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Columbia 2011 Application - Questions (2 Viewers)

MAlbie

Well-Known Member
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
 
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 cineaste504:
So out of everyone on this forum that had interviews, only 2 can confirm they got the call? I really hope they make a few more today...:-)

Is it really only 2? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looks like only CS and ATown said they spoke with Eric yesterday.
 
Originally posted by cineaste504:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jackgradus:
How many people who post in the forums usually get in?

It looks like 6-8 people each year for the past 3 years. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It seems like the majority of us got interviews this year. Anyone know if there were as many interview offers in previous years when 6-8 ppl got in?

Anyone have a link to the Columbia thread for 2010 they could post? For some reason I've only been able to find threads for 2007 and 2008 when I search. I dunno what I'm f-ing up term wise.
 
Ok, so it looks like last years the call for screenwriting came in later in the game, as late as like 5 days after the first call. That makes me feel better. :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hey. I'm one of those lurkers who finally made an account. I got my call from Eric yesterday. I was accepted into the directing/writing and received a merit scholarship of 10,000. Best of luck to everyone else waiting on a call.
 
Hey! Congratulations accepted students!! I also got the call today from Eric. Accepted into screenwriting/directing program.
Last year was a year of rejections and this year I'm blessed with so much good luck/news. Can't tell enough how important it is to hang in there and try again next year with new material. It often takes 2-3 attempts to get in! Good luck everybody, my fingers are crossed for you to receive some good calls today!!!
 
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