Any tips for USC Graduate personal statement?

[Lvn]

Hey guys,

Last year when I visited USC they said personal statement is the deal-breaker. They also said that there is no concrete format and I should be as personal as I can.

I have tried this, but it's really hard to fit everything into a 1000 word essay. It's also really hard to stay focused, considering I want to say so much.

Either way, I would appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[BKFishmaster]

I just want to let everyone know that apparently the personal statement IS required for applicants to the screenwriting MFA program. I had found conflicting information and sought a clarification from the university and I was told that the personal statement is required in addition to the screenwriting-specific requirements.

 

[Junie]

Thanks for the info, BKFishmaster. Did you happen to get any parameters for the SoP, such as word count or page length?

 

[BKFishmaster]

No, I was wondering about that myself, too. I couldn't easily find anything on the USC website regarding it, so I'm just going to shoot for 1-2 pages since that seems to be the target length on the other non-script elements in the application.

And I should clarify that my information came from an e-mail exchange with Samuel Kim. After doing some browsing on the boards it looks like he says it's required but the admissions office doesn't. Too bad that they can't all be on the same page, but I'm going to go ahead and include a personal statement just in case.

Good luck to everyone and thanks for all the helpful information.

 

[psufilmgirl]

for MFA production, the personal statement cannot be any longer than 1000 words. I'd assume it's about the same for screenwriting. You can always call and ask. It never hurts!

 

[WillieGreen]

Hold up. USC wants the autobiographical sketch AND a personal statement? What?

 

[BKFishmaster]

According to Samuel Kim, yes, applicants for the MFA in screenwriting need a personal statement.

I'm going to keep checking this forum until I submit my application, though, and the personal statement will be the last thing I do just in case.

 

[dabbu]

Hey everyone. I am also applying for USC SCA Production. Ive just almost completed everything and gonna upload it in a while.Guess everyones grueling in the 11th hour . I will upload my Statement and writing sample soon for everyone to see, if you can you guys do it too.Btw Im an International Student from India, any other int students in the race ? anyway.. all the best to all.. hope the best man wins

 

[jackflag]

Hi. Sorry to bring this topic back from the dead, but I did a google search on USC autobiographical sketch and this came up. Everyone here seems extremely helpful.

Anyway, I e-mailed USC earlier about whether both a personal statement and autobio. sketch are needed, and the reply stated only the autobiography was needed. However, there is a post in this thread directly contradicting that, preceded by a post confirming what the e-mail said. Very confusing!!

Does anyone perhaps have insider knowledge of USC and can tell me which is correct? I would go by the e-mail I got but apparently you guys are getting e-mails saying the opposite. Please help!