Columbia 2011 Application - Questions (1 Viewer)

[MAlbie]

Hello,
First, thank you for taking the time to read my posting.

I have been looking at film schools (screen writing MFA in particular) for some time now and narrowed down my choices to Columbia and NYU, with Columbia being the favorite. I have already written the first draft of my essay and plan to use some existing materials for the 10-page sample. My next task is to work on the 1 page treatment, which it seems is the hardest part. I have some questions that I am hoping I can get help in answering.

1: I am currently enrolled in an MBA program and heading into my 2nd year with an expected graduation date of May 2011. My hope is that I would enter film school in the Fall of 2011. My concern is my transcripts. While I currently have a 3.4 GPA in my MBA program, but undergraduate GPA is a 2.7 and most certainly I deserved it because I did not apply myself. Reading this forum I noticed a post that said GPA was not as important as other aspects of my application, but do you think the undergraduate transcript will hold me back?

2: I have seen that many schools request a portfolio or resume with samples of work. Columbia does not request this, but will they refuse to consider it?

3: I do not have a visual submission, but I can create something by pulling in past professional work and mixing it with something created just for the application. I feel that, especially with my poor GPA in undergrad, a visual submission would help. But if I create something just for Columbia, will it appear as if I am attempting to curry favor in an inappropriate manner?

4: I am over 30, so I would certainly be an older student. I have heard that this is seen as a large negative. Is this true?

Any help on these questions or advice that you can provide is appreciated.

MAlbie

 

[jackgradus]

Yes, I am excited for you, Dino, and this shows that they are getting a move on, but it does get us all worried for not having heard anything.

Well, I can take solace from the fact that I applied for the directing section, and not creative producing, and maybe they go at different speeds. THE WAITING GAME AND ALL ITS LOGIC.

Good luck man, and I know this sounds crazy, but don't worry. If they chose you for an interview, they like you, so just be the same person that wrote the app and you should be fine.

 

['K' Chang]

Hello guys. I applied to the Creative Producing in Columbia, and haven't got any email that has something to do with the interview. They keep sending me emails, but it's non-interview related.

Well, Dino seems to get an offer for the interview. Congrats!!!

I applied to 5 schools. UCLA, USC, AFI, Columbia, and FSU.

I got rejected from UCLA producers program, and that's the strike one.

I had skype interview with AFI professors, and got an interview offer from FSU, but the date has not fixed yet.

I was just wondering how all of you guys are dealing with this struggling and anxious moment of waiting. Can't really focus on something... Now I understand what 'too busy waiting' feels like. Anyway... keep y'all fingers crossed!!

 

[S.]

Congratulations ! But you got me so worried... I applied to producing too.
How were you notified ? E-maol or phone call ?

If I remember correctly rob0683 and PJ are also applying for producing, have you heard anything yet ?

 

[groovydazzle]

DINO CONGRATULATIONS! It is great that you got an interview!

I too just had an anxiety attack and shall eat 3 times as usual today... but hopefully they still haven't sent out all invitations.

I know this might not help but Dino what is the first letter of your last name?

Are you international?

Did you apply for financial aid?

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by MAlbie:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dino:
Hello everyone. I am new here. I apply the Creative Producing in Columbia for Fall 2011. Just find this website and want to share some information. Also need your suggestion and help.

I got an interview invitation from a 2nd-year student in the CreativeProducing program on Feb. 8th. And he told me that he will be my Columbia liaison from now until the interview. He mentioned me the first interview date is Feb. 15th which is today. However, because it is so tight for me to schedule and prepare it I delay my interview in mid-March which is on Mar. 14th or 15th. He also said if it is inconvenient for me to do the personal interview, they can arrange a phone interview or maybe skype interview. However, I believe that personal interview which I can talk to Ira Deutchman and Maureen Ryan face to face is much better than the others.

I plan to order the flight ticket to NYC at the end of this month. And I feel nervous and excited of the interviews. Want to get information from you guys. Is there anyone get the interview invitation? And anyone do the interview on Feb. 15th? Please share some information about the interview... What should I prepare to talk?

Thanks a lot!!!

Congratulations on the interview Dino! That is fantastic and I wish you the best of luck

As far as I am aware you are the first person on this board to get an invitation from Columbia. We have been debating when they might come out. The fact that you got one last week makes me a little worried to be honest, since I have not heard anything.

As for the actual interview, while I have not had an interview myself, here is what I have read about them on the board:

- Dress as you would for a job interview

- Bring your resume if you have one

- You will speak with a student first to answer some questions, then you meet the professors

- The interviews are fairly casual, but be professional and courteous

- Try to communicate your interest in film, in your particular course of study (producing), and why you chose to apply to Columbia

Again, good luck with the interview and let us know how it goes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Thanks a lot for your kind reply MAlbie. Really appreciate for your valuable information. Just want to say don't be so worry about your application. Wish the best luck will be with you.

Honestly, even I got interview invitation I still feel nervous and worry of eveything. That's the reason why I searched every possible information online and then I found here. I like people here and the word they speak. Not so many people around me can understand my decision to spend time and money for a film degree. It's all about my dream. But I am sure all of the people here can understand. We can encourage each other because we have the same dream.

Wish everything goes well on your application. Thanks again!

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by jackgradus:
Yes, I am excited for you, Dino, and this shows that they are getting a move on, but it does get us all worried for not having heard anything.

