Columbia University - Screenwriting/Directing Fall 2022 entry

[FuschiaFlows]

Do you guys think getting the earlier interview request is a better sign? I just got mine in the late window.

IDK hard to say. I’m curious to though. I got my interview invite early even though I applied late which was surprising to me. I expected to hear back about interviews later than others.

 

[Jinna Dee]

Were you all asked to put your phone number when submitting an interview time slot?

 

[its_me_mari]

Appreciate if you could share your interview experience. Could you tell us what questions they asked you?
It seems like CU really sent out a lot of interviews, does that mean the acceptance rate after interviews is low?

Yes, of course

I can remember some of them:

- Why Columbia? Why an MFA now?
- What are your main inspirations (movies, directors, writers)
- Where do you take your ideas from?
- What is the thing that you struggle with the most with screenwriting?
- How is your creative process when you have an idea? How you work that into a script?
- How/where do you see yourself in the future?
- If I had any connections with different types of arts like music, dance...
- Any questions for us?

But I think that it also varies from person to person and from interviewer to interviewer!

I also don't know if there are some differences for people who are more into directing than screenwriting. But I believe the core questions are the same. I would definitely prepare an "elevator pitch" too, about something you want to film/write. AFI asks for it for sure in the screenwriting MFA and I've seen some people getting asked that. Maybe is good to have something casual prepared in case they ask.

I don't know a lot about the rates. But I remember that they accept around 50 people if I'm not mistaken!

 

[Browncapital]

Wow! Congrats guys!

I haven’t heard back but considering people already got some today, I’d say it’s a wrap for me?

Well hopefully I’ll have better luck with the other schools but best of luck to you guys. Are you guys nervous for the interview?

 

[Meredith_Blake]

Congrats to those that got an interview request!

Just wanted to give input on a few things asked. I really don't think it matters when an interview request is sent out or when you sent in your application. The deadline for the application is December and the faculty - from my understanding - do not look at any applications until they're back at the school in January. They then set up slots for interviews based on faculty availability. I think the rolling out of requests over a couple of days is to do with the administrative process. It's easy to read into absolutely everything in a situation like this, but please try not to. Focus on what you can control.

For the interview, there is only one thing I can say for sure that is important. Make sure your personality and your perspectives come through. They want to know that you have a story to tell. Something that's unique to you. I could go on about my own assumptions as to what else they're looking for but I'm not sure that's helpful, because the only ones who know for sure are the faculty. There are of course the givens though, in any interview - show passion, maturity, ability to take on critique, ask questions, be polite, make them laugh if you can.

 

[JoeIrv22]

Did anyone receive anything today ?

 

[Browncapital]

Did anyone receive anything today ?

I didn't but I checked my Columbia portal and it just says that the application is complete. Assuming the interview process is placed on it prior to one getting an email, I think it's safe to say I'm officially out of the ringer for Columbia. I think today at 10:00am is the last day and time for anyone to get an interview request.

 

[lschiozer]

I didn't but I checked my Columbia portal and it just says that the application is complete. Assuming the interview process is placed on it prior to one getting an email, I think it's safe to say I'm officially out of the ringer for Columbia. I think today at 10:00am is the last day and time for anyone to get an interview request.

It's the same thing for me. I'm still hopeful until the end of the day, but I don't think it will happen anymore.

 

[Amberwx]

Same here. I guess this is the end for me. I don't think they will send any requests during the weekend.

It's the same thing for me. I'm still hopeful until the end of the day, but I don't think it will happen anymore.

 

[JHD]

There's like no chance of getting in without an interview right? I know for the Stark program at USC it explicitly states on their website that an interview is required for admittance but Columbia's is a little more ambiguous. I know it's highly unlikely either way, but was just curious if there were cases of students getting accepted without interviews.

 

[mcama]

They said in the info session that an interview is required.

I thought for USC (screenwriting) there is no interview?

 

[JHD]

They said in the info session that an interview is required.

I thought for USC (screenwriting) there is no interview?

There isn’t, I was talking about the Stark program

 

[mandrewvi]

Staying hopeful, but pretty bummed.

 

[Jinna Dee]

Same here. I guess this is the end for me. I don't think they will send any requests during the weekend.

My interview is scheduled on Sunday, so I'm assuming they still work over the weekend! Stay positive guys!

 

[LEDAJ]

I know for the Stark program at USC it explicitly states on their website that an interview is required for admittance

Where did it say that? I can't find it on the website.

 

[Bel225]

Did anyone else get a very late interview slot? Mine is mid march and I haven’t seen anyone else with a late interview

 

[Bel225]

Did anyone else get a very late interview slot? Mine is mid march and I haven’t seen anyone else with a late interview

Glad I have some time to prepare though!

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Did anyone else get a very late interview slot? Mine is mid march and I haven’t seen anyone else with a late interview

Were you only given one day for interview slots? I was just given two days the latest being 3/7. I do wonder what influences interview days because it would seem they vary person to person.

 

[mcama]

Were you only given one day for interview slots? I was just given two days the latest being 3/7. I do wonder what influences interview days because it would seem they vary person to person.

I was only given 3 date options, 2/22-2/24.

 

[Lunathena]

I didn't get any interview request