Chapman Film School MFA Applicants 2026

[adapazarlee]

Has anyone gotten the dodge specific email/letter yet? Or has anyone been notified about any fellowship/awards yet?

No nothing yet. And im very curious about this. Do you guys think we should contact them, ask them or smth?

 

[21powells]

No nothing yet. And im very curious about this. Do you guys think we should contact them, ask them or smth?

I'm sure they’ll send something soon! I don't think we need to contact them just yet, but if we don't hear anything by the end of business hours on Friday, I don't think contacting them is a bad idea.

 

[Noahm]

Did anyone hear anything about their “second choice” programs on the Chapman application? Or what the date is for accepted students to accept their offer? Just trying to think of how feasible it is that I make it off the waitlist

 

[Mogutinik]

I'm sure they’ll send something soon! I don't think we need to contact them just yet, but if we don't hear anything by the end of business hours on Friday, I don't think contacting them is a bad idea.

I spoke with them yesterday about something else, and they mentioned that the scholarships have already been allocated. So it sounds like either the emails have already gone out, or they should be coming very soon.

 

[ChapmanReviewer]

just got waitlisted in the Film Production, Cinematography Emphasis...

Waitlisted for directing.

Here's how I think it works.


Basically, let's just say 40 people applied to your Chapman emphasis and they can only accept 15. For those 15 people, they get automatically accepted. However, they don't expect all of those 15 people to enroll, hence they have a waitlist for the remaining 10 people. Basically, if any of those people decide to drop out, they may decide to accept you instead.

You'll probably know within a month whether or not you got accepted.

 

[ethan2_7]

Actually i was thinking about that too, how big is each emphasis / program? Found conflicting info online

 

[thebooster5000]

I really thought LMU was gonna accept me. They didn’t lol ouch. Thank God for Chapman! Better school anyway

 

[Chris W]

I really thought LMU was gonna accept me. They didn’t lol ouch. Thank God for Chapman! Better school anyway

Bummer about UCLA but yay Chapman! Don't forgot to log your apps for future year's applicants.

 

[ChapmanReviewer]

Actually i was thinking about that too, how big is each emphasis / program? Found conflicting info online

I was at Chapman a couple years ago.

The writers were the biggest group. I'm not sure how many exactly, but i'm sure there was anywhere from 20 to 30.

The editors were in the low to mid teens. I'm sure it was the same with the directors and producers.

The sound people were definitely the smallest of the bunch.

 

[ChapmanReviewer]

Also, if you decide to attend Chapman, I would recommend either taking one of Erin Li's class or reaching out to her. She's one of the best teachers at the school hands down.

 

[Fang Lingzhen1]

hey guys! Got accepted by Calarts film directing. But now still wondering which one is better -- I mean in terms of facilities, staffs, networking etc, things that could really benefit students -- Chapman cinematography or Calarts directing, for I didn't actually find any comparison or some comments on study experience on these two programs online.

 

[adapazarlee]

Just got an email from Chapman about the scholarship and financial situation. They are basically saying that if you have received a scholarship than that would be with your acceptance letter on the application portal otherwise you haven’t received one. Good luck to everyone

 

[Oriole]

So all scholarships are released? If you haven’t gotten one by now you won’t get one?

 

[adapazarlee]

So all scholarships are released? If you haven’t gotten one by now you won’t get one?

I think so

 

[adapazarlee]

Hey @Chris W , Im looking at different options and solutions for the financial bit of studying at Chapman MFA Directing as an international student. I saw you sharing a guide for someone for a different school. Is there any helpful resources and information you could potentially share with us?

 

[Chris W]

Hey @Chris W , Im looking at different options and solutions for the financial bit of studying at Chapman MFA Directing as an international student. I saw you sharing a guide for someone for a different school. Is there any helpful resources and information you could potentially share with us?

A lot of the things mentioned in that post should apply to any film school I believe although it's primarily directed towards domestic students.

Post in thread 'Columbia University - MFA - Fall 2018'

Mar 27, 2018

Congratulations to everyone that got accepted! If you didn't (and I genuinely believe this is the case) you will find your way so keep trying!

There has been a lot of posts about Financial Aid so I wanted to share some personal experiences and advice when it comes to financial aid at Columbia. I hope it will be helpful and let me know if you have any questions.

1. Grad PLUS Loans for Low-income US Students
2. "Scholarships/Fellowships"
3. "Service Positions"
4. Additional Money for Projects
5. Money Available (Laptop/Rent Increases/Utilities Increases/Health Increases)
6. Rando advice...

• Patrick Clement

• 

Be cautious with debt though and don't take on too much. Here's the Wall St Journal on it entitled ‘Financially Hobbled for Life’: The Elite Master’s Degrees That Don’t Pay Off

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/financially-hobbled-for-life-the-elite-masters-degrees-that-dont-pay-off-11625752773

Additionally - I know a lot of things have changed with the "Big Beautiful Bill" in regards to graduate school loans as well.

Major changes to student loan borrowing and repayment are coming. Here's what to know

“If you don’t understand it, that’s not your fault. It’s just phenomenally complicated,” says Winston Berkman-Breen, legal director at Protect Borrowers.

www.pbs.org

 

[Oriole]

I think so

Btw I emailed them and they said they would start sending out aid offer letters in a week or two

 

[adapazarlee]

Btw I emailed them and they said they would start sending out aid offer letters in a week or two

No way amazing news! So there is still some hope

 

[ethan2_7]

Btw I emailed them and they said they would start sending out aid offer letters in a week or two

Would you mind sharing the like exact reply you got? I called a few folk and they all said that aid has already been allocated and like people have already been notified.

 

[Oriole]

Would you mind sharing the like exact reply you got? I called a few folk and they all said that aid has already been allocated and like people have already been notified.

This was the email I received yesterday.