Well, I can take solace from the fact that I applied for the directing section, and not creative producing, and maybe they go at different speeds. THE WAITING GAME AND ALL ITS LOGIC.

Good luck man, and I know this sounds crazy, but don't worry. If they chose you for an interview, they like you, so just be the same person that wrote the app and you should be fine.

Thanks for the word man! Don't be so worry about your application. Maybe the directing section does a little bit different from the creative producing. Because for my perception these should have more applicants apply for directing than creative producing and they do accept more students to enroll in your program.

I can understand all your feeling. Just keep posting some update information which can make everyone feels better...

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by 'K' Chang:
Hello guys. I applied to the Creative Producing in Columbia, and haven't got any email that has something to do with the interview. They keep sending me emails, but it's non-interview related.

Well, Dino seems to get an offer for the interview. Congrats!!!

I applied to 5 schools. UCLA, USC, AFI, Columbia, and FSU.

I got rejected from UCLA producers program, and that's the strike one.

I had skype interview with AFI professors, and got an interview offer from FSU, but the date has not fixed yet.

I was just wondering how all of you guys are dealing with this struggling and anxious moment of waiting. Can't really focus on something... Now I understand what 'too busy waiting' feels like. Anyway... keep y'all fingers crossed!!

Man! Same here! Feel so anxious here!

I also applied UCLA, USC, Columbia, and FSU. I do get reject from UCLA and interview invitation from FSU. Still waiting for the information from USC. I arranged my interview with FSU on Mar. 26th from 2:15pm to 7:30 pm. What about yours? Really wish to get some information about interview right now. Just don't want to mess it up...

Well, I have to say, the best thing I find that can release my presure right now is reading the articles here and talk with the people on this forum. The best way can make me calm down a little. Also trying to get more information.

 

[S.]

On the first pages of this thread there was someone who works at the admissions office, I don't remember who that was. If you're still here can you give us some information ? Have all the invitations for the producing program been sent ?
Give us hope...

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by S.:
Congratulations ! But you got me so worried... I applied to producing too.
How were you notified ? E-maol or phone call ?

If I remember correctly rob0683 and PJ are also applying for producing, have you heard anything yet ?

Hi, I got an email from a 2nd year producing student who will assist me for the interview. I believe they do have an interview today and they would have two more on Mar. 14th and 15th. I probably will fly to NYC during one of those days.

I am not sure whether they gonna interview every candidate they choose. Or maybe they may just give offers to some people without interview? Wish you have a good luck for your application!

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by groovydazzle:
DINO CONGRATULATIONS! It is great that you got an interview!

I too just had an anxiety attack and shall eat 3 times as usual today... but hopefully they still haven't sent out all invitations.

I know this might not help but Dino what is the first letter of your last name?

Are you international?

Did you apply for financial aid?

Yup, I am an international student comes from Beijing China but now live in the US. I didn't apply financial aid because it seems a little bit complicated for the international students.

 

[S.]

Originally posted by Dino:
I am not sure whether they gonna interview every candidate they choose. Or maybe they may just give offers to some people without interview? Wish you have a good luck for your application!

I think this year someone said you can't get in without being interviewed. But again I can't remember who did.

I am an international student and I applied for financial aid. I wasn't sure wether I should...

 

[AspiringFIlmStudent]

Hey, everyone. It seems like things are moving along and we're all getting closer to having our existential questions answered one way or the other.

I'm applying for the directing program.

I think I read somewhere that Columbia now no longer accepts applicants without an interview. So, no interview = no admission.

Good luck, everyone!

 

[AspiringFIlmStudent]

Question for Dino. When did you submit your application and when was it completed? Thanks for your input.

And good luck on your interview!

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by S.:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dino:
I am not sure whether they gonna interview every candidate they choose. Or maybe they may just give offers to some people without interview? Wish you have a good luck for your application!

I think this year someone said you can't get in without being interviewed. But again I can't remember who did.

I am an international student and I applied for financial aid. I wasn't sure wether I should... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I believe I read something before that whether you apply financial aid is not really relate to your admission decision. Hope this one can help.

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by AspiringFIlmStudent:
Question for Dino. When did you submit your application and when was it completed? Thanks for your input.

And good luck on your interview!

I submit my application in late Nov. last year and probably get every recommendation letter done around Nov. 29th. I cannot remember exact date. And I believe it shows completed on the online application system in early Dec. It took some days for them to update my application documents to the online system. I remember I did send them email to check why there was still some documents missing in my application even it was already close to the deadline.

Hope this one can answer your question.

 

[Koquard]

MAlbie,

More likely that Dino was contacted early because he's an international student from China.

Way more than half of the people posting here who said they got interviews from NYU or Columbia (Dino) are international, nearly all from China or India. Probably not a coincidence.

 

[MAlbie]

Thanks for the info Witt and Ko.

Actually not that anxious anymore. Once I finished my little diatribe above all the stress was gone. I originally started writing as a way to relieve stress.

Plus I figured it might help out some others who may be panicking a little.

 

[groovydazzle]

definetely helps to let it all out here! It makes sense that they would tell overseas applicants first

 

[S.]

I am and international student and I applied for producing, so it's not looking good for me.`
On the other hand I didn't apply to any other school, so I don't need to be contacted early.

Anyway, all we can do is wait.

 

[S.]

Yes it's likely. I want to believe that.