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

 

[KrisKelvin]

Originally posted by KrisKelvin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShieldYourEyes:
It would be good to know how those who have already received interview requests felt about the film synopsis.

KrisKelvin - was your portfolio sci-fi heavy as well? The only reason I ask is because your handle and location caught my eye. I actually named the two characters in the short film Harry and Kris (flipping genders) after the characters in Solaris.

No. My film synopsis was actually a dark comedy (or at least I hope that's how it came off). My writing sample was the first 10 pages of a mystery screenplay. And my film scenario (the one where you chose to build a scene off their prompt) was a drama with a twist ending--I actually really liked that one. Really there wasn't a trace of sci-fi in my application, as far as I can recall.

I don't know what the numbers are on interviews, but it's just difficult for me reconcile a less polished application getting me an interview with UCLA whereas here I apparently didn't. But nobody ever said this process was supposed to make sense... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[jackgradus]

Originally posted by KrisKelvin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShieldYourEyes:
I just tried to break it down to its basic three act structure, with one paragraph representing each act. At least we know that everyone had the same limitations, and that each treatment was really taken down to a bare-bones state.

Yeah, I broke it into three act structure too--but writing in Courier 12 is more like 1/2 a page double spaced, and because this required about half that for the first act alone I fear it looked like my second act was lacking in substance (even though if I had the space, I could have summarize it in much more depth).

But my big concern was with the subject matter. Let's just say this has long been a passion project of mine, and has the sort of premise that I could see offending some people. It was love it or hate it, and I guess they had the latter reaction.

Oh well, no use speculating now. This just comes at a bad time since I'm on pins and needles about hearing from my top 3 schools...and if I don't get in any of those (which is likely), Columbia was almost definitely my next choice. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Columbia was your 4th choice? geez

 

[KrisKelvin]

Originally posted by KrisKelvin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jackgradus:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KrisKelvin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShieldYourEyes:
I just tried to break it down to its basic three act structure, with one paragraph representing each act. At least we know that everyone had the same limitations, and that each treatment was really taken down to a bare-bones state.

Yeah, I broke it into three act structure too--but writing in Courier 12 is more like 1/2 a page double spaced, and because this required about half that for the first act alone I fear it looked like my second act was lacking in substance (even though if I had the space, I could have summarize it in much more depth).

But my big concern was with the subject matter. Let's just say this has long been a passion project of mine, and has the sort of premise that I could see offending some people. It was love it or hate it, and I guess they had the latter reaction.

Oh well, no use speculating now. This just comes at a bad time since I'm on pins and needles about hearing from my top 3 schools...and if I don't get in any of those (which is likely), Columbia was almost definitely my next choice. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Columbia was your 4th choice? geez </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That might change if they picked the school up and moved it 2500 miles west. I've long had my heart set on moving to LA, which is why I plan to go to UCLA/USC/AFI if I'm fortunate enough to get into any of them. I don't doubt that Columbia's a great program, and probably would have given me more directing experience than anywhere else...but there's no use even mulling that over now since I've obviously been rejected. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[Dino]

Congratulations to those people who got interviews and good luck for those people who didn't. You still got time to get more notifications.

I am wondering because I got my interview invitation in early Feb. and I am in Creative Producing. It seems like I am the first one who got interview on this thread. I checked those people who got interview in these days most of them are in Directing/Sceenwriting. So it means Creative Producing annouced their interview earlier than the other program?

Wish the best luck with all of you!

 

[ShieldYourEyes]

Originally posted by KrisKelvin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShieldYourEyes:
It would be good to know how those who have already received interview requests felt about the film synopsis.

KrisKelvin - was your portfolio sci-fi heavy as well? The only reason I ask is because your handle and location caught my eye. I actually named the two characters in the short film Harry and Kris (flipping genders) after the characters in Solaris.

No. My film synopsis was actually a dark comedy (or at least I hope that's how it came off). My writing sample was the first 10 pages of a mystery screenplay. And my film scenario (the one where you chose to build a scene off their prompt) was a drama with a twist ending--I actually really liked that one.

I don't know what the numbers are on interviews, but it's just difficult for me reconcile a less polished application getting me an interview with UCLA whereas here I apparently didn't. But nobody ever said this process was supposed to make sense... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Cool. I think it was smart to cast a wider net. Throughout my entire portfolio (including the personal essay) I focused almost exclusively on humanistic soft science-fiction. I was torn between showing a cohesive vision and showing a range of interests and styles. I'm still holding out hope, but I wonder whether I shot myself in the foot.

