Columbia 2011 Application - Questions (2 Viewers)

[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

 

[Anomen1985]

sadly, it is beginning to seem more and more like people who have not heard about an interview have been rejected. i hope this is not the case, but as the days go by, my optimism is dwindling.

 

[aresee]

Hey Munky.
I have no idea what to tell you.
Maybe they are waiting to see how many are going through first, as a result of interviews. Then if they do not have the numbers they want, they will reach out then?
That's the only hope, at this point, I think. But it sure is possible.

 

[Munky the robot]

Aresee -thanks but I think Anomen here may be right. As everyday passes I m kind losing hope.

But hey who knows right!
Goodluck to those who have heard and those who havent!

 

[Jaye]

Is anyone else interviewing on the 16th?

 

['K' Chang]

Wow... so many things happened here for the last few months, including Dino's conspiracy theories.. I'm really sorry for Dino that you had to go through all these xxxxs...

Well, again, congrats to everyone who got interview invitations, and am really sorry for those who didn't get the offers.

wish all of you best luck on upcoming events as well as for those who's already had one.

back to the business, seems the format of CU's interview is also not much different from other MFA schools' interviews.

But what I'm concerned is that I might not be able to show them who I really am as effectively as you guys since it seems I'm the only one in this forum who'd be having the Skype interview.

Besides, due to time differences, I'm having my interview at 2 in the morning.

Anyway, we all know MFA in directing/writing and CP(which is I'm going for) at Columbia is, without any doubt, one of the top film programs in the U.S., so I don't want to blow it off.

Does anyone know what's the most effective way to impress interviewees, especially in my case... during online interview?

Any kinds of answers will be appreciated.

=====
Hang tight people... This nerve racking moment is almost done...!!!

 

[jackgradus]

Don't you know? There's a magical phrase that GUARANTEES admission into all film programs. It impresses the interviewers in such a deep manner that they MUST admit you.

I am off to NYC today, interviewing tomorrow morning. I will let you guys know how it goes. Good luck to everyone.

 

[aresee]

That's right Jack...

The magic phrase:

"My favorite film is...'Gigli' with Affleck and J Lo."

 

[aresee]

K Chang,

I do have an international friend in the CP program at Columbia now. He is the one who told me that he interviewed the first time and tried to discuss "intellectual" filmmakers. He said it was uncomfortable. He did not get in. He reapplied and was more relaxed at interview time the following year, and discussed his passions and what he really believed. He wasn't so concerned about getting in, but more like, "Hey, here I am, this is me, like me or not." He got in. He is currently in his 3rd year.

I don't know enough about film school interviews, but I can say this one thing regarding Skype interviews, based on experience in previous business:
I have interviewed or had meetings via Skype and it is annoying when the person is adjusting to it as we are talking, or shifting around when we are talking. It's uncomfortable. So stay focused on the screen as if you are looking directly into their eyes, ESPECIALLY when they are talking. That's all I got.. Sorry

If you are funny, ma

 

[Koquard]

aresee...

Could you tell us anything about the environment during your interview?

When you walked in... what was the first thing you saw? Was there a "waiting area" like at a doctor's office?

What type of room did it take place in? A conference room? Where did you sit? Was it conducted at a long conference table like I keep on hearing?

Did they seem to have questions prepared or was it all spur-of-the-moment? If the questions were prepared, how many questions were there? Was your resume and other materials right there in front of them?

Finally...

How long was your interview?

=========

These are all questions that I'm sure most people who've never had an in-person interview (like myself) are wondering... and I'm only asking because I'm trying to get into the "interview" mindset.

I'm not too nervous but I'd like to have at least an inkling of what's ahead of me.

 

[UCFfilmgirl]

I just had my interview for Creative Producing at Columbia yesterday, and it went SO well!! I am ecstatic, and I still cannot stop smiling about it. I go to school in Florida, but I was home in New Jersey on Spring Break. I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to have my interview in person instead of via skype. For me personally I prefer in-person interviews much more.

