2016 Interviews- Acceptances- Rejections

[CWYH]

I got a call from NYU grad film and I've been accepted! Sooo happy (but yes, I'll be waiting on that confirmation email). I've yet to hear back from Chapman, though.

Congratulations to everyone who's gotten a place and to those who haven't yet heard, hang on!

This forum has helped me out so much (with spreadsheet and interview questions and everything). A big shout out to @katavi08 and @Paul J. for all their amazing contributions to this forum - thank you for being so open!

 

[Mis]

Thanks for the info, @Mis ! It sounds like you asked some good questions. I will most likely apply to AFI's screenwriting program for Fall 2017 if I don't get accepted anywhere this year.

A question for anyone who applied to the screenwriting program at AFI and got an interview - did you have prior experience in the film industry, and do you believe it was important to obtaining an interview? Or did skill and a good original story or other factors seem most important?

I asked them that question as well. Honestly- I was just surprised that I got selected for an interview. My major was cinema studies- but it was all theory and no practical. My recommendations were from a Night Club owner and an Airline pilot. My grades were horrible. Zero of these counted against me with AFI. They liked my narrative statement. I was brutally honest about my life and why I want to go to AFI. There was zero pretension in my statement because I'm a just an okay writer who has a lot of ideas and wants an opportunity to see what I can do. I do not work in the entertainment industry nor did my resume reflect that. I've worked on a few student projects and that's it.

They seemed like they appreciated that fact that my statement wasn't packed with technical jargon or obscure cinema references. I told the story of my life- turned it into a dark comedy.

I absolutely recommend going to AFI for the interview as opposed to skype simply for the fact that on paper...I look so incompetent. My strength is in talking and connecting with people face to face and it feels different when you are not in the same room with someone.

If you have any interest in writing for television... AFI is stepping up their game. Their courses for the two year process are really geared at prepping those interested in television to be industry ready right out of the gate. They pair you with current show runners, internships, pitch meetings...i don't see how you could ask for more.

I read a lot of comments in the thread about AFI's application being too long or too much work. You're not wrong- but my narrative statement was only 3 pages long and I believe that it alone got me the interview. (we did not even talk about my writing sample- probably because it was so bad).

We"ll see how it ends up. My only goal was just to get the opportunity to talk to them. Maybe my writing is too juvenile for them and they'll give me the hard pass or a wait list.

Absolutely no regrets. I was 100% me- so if I don't get in, I don't get in- and I'll be gearing up for 2017.

 

[Solomon_E]

I asked them that question as well. Honestly- I was just surprised that I got selected for an interview. My major was cinema studies- but it was all theory and no practical. My recommendations were from a Night Club owner and an Airline pilot. My grades were horrible. Zero of these counted against me with AFI. They liked my narrative statement. I was brutally honest about my life and why I want to go to AFI. There was zero pretension in my statement because I'm a just an okay writer who has a lot of ideas and wants an opportunity to see what I can do. I do not work in the entertainment industry nor did my resume reflect that. I've worked on a few student projects and that's it.

They seemed like they appreciated that fact that my statement wasn't packed with technical jargon or obscure cinema references. I told the story of my life- turned it into a dark comedy.

I absolutely recommend going to AFI for the interview as opposed to skype simply for the fact that on paper...I look so incompetent. My strength is in talking and connecting with people face to face and it feels different when you are not in the same room with someone.

If you have any interest in writing for television... AFI is stepping up their game. Their courses for the two year process are really geared at prepping those interested in television to be industry ready right out of the gate. They pair you with current show runners, internships, pitch meetings...i don't see how you could ask for more.

I read a lot of comments in the thread about AFI's application being too long or too much work. You're not wrong- but my narrative statement was on 3 pages long and I believe that it alone, got me the interview. (we did not even talk about my writing sample- probably because it was so bad).

We"ll see how it ends up. My only goal was just to get the opportunity to talk to them. Maybe my writing is too juvenile for them and they'll give me the hard pass or a wait list.

Absolutely no regrets. I was 100% me- so if I don't get in, I don't get in- and I'll be gearing up for 2017.

I appreciate the thorough reply, @Mis. It really helps to read information like this so I know that I don't have to have direct industry experience to have a shot at being interviewed for screenwriting at AFI. I have an English major/Psychology minor and my strengths are probably my diverse life experiences, prior experience with giving and receiving feedback on multiple genres with other writers even if my subject matter was fiction, and the diversity of genres I can write and am willing to write in. And like you, I am very honest and will be 100% me in my narrative statement.

I hope you get good news when you hear back from AFI - and if I interview for a school again I will most likely opt for the in person interview. I feel I'm best at talking and connecting with people face to face too.