 

[blueskeyes]

Hello fellow Columbia hopefuls.

I will admit, I too have been known to stalk these threads over the last few months without speaking into the conversation. Every time a phone rings, our pulse quickens, our hands start sweating (I'm a hand sweater...). We've all fought for this moment. And the moment is out of our hands now. It is thrilling. Terrifying.

I want to share a bit of perspective, because some of us may need it if the Columbia journey ends here over the next few days.

Two years ago I applied to 8 schools. I thought film school was THE only way. I was desperate. Applying to schools I knew I didn't want to attend. At that time of my life I needed film school. Rejection after rejection came in. I was untested. I had beliefs about what storytelling could mean to me, but not how I wanted to tell stories, or even what stories I had to tell. I hadn't found my voice yet. You could smell it on my application.

I ended up getting an offer to Tisch Asia, planned to go, but then dropped out two weeks before shipping out. I couldn't sway that nagging feeling that my motivations were wrong. I needed film school, but I didn't want it yet. I asked the Tisch director what I should do with my time now, and he didn't have much advice to offer but "Go live."

For two years I've done just that. I married the love of my life. Became a man. Paid taxes. Earned a living. Raised the best damn looking chocolate lab. And explored my creativity with an unedited sense of freedom.

This year I only applied to one film school. And I applied because I wanted to apply. Which was so much more empowering because I knew that I didn't have to do it.

And while my hands are still sweating like crazy, and my pulse is firing, my heart is in the right place.

Columbia is a phenomenal school, in my opinion the best. But nothing is a replacement for sheer determination, passion, and persistence.

Wanted to share a clip from the last few years of my life. There are so many avenues for us to practice our craft. http://vimeo.com/16316703

And you want to know what the crazy thing is??? In the midst of writing this stream of nervous thoughts trying to regain my composure and perspective, and to calm my ass down... Columbia leaves a voicemail requesting an interview.

From the guy who was rejected 8 consecutive times two years ago, I'm proud to be chasing such a noble calling with you all.

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by blueskeyes:
Hello fellow Columbia hopefuls.

I will admit, I too have been known to stalk these threads over the last few months without speaking into the conversation. Every time a phone rings, our pulse quickens, our hands start sweating (I'm a hand sweater...). We've all fought for this moment. And the moment is out of our hands now. It is thrilling. Terrifying.

I want to share a bit of perspective, because some of us may need it if the Columbia journey ends here over the next few days.

Two years ago I applied to 8 schools. I thought film school was THE only way. I was desperate. Applying to schools I knew I didn't want to attend. At that time of my life I needed film school. Rejection after rejection came in. I was untested. I had beliefs about what storytelling could mean to me, but not how I wanted to tell stories, or even what stories I had to tell. I hadn't found my voice yet. You could smell it on my application.

I ended up getting an offer to Tisch Asia, planned to go, but then dropped out two weeks before shipping out. I couldn't sway that nagging feeling that my motivations were wrong. I needed film school, but I didn't want it yet. I asked the Tisch director what I should do with my time now, and he didn't have much advice to offer but "Go live."

For two years I've done just that. I married the love of my life. Became a man. Paid taxes. Earned a living. Raised the best damn looking chocolate lab. And explored my creativity with an unedited sense of freedom.

This year I only applied to one film school. And I applied because I wanted to apply. Which was so much more empowering because I knew that I didn't have to do it.

And while my hands are still sweating like crazy, and my pulse is firing, my heart is in the right place.

Columbia is a phenomenal school, in my opinion the best. But nothing is a replacement for sheer determination, passion, and persistence.

Wanted to share a clip from the last few years of my life. There are so many avenues for us to practice our craft. http://vimeo.com/16316703

And you want to know what the crazy thing is??? In the midst of writing this stream of nervous thoughts trying to regain my composure and perspective, and to calm my ass down... Columbia leaves a voicemail requesting an interview.

From the guy who was rejected 8 consecutive times two years ago, I'm proud to be chasing such a noble calling with you all.

Thank you.

 

[Sojouner]

Fears be allayed...at least for some.

I spoke with admissions today. I was concerned about my app since I mailed it manually.

They told me they're just getting around to a fresh batch of applications for consideration.

Bon chance

 

[Dino]

Originally posted by blueskeyes:
Hello fellow Columbia hopefuls.

I will admit, I too have been known to stalk these threads over the last few months without speaking into the conversation. Every time a phone rings, our pulse quickens, our hands start sweating (I'm a hand sweater...). We've all fought for this moment. And the moment is out of our hands now. It is thrilling. Terrifying.