Some big questions that I was asked are: Why graduate school? & What kind of films would I see myself producing and examples. The entire interview was extremely enjoyable and relaxed. I'd say the one word to describe my interview more than anything else is inspirational! Just from this one interview, I have learned so much and left feeling motivated and excited. I cannot wait to hear back soon. They said notifications for Creative Producing will be sent out the second or third week of March

 

[aresee]

Congrats UCFFilmGirl,

Who did you meet with? I interviewed earlier in the week for Screenwriting/Directing.

 

[aresee]

Koquard,
Personally, I think you're thinking too much about it. I think you need to go in and just knock it out, whatever comes at you, but if you think knowing all that information will actually help you, I will do my best....
My answers are after your quotes below:

.

Koquard: Could you tell us anything about the environment during your interview?

Aresee: It was friendly and relaxed. It is intended to be that way. Much different from the NYU interviews I have heard of. I didn't apply to NYU, so I do not know for sure, but supposedly they are a bit abrasive.

Koquard: When you walked in... what was the first thing you saw? Was there a "waiting area" like at a doctor's office?

Aresee: When you get to Dodge Hall, walk straight ahead to the elevators. Go to the 5th floor. When you get out you will see two iMac 24's. Go to the right and you will pass by the long black couch on your left. That is where you will sit to wait. Walk straight ahead into the film office and the reception person will be on your left. Tell them who you are and why you are there. They will have you sit on the couch and send a greeter to see you. That greeter will be a 2nd or 3rd year film student, most likely in the concentration you are interviewing for. They will relax you and tell you who you are meeting with. If its directing/screenwriting, it will probably be two of the following: Molton, Stein, Mendelsohn, Joseph, Proferes, Kleinman, Dieckmann. But could be someone else. Producing, Ira Deutchman et al. Not sure who else does producing.
Good idea to know the players: http://arts.columbia.edu/faculty-overview-0
That's your chance to ask some questions that you might not want to ask the professors. Students are cool and will make you feel comfy. You chill with them until the professor(s) come to get you.


Koquard: What type of room did it take place in? A conference room? Where did you sit? Was it conducted at a long conference table like I keep on hearing?

Aresee: That will depend on who you meet with. Most likely it will be in the shared office of one of the professors interviewing you. I can't speak for everyone, but the ones I know of, including mine, I sat in a chair with no desk, facing the professors who also sat in chairs facing me. They kicked back, and so did I, and we chatted. No conference table. I think the professors, and the school in general, is way to chill for a conference table meeting.

Koquard: Did they seem to have questions prepared or was it all spur-of-the-moment? If the questions were prepared, how many questions were there? Was your resume and other materials right there in front of them?

Aresee: They did not "seem" to have questions prepared, but I am sure they did. It wasn't like that at all. They were just kind of like, "Hey man, how's it goin? So we're just going to chat a bit and get to know you and see what you want to do and how we can help." It was really like that. I know others are a bit tougher. Like Proferes. He is a little more miserable, from what I have heard. But Jamal Joseph, Steve Molton, Eric Mendelsohn, June Stein, et al, are really wonderful. But if they have any concerns, they will ask you how you will deal with it or how you feel about it. They will ask you about films you like, etc., and what type of filmmaker you are/will be. My materials were on a desk next to them. They didn't refer to them or look at them while I was there, but they were definitely familiar with them. They knew me. They knew details.
They really didn't have a list of questions. It was conversational and they got what they needed. Naturally, there were things I wanted to bring up that I didn't, but it went well and I think they got to know me a bit. The key is that if you have something you want to say, just find an opening to say it. They will give you the opportunity to do that. They will also ask you if you have any questions for them.

Koquard: Finally...

How long was your interview?

Aresee: 25 minutes.
=========

These are all questions that I'm sure most people who've never had an in-person interview (like myself) are wondering... and I'm only asking because I'm trying to get into the "interview" mindset.

I'm not too nervous but I'd like to have at least an inkling of what's ahead of me.