Thanks for the data about television writing at AFI as well, because I'm definitely interested in writing for TV.

I'm still hopeful for one of the schools I applied to (Northwestern), and will go there if I get an acceptance. I think I'd feel at home there. But like you, I will be gearing up for 2017 if I don't get in this year.

 

[Paul J.]

@CWYH Congrats on getting into Ticsh! Good job! And thanks for the shout out Glad go have been of some assistance! This forum one of the sole reasons I have maintained my sanity during the process and I think I'm not alone on that one

So what if you get into Chapman too. Any preferences?

 

[CWYH]

@CWYH Congrats on getting into Ticsh! Good job! And thanks for the shout out Glad go have been of some assistance! This forum one of the sole reasons I have maintained my sanity during the process and I think I'm not alone on that one

So what if you get into Chapman too. Any preferences?

Thank you I'm so thrilled. Congratulations to you and getting into USC as well! I hope Columbia gets back to you with good news. I applied to Columbia too, but didn't (haven't?) hear back from them.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards Tisch - it may be because I've actually visited Tisch though, whereas I've only seen an office on Skype at Chapman. I've met and interacted with some of the current students at Tisch and I think I'll really like it there. But if presented with both offers, I'd have to have another think about it.

What about you?? Columbia or USC?

 

[Megan]

Anyone here trying to decide between USC and UCLA? When I started this application process, I'd heard that the programs were very competitive, so I didn't let myself get my hopes up about being accepted. So I was honestly really surprised when I was admitted to both. And now I have to figure out where to go. They both seem like great programs, so I'm stuck (which is an excellent problem to have). Anyone in the same boat and want to chat? Shoot me a message.

Edit: I should mention I applied to the Production/Directing programs.

 

[juliabulia]

Anyone here trying to decide between USC and UCLA? When I started this application process, I'd heard that the programs were very competitive, so I didn't let myself get my hopes up about being accepted. So I was honestly really surprised when I was admitted to both. And now I have to figure out where to go. They both seem like great programs, so I'm stuck (which is an excellent problem to have). Anyone in the same boat and want to chat? Shoot me a message.

Edit: I should mention I applied to the Production/Directing programs.

Just messaged you - I have different options but it's still tough!!!

 

[tutenkhamen]

I got a call from NYU grad film and I've been accepted! Sooo happy (but yes, I'll be waiting on that confirmation email).

Wow, congratulations! That too on a weekend?!

Also, what program did you apply for at Chapman?

 

[CWYH]

Wow, congratulations! That too on a weekend?!

Also, what program did you apply for at Chapman?

Thank you!!! I received the call at 1041am NY time on a Saturday (I'm 12 hours ahead) - I was quite surprised myself when the phone started ringing and said it from 'NY, USA'. I got a little bit excited, I have to admit. Haha

I applied to film production with a directing emphasis at Chapman!

 

[KiddJewel]

Has anyone on this thread been accepted into Columbia's MFA program? If so, how did it take for you to hear from the program post-interview?

 

[Paul J.]

I don't think anyone has been accepted yet. I think people still had interviews late last week.

 

[chicago123]

I just received an email from UCLA saying I was waitlisted.

 

[bvels]

I got a rejection email from UCLA today.

 

[Manatee]

@Kristi H. Congratulations!

This morning I received a rejection email from NYU. I knew it was coming since I wasn't invited to interview, but still—it wasn't a great way to start my day. BUT I just got a call from UCLA and learned that I've been admitted! What a rollercoaster.

Congs, and would you mind me ask which one you will choose and why?

 

[Manatee]

I just received an email from UCLA saying I was waitlisted.

That's cool also. So will you wait to get in UCLA? Or do you have a better choice?

 

[NYC28]

Hi! Anyone else deciding between Columbia U's Creative Producing Program and NYU? I'm torn and welcome your opinions.

This forum has been great throughout the process. Good luck to everyone who is still waiting on decisions!!

 

[KiddJewel]

Hi! Anyone else deciding between Columbia U's Creative Producing Program and NYU? I'm torn and welcome your opinions.

This forum has been great throughout the process. Good luck to everyone who is still waiting on decisions!!

How long did it take to hear back from Columbia after your interview? If you don't mind sharing.

 

[NYC28]

How long did it take to hear back from Columbia after your interview? If you don't mind sharing.

I interviewed on the first day so it was a 5 week wait.

 

[KiddJewel]

I interviewed on the first day so it was a 5 week wait.

Oh, okay! Well, I'm a little less nervous, now! lol

 

[NYC28]

Oh, okay! Well, I'm a little less nervous, now! lol

Don't be! The screenwriting / directing class accepts twice as many so they probably need more time