Kira Assessment of the Boston University MFA in Screenwriting program 2025

[nikifish]

Has anyone applied to this program? I just found out they have a process called " Kira Assessment". It looks like they require you to record a live video to answer some questions, just like an interview. This scared me since I'm not sure what questions would pop up. Does anyone know what kind of questions would be?

 

[Chris W]

These logged applications mention their Kira experience:

Admitted (w/o Interview)  Boston University , MFA in Screenwriting, Fall 2024

It was great, all fine. Had to do something called the Kira Assessment, which, no going to lie was a little daunting, because you are answering timed interview questions but without anyone on the other side, just... recording yourself. I did it after work and swore I bombed it but I guess they...

• earllgreytea
• Apr 6, 2024
• Comments: 1
• Category: 2024 Fall Entry

Admitted (w/o Interview)  Boston University - 2024 MFA Screenwriting

The February deadline was nice and allowed me some time to reset after all the December deadlines. The essays and writing samples were straightforward. I submitted one short script and one portion of a screenplay. The only thing that made me a bit nervous was the Kira Talent Assessment but it...

• smatney33
• Jan 30, 2024
• Comments: 1
• Category: 2024 Fall Entry

Admitted (Off Waitlist w/o Interview)  Boston University MFA Screenwriting Fall 2023

The actual process is pretty smooth, you submit one writing sample along with a resume and statement of purpose. The real kicker is the Kira Assessments where you have to record yourself answering interview questions. Those were pretty tricky, as the practice questions were way different from...

• geminishmemini
• Mar 23, 2023
• Comments: 2
• Category: 2023 Fall Entry

Admitted (w/o Interview)  Boston University Screenwriting Fall 2023

Good! BU didn't have too many requirements, but they do have the Kira assessment which is interesting. Answering recorded questions was much more awkward than I anticipated. I had 3 video questions and it's sort of a substitute for an interview. Other than that, I liked that BU let you submit 2...

• notaprincess
• Feb 2, 2023
• Comments: 3
• Category: 2023 Fall Entry

Good luck!

 

[nikifish]

These logged applications mention their Kira experience:

Admitted (w/o Interview)  Boston University , MFA in Screenwriting, Fall 2024

It was great, all fine. Had to do something called the Kira Assessment, which, no going to lie was a little daunting, because you are answering timed interview questions but without anyone on the other side, just... recording yourself. I did it after work and swore I bombed it but I guess they...

• earllgreytea
• Apr 6, 2024
• Comments: 1
• Category: 2024 Fall Entry

Admitted (w/o Interview)  Boston University - 2024 MFA Screenwriting

The February deadline was nice and allowed me some time to reset after all the December deadlines. The essays and writing samples were straightforward. I submitted one short script and one portion of a screenplay. The only thing that made me a bit nervous was the Kira Talent Assessment but it...

• smatney33
• Jan 30, 2024
• Comments: 1
• Category: 2024 Fall Entry

Admitted (Off Waitlist w/o Interview)  Boston University MFA Screenwriting Fall 2023

The actual process is pretty smooth, you submit one writing sample along with a resume and statement of purpose. The real kicker is the Kira Assessments where you have to record yourself answering interview questions. Those were pretty tricky, as the practice questions were way different from...

• geminishmemini
• Mar 23, 2023
• Comments: 2
• Category: 2023 Fall Entry

Admitted (w/o Interview)  Boston University Screenwriting Fall 2023

Good! BU didn't have too many requirements, but they do have the Kira assessment which is interesting. Answering recorded questions was much more awkward than I anticipated. I had 3 video questions and it's sort of a substitute for an interview. Other than that, I liked that BU let you submit 2...

• notaprincess
• Feb 2, 2023
• Comments: 3
• Category: 2023 Fall Entry

Good luck!

Thanks a lot! It's really helpful. Sounds like we don't need to write something. I've heard other programs in BU need to write a short essay in a limited time. Really tricky.

 

[Chris W]

Thanks a lot! It's really helpful. Sounds like we don't need to write something. I've heard other programs in BU need to write a short essay in a limited time. Really tricky.

Interesting. Write something while doing the video?

If you search "kira" on the site it should pull up other applications. I don't remember seeing too many posts about it

 

[eepybee]

Hi! I applied last year. It was three interview questions. I got a short "prep" period after each question was revealed and then maybe 60-90 seconds to answer each via video. They were fairly straightforward. I don't remember all three, but one was something along the lines of "How will you contribute to a diverse community in the program" and another was "Describe a time you struggled with writing."

I definitely felt like it was the weakest part of my application afterwards; I felt that I was super awkward lol. But I ended up getting in and got a lot of merit money! I think they understand it's an awkward setup and are just looking for you to be yourself and give them a more personable look at you than the essay can provide. Definitely do the practice runs that Kira offers to "warm up."

 

[nikifish]

Hi! I applied last year. It was three interview questions. I got a short "prep" period after each question was revealed and then maybe 60-90 seconds to answer each via video. They were fairly straightforward. I don't remember all three, but one was something along the lines of "How will you contribute to a diverse community in the program" and another was "Describe a time you struggled with writing."

I definitely felt like it was the weakest part of my application afterwards; I felt that I was super awkward lol. But I ended up getting in and got a lot of merit money! I think they understand it's an awkward setup and are just looking for you to be yourself and give them a more personable look at you than the essay can provide. Definitely do the practice runs that Kira offers to "warm up."

Thanks for ur share! That's really helpful. That practice part can be run several times for practice right? That means I don't need to worry about the times I used and screw up them? Do they ask something about films you want to develop in the future or our favorite directors and writers and any questions relevant to movies? Also, I want to know does the scholarship needs us to apply separately. Or we don't need to apply it and they directly decide who they want to give the money?

 

[eepybee]

Thanks for ur share! That's really helpful. That practice part can be run several times for practice right? That means I don't need to worry about the times I used and screw up them? Do they ask something about films you want to develop in the future or our favorite directors and writers and any questions relevant to movies? Also, I want to know does the scholarship needs us to apply separately. Or we don't need to apply it and they directly decide who they want to give the money?

Yes, the practice can be run multiple times. I don't remember there being a "favorite movies" or "what do you want to write" question. You don't need to apply separately for merit scholarships; I believe everyone is automatically considered! You'll find out if you received money in your decision letter.

 

[nikifish]

Yes, the practice can be run multiple times. I don't remember there being a "favorite movies" or "what do you want to write" question. You don't need to apply separately for merit scholarships; I believe everyone is automatically considered! You'll find out if you received money in your decision letter.

Okay, that's so nice. Thanks for ur answer