethernet cable? I don’t have one and now I’m panicking about how strong or weak my WiFi is
You can test your wifi speed online. Just google "internet speed test" and click the first link that pops up. Anything above 10mpbs is excellent for video calls (the higher the number, the better!)
 
Congrats to everyone who made it to interviews and good luck ! What advice would you guys give regarding the autobiographical essay? What do you think we should consider next year? Thank you
 
Congrats! Can you tell us about it?
Sure! The interview was casual and they were really nice and generous about everything. They knew my submited material really well. They asked me questions about the work I have submitted, my plans for the future and the stories I wanna tell. They also asked me if I had some questions about CU and about my film references. It lasted about 35 minutes. Good luck in interview!! ;)
 
Congrats to everyone who made it to interviews and good luck ! What advice would you guys give regarding the autobiographical essay? What do you think we should consider next year? Thank you
I’m not sure I can give you advice but I got very personal in my essay and wrote as much as I could about myself and all the events in my life that brought me to film. I think they’re looking for a strong and unique voice in the essay so the most I can say is avoid anything generic.
 
Sure! The interview was casual and they were really nice and generous about everything. They knew my submited material really well. They asked me questions about the work I have submitted, my plans for the future and the stories I wanna tell. They also asked me if I had some questions about CU and about my film references. It lasted about 35 minutes. Good luck in interview!! ;)
Did they tell you when we’re expected to hear back?
 
I’m not sure I can give you advice but I got very personal in my essay and wrote as much as I could about myself and all the events in my life that brought me to film. I think they’re looking for a strong and unique voice in the essay so the most I can say is avoid anything generic.
You got personal in a personal statement? I'm shocked! ahahah jk
 
Had my interview! They were kind, funny, and had a lot of encouraging things to say about my writing. It was clear that they had both read my application very thoroughly. We mostly talked about films, my relationship to writing, and the kinds of stories I want to tell. Definitely the most relaxed interview I've had. They said I would find out very soon, but I reaaaally wish I had asked when that would be :O
 
We talked a lot about my autobiographical essay. To echo @quarantini33 they dig deep into your portfolio, and are wildly familiar with what you've submitted -- they even brought up certain quotes from the essay that they liked/had questions about. A lot of discussion about themes and stylistic elements that are important to me. We also touched on the feature excerpt and my video submissions, but weren't able to get to everything. To be honest they didn't have too many big questions -- it was a pretty open dialogue that was specific to the portfolio!
I had a very similar experience, who were your interviewers?
 
Had my interview! They were kind, funny, and had a lot of encouraging things to say about my writing. It was clear that they had both read my application very thoroughly. We mostly talked about films, my relationship to writing, and the kinds of stories I want to tell. Definitely the most relaxed interview I've had. They said I would find out very soon, but I reaaaally wish I had asked when that would be :O
Congrats :) glad it went well
 
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