I want to share a bit of perspective, because some of us may need it if the Columbia journey ends here over the next few days.

Two years ago I applied to 8 schools. I thought film school was THE only way. I was desperate. Applying to schools I knew I didn't want to attend. At that time of my life I needed film school. Rejection after rejection came in. I was untested. I had beliefs about what storytelling could mean to me, but not how I wanted to tell stories, or even what stories I had to tell. I hadn't found my voice yet. You could smell it on my application.

I ended up getting an offer to Tisch Asia, planned to go, but then dropped out two weeks before shipping out. I couldn't sway that nagging feeling that my motivations were wrong. I needed film school, but I didn't want it yet. I asked the Tisch director what I should do with my time now, and he didn't have much advice to offer but "Go live."

For two years I've done just that. I married the love of my life. Became a man. Paid taxes. Earned a living. Raised the best damn looking chocolate lab. And explored my creativity with an unedited sense of freedom.

This year I only applied to one film school. And I applied because I wanted to apply. Which was so much more empowering because I knew that I didn't have to do it.

And while my hands are still sweating like crazy, and my pulse is firing, my heart is in the right place.

Columbia is a phenomenal school, in my opinion the best. But nothing is a replacement for sheer determination, passion, and persistence.

Wanted to share a clip from the last few years of my life. There are so many avenues for us to practice our craft. http://vimeo.com/16316703

And you want to know what the crazy thing is??? In the midst of writing this stream of nervous thoughts trying to regain my composure and perspective, and to calm my ass down... Columbia leaves a voicemail requesting an interview.

From the guy who was rejected 8 consecutive times two years ago, I'm proud to be chasing such a noble calling with you all.

You live your life! Respect!

 

[ShieldYourEyes]

Originally posted by blueskeyes:
Hello fellow Columbia hopefuls.

I will admit, I too have been known to stalk these threads over the last few months without speaking into the conversation. Every time a phone rings, our pulse quickens, our hands start sweating (I'm a hand sweater...). We've all fought for this moment. And the moment is out of our hands now. It is thrilling. Terrifying.

I want to share a bit of perspective, because some of us may need it if the Columbia journey ends here over the next few days.

Two years ago I applied to 8 schools. I thought film school was THE only way. I was desperate. Applying to schools I knew I didn't want to attend. At that time of my life I needed film school. Rejection after rejection came in. I was untested. I had beliefs about what storytelling could mean to me, but not how I wanted to tell stories, or even what stories I had to tell. I hadn't found my voice yet. You could smell it on my application.

I ended up getting an offer to Tisch Asia, planned to go, but then dropped out two weeks before shipping out. I couldn't sway that nagging feeling that my motivations were wrong. I needed film school, but I didn't want it yet. I asked the Tisch director what I should do with my time now, and he didn't have much advice to offer but "Go live."

For two years I've done just that. I married the love of my life. Became a man. Paid taxes. Earned a living. Raised the best damn looking chocolate lab. And explored my creativity with an unedited sense of freedom.

This year I only applied to one film school. And I applied because I wanted to apply. Which was so much more empowering because I knew that I didn't have to do it.

And while my hands are still sweating like crazy, and my pulse is firing, my heart is in the right place.

Columbia is a phenomenal school, in my opinion the best. But nothing is a replacement for sheer determination, passion, and persistence.

Wanted to share a clip from the last few years of my life. There are so many avenues for us to practice our craft. http://vimeo.com/16316703

And you want to know what the crazy thing is??? In the midst of writing this stream of nervous thoughts trying to regain my composure and perspective, and to calm my ass down... Columbia leaves a voicemail requesting an interview.

From the guy who was rejected 8 consecutive times two years ago, I'm proud to be chasing such a noble calling with you all.

That's actually really good to hear. Right now I'm coming to terms with the very real possibility that I will be flat out rejected by the two schools I applied to. Did you just keep writing, shooting, etc until you felt ready to put together a strong portfolio?

I liked your reel. It would be great to see these pieces in their larger context, but you've got a great eye, and it was put together very nicely. Best of luck to you!

 

[assal]

Originally posted by blueskeyes:
Hello fellow Columbia hopefuls.

I will admit, I too have been known to stalk these threads over the last few months without speaking into the conversation. Every time a phone rings, our pulse quickens, our hands start sweating (I'm a hand sweater...). We've all fought for this moment. And the moment is out of our hands now. It is thrilling. Terrifying.

I want to share a bit of perspective, because some of us may need it if the Columbia journey ends here over the next few days.

