Columbia 2011 Application - Questions

[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

 

[Jaye]

Originally posted by S.:
I studied law for two years, now I'm doing a bachelor in film at the Sorbonne, I'm graduating in may.
I have experience in theatre (as an actress, director, and writer), and I'm shooting my first short this week.

I'm 21 and French, living in London.
I'm applying for producing. Only Columbia and Sorbonne this year, USC, UCLA and NYU next year.

Jaye, Insearchof, goovydazzle, MAlbie, what are you applying for ? Sorry if you mentioned it before.

And happy birthday Insearchof !

Screenwriting

 

[groovydazzle]

Application Status: Completed on 2/9/2011 3:31:00 PM

I had to resent the transcripts. They are still not official.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by groovydazzle:
Application Status: Completed on 2/9/2011 3:31:00 PM

I had to resent the transcripts. They are still not official.

Thanks for the help!!

At least you are complete and totally eligible.

 

[S.]

Columbia keeps sending e-mails about non interview-related subjects... I jump every time I see "Columbia University" as the sender, then I read the object and I come back to reality.

 

[wonderpony]

Haha, I do the same thing.

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by wonderpony:
Haha, I do the same thing.

Ditto.

 

[balawadhi]

S.:

Yes! and it is through their admissions office too! I'm very close to a heart attack. can't they use another office to send them?
The kids are alright is nominated for an academy award. I need to know if I am nominated to your program

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by balawadhi:
S.:

Yes! and it is through their admissions office too! I'm very close to a heart attack. can't they use another office to send them?
The kids are alright is nominated for an academy award. I need to know if I am nominated to your program

Finally got my Need Access form submitted. That was more of an ordeal than the Columbia application.

Hope everyone is doing well. Only a few more weeks to go until interview notices. Good Luck to all!

 

[Koquard]

Originally posted by MAlbie:
Hope everyone is doing well. Only a few more weeks to go until interview notices. Good Luck to all!

When is the exact week again?

 

[ShieldYourEyes]

MAlbie - I just submitted my Need Access form as well, and my brain hurts. I need a nap.

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by Koquard:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MAlbie:
Hope everyone is doing well. Only a few more weeks to go until interview notices. Good Luck to all!

When is the exact week again? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Last year they sent out the emails on the week of the 22nd. But they may have pushed that back, we just don't know.

I would assume they will send them out by no later than March 15, but keep checking here because I am sure the first person to get one will post immediately.

 

[jacfilms]

hey MAlbie and Shieldyoureyes - I'm doing the Needs Access/FAFSA tonight - can it all be submitted online or does anything have to be done via snail mail?

 

[MAlbie]

Originally posted by jacfilms:
hey MAlbie and Shieldyoureyes - I'm doing the Needs Access/FAFSA tonight - can it all be submitted online or does anything have to be done via snail mail?

For the Need Access it is all online. If you get confused or need help there is a PDF you can download that walks you through each step. Good luck

The FAFSA is all online as well. I would do it first.

 

[jacfilms]

Thanks!!! Much appreciated.

 

[ShieldYourEyes]

I agree - do the FAFSA first, and keep all of the information for that handy, since much of the same information (and plenty more) will be required for the Need Access application. It's kind of onerous, so give yourself plenty of time.

 

[jacfilms]

Thanks! Will do, got the whole evening blocked out.

 

[jackgradus]

Got both of them in.

Wasn't as painful as I thought it was going to be, maybe because I had someone prepare my taxes...

Did anyone have to submit copies of their documents? I was never asked to...

And was everyone reminded to apply for this three times, including today? I guess some people really forget to apply.

Cheers,


AND NOW WE WAIT FOR INTERVIEWS.

 

[S.]

Yes, I had another e-mail today too.

In a week or a month... It's quite annoying not to know.

 

[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!!!

 

[MAlbie]

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.