Aresee: I can say this...I have spoken in front of large crowds and have never been nervous for interviews for any reason. I am actually noted for how calm I am in those situations. But, I was crapping myself before the interview...just because for me, there is a lot on the line here, and this is a decades old dream. BUT, the grad student greeter made me feel calm and relaxed before I got in there, and they were really awesome and it was just so easy to be me and not worry.
Good Luck Koquard.

 

[Koquard]

Originally posted by aresee:
Koquard,
My answers are after your quotes below:
[collapsed]

You are a God.

 

['K' Chang]

Originally posted by aresee:
That's right Jack...

The magic phrase:

"My favorite film is...'Gigli' with Affleck and J Lo."

Well, i like chick flicks as well as many other genres of movies..and there's nothing wrong with it.. haha

 

[cineaste504]

I can attest that Aresee's response to Koquard is dead-on. My interview experience was practically identical! The only difference is that I interviewed in a really large room with a high ceiling and a long table between me and the 2 professors. Regardless, it was very informal.

I was a nervous wreck entering Dodge Hall, but just hanging out with the grad student that signed me in really calmed my nerves. So much that by the time I interviewed I was incredibly relaxed.

I found the actual interview to be a pleasant surprise. Both professors were able to recall the most minute details from my autobiographical essay and writing samples/treatment. They seemed genuinely intrigued about my life story; asking a lot about my history and how it led to my interest in filmmaking. All in all, a great experience. Hopefully it amounts to something!



Good luck to everyone.

 

[robot_m]

For those of you interviewing next week, know that Spring Break began today (yay!/phew!), so the campus will be pretty quiet while you're there.

 

[AspiringFIlmStudent]

Hey Guys,

Good luck to those of you with interviews!

Just out of curiosity, did anyone get invited for interviews despite handing in application materials that were not up to spec? e.g. going over the requested number of pages or not using the proper font or not double spacing?

Thanks.

 

[aresee]

Hey AFS,
Yeah, I did...
My autobiographical essay was within the 6 pgs, but I had to change the font and spacing. And there are like no margins...haha!

 

[Koquard]

Originally posted by AspiringFIlmStudent:
Hey Guys,

Good luck to those of you with interviews!

Just out of curiosity, did anyone get invited for interviews despite handing in application materials that were not up to spec? e.g. going over the requested number of pages or not using the proper font or not double spacing?

Thanks.

I wrote a pretty atrocious one-page treatment.

 

[intimatesecretary]

So, fresh from the interview...

Firstly, as it's been noted before, it's extremely friendly & casual.

Questions/topics: they extensively wanted to talk about the material I submitted, especially the movie (they said they loved it), from the genesis, the process, particular shots, what I would change about it now... Eric M. very specifically asked me about one shot he was amazed by, detailed stuff about it...

Then scenario, mostly whether I had fun writing it

Also what movie is now in my head - and as I'm writing my thesis screenplay based on the app. treatment We discussed that a lot, including visual style and shooting approach.

Then talk about mixing screenwriting/directing (I specified directing, but they know I'm getting my BFA in writing), collaborating with people, my experience at Famu and reasons I want to go to Columbia for MFA. I unintentionally (but I think it was a good thing) incorporated a lot of info about their approach at the programme and we talked about that.

Then films I particularly like, also connected to my essay but also what sprang into my head... Then Eric asked me about some sequence in a film of choice, what I like about it etc.

Then some talk about new york

Oh, and they also inquired, why I still want/feel the need to go to film school, when I am already doing pretty well as a filmmaker (their words).

And also where do I see my weaknesses in writing now, what I feel like I want to work on etc.

So, that was pretty much it, and as I am writing this I realized some of those are quite tough questions, but... The conversation was so nice and fun, that I didnt feel that at the moment at all, just replying what came to my mind. And we had some laughs. It was a much enjoyable experience really.

Good luck to all of you, hope this helped.

ps Trying not to put too much info to the goodbye line "I'll be seeing you very soon."

add: the other professor interviewing me was Dan Kleinmann, he asked more about writing, eric more about directing (and eric talked much more, but it seemed more personality based than an intention