Two years ago I applied to 8 schools. I thought film school was THE only way. I was desperate. Applying to schools I knew I didn't want to attend. At that time of my life I needed film school. Rejection after rejection came in. I was untested. I had beliefs about what storytelling could mean to me, but not how I wanted to tell stories, or even what stories I had to tell. I hadn't found my voice yet. You could smell it on my application.

I ended up getting an offer to Tisch Asia, planned to go, but then dropped out two weeks before shipping out. I couldn't sway that nagging feeling that my motivations were wrong. I needed film school, but I didn't want it yet. I asked the Tisch director what I should do with my time now, and he didn't have much advice to offer but "Go live."

For two years I've done just that. I married the love of my life. Became a man. Paid taxes. Earned a living. Raised the best damn looking chocolate lab. And explored my creativity with an unedited sense of freedom.

This year I only applied to one film school. And I applied because I wanted to apply. Which was so much more empowering because I knew that I didn't have to do it.

And while my hands are still sweating like crazy, and my pulse is firing, my heart is in the right place.

Columbia is a phenomenal school, in my opinion the best. But nothing is a replacement for sheer determination, passion, and persistence.

Wanted to share a clip from the last few years of my life. There are so many avenues for us to practice our craft. http://vimeo.com/16316703

And you want to know what the crazy thing is??? In the midst of writing this stream of nervous thoughts trying to regain my composure and perspective, and to calm my ass down... Columbia leaves a voicemail requesting an interview.

From the guy who was rejected 8 consecutive times two years ago, I'm proud to be chasing such a noble calling with you all.

loved your reel Greg! Good luck to you!

 

[stevent]

blueskeyes

Thanks for sharing. If this round of admissions goes the way it's looking like it will at this point I'll be sitting at 0 for 9. Glad to see there can be light at the end of this long, brutal tunnel of rejection.

 

[HI FILM]

I called the call for interview. Thanks God.

 

[blueskeyes]

Yo ShieldyourEyes write/direct/develop your portfolio, travel, take crazy jobs, fail at some things, study filmmakers, study films, collaborate, take risks, seek mentors, road trips, yeah definitely road trips. There are so many paths to finding your stories. You could push a hot dog cart in Santa Monica, pick cantaloupes with migrant workers in Laredo, shoot music videos, design clothes. We have to first live the most interesting story with our own lives, I think that might be the only consistent piece of advice that has panned out for me.

 

[Anomen1985]

Sojouner:

Fears be allayed...at least for some.

I spoke with admissions today. I was concerned about my app since I mailed it manually.

They told me they're just getting around to a fresh batch of applications for consideration.

Bon chance

- so does this mean there may be interview calls still days away?

- also - has anyone actually heard today (Friday)? or was everyone invited yesterday?

I only applied to three schools, and got accepted to one, have an interview coming up at another, and have heard nothing at all from Columbia.

This makes me very sad. My visual submission was a 16mm short film which played at a bunch of film festivals and even picked up some awards here and there. Maybe my written submissions were not up to par.

 

[CS]

Hi everyone,
I've been following these posts for a while but it's my first time writing... I've just been called by Columbia for an interview (15 min ago!). Also interviewing at AFI next week... And got waitlisted at USC, got the email yesterday. Good luck to all of you!

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by CS:
Hi everyone,
I've been following these posts for a while but it's my first time writing... I've just been called by Columbia for an interview (15 min ago!). Also interviewing at AFI next week... And got waitlisted at USC, got the email yesterday. Good luck to all of you!

Thank you for letting us know. So they are still making calls today.

 

[Rachel S]

Okay, so I've also been reading and never posting.

Major Congrats to all those who have interviews coming up!

I happen to do some work for a an '05 graduate, and he had friends in his class that were never interviewed, and his interview request came very late in the application process. I would feel so much better if I had an interview request right now, but I don't think anyone on here should lose hope, if one doesn't come in today!

 

[Procallout]

Originally posted by CS:
Hi everyone,
I've been following these posts for a while but it's my first time writing... I've just been called by Columbia for an interview (15 min ago!). Also interviewing at AFI next week... And got waitlisted at USC, got the email yesterday. Good luck to all of you!

Hey CS, did you happen to interview with a prof at USC? Or did they waitlist you sans contact? Congrats on AFI. I wish i applied there this year. Wasn't confident in my latest film so I bagged it.

 

[wannabe2]

So they were not interviewed? That's wierd. I thought they interviewed all. Does that mean, perhaps, that they were waitlisted without an interview then accepted in hopes of meeting an enrollment quota? Your alumn friend, how late are we talking about here, because most (not all) of the top schools are set with their class by late April.