Applying for an MA in directing. Starting from ground zero, what are the various things I can do in a year to make my resume and portfolio look good

[Ayoxo]

Hi guys. I'm an international student that wants to apply for an MA in directing in the UK once I'm done with my undergraduate degree(in a year time). Unfortunately right now as it stands, the only thing I can add to my resume and portfolio or life experience is that I studied psychology in the university and have made a crappy 3 min short film. And I think this is really bad

But I still have a year left before I finish university so I want to know the various and different things I can realistically do within that time that would make my resume and portfolio look acceptable. Thanks for the help

 

[Chris W]

See this article if you haven't yet:

How to get Into USC SCA: Advice from an Admissions Committee Member

Considered by many to be the best film school in the world, it’s no wonder why the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is so sought after by prospective undergraduate and graduate students alike. However, the film school’s prestige can often make the application process particularly stressful and...

• Svaja Paka
• Mar 5, 2020
• 5.00 star(s) 7 reviews
• Comments: 6
• Reviews: 5
• Category: Admissions Interviews

 

[Ayoxo]

See this article if you haven't yet:

How to get Into USC SCA: Advice from an Admissions Committee Member

Considered by many to be the best film school in the world, it’s no wonder why the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is so sought after by prospective undergraduate and graduate students alike. However, the film school’s prestige can often make the application process particularly stressful and...

• Svaja Paka
• Mar 5, 2020
• 5.00 star(s) 7 reviews
• Comments: 6
• Reviews: 5
• Category: Admissions Interviews

Wow thanks alot. That was very informative. One thing that bothers me in the interview is that he says that for the MFA program is that he is looking more for life experience for someone who has tried a few things and really understands what they want in life. While I have an idea of what I want in my life for now, I can't say I have life experience. Pretty much the only life experience I have is that I studied psychology in university. Do you genuinely think this is a problem and if it is what can I do?

 

[Chris W]

While I have an idea of what I want in my life for now, I can't say I have life experience. Pretty much the only life experience I have is that I studied psychology in university.

I don't think not having a job should deter you as I don't think that's what he's talking about. (And there's people who get accepted who go straight from undergrad)

I think he's taking moreso that having lived longer you understand more compared to applying to undergraduate. Like you studied psychology but in studying or going through daily life as an adult you've come to realize that your true passion is filmmaking.

Or your passion has always been filmmaking and have now had the inspiration to apply. BUT those are just examples.... use whatever is true to yourself and your life. Draw from your experience in life and what makes you unique.

I think the main point from the interview is that MFA graduates are more mature so he's looking for different things that he doesn't normally look at for Undergraduate.

Also I think the biggest takeaway from the interview is to treat your application as a storytelling opportunity in and if itself.

 

[Ayoxo]

I don't think not having a job should deter you as I don't think that's what he's talking about. (And there's people who get accepted who go straight from undergrad)

I think he's taking moreso that having lived longer you understand more compared to applying to undergraduate. Like you studied psychology but in studying or going through daily life as an adult you've come to realize that your true passion is filmmaking.

Or your passion has always been filmmaking and have now had the inspiration to apply. BUT those are just examples.... use whatever is true to yourself and your life. Draw from your experience in life and what makes you unique.

I think the main point from the interview is that MFA graduates are more mature so he's looking for different things that he doesn't normally look at for Undergraduate.

Also I think the biggest takeaway from the interview is to treat your application as a storytelling opportunity in and if itself.

Thanks. I've just been a bit worried that I can only put my psychology degree in my resume for my application especially when I compare it to other applicants resume. Most resume samples I've seen are filled with people that have done things film related while all I can put in mine is a psychology degree. I do plan to make a good short film and a good script for my portfolio