Columbia 2013 Applicants (2 Viewers)

[freakyfreddy]

Creative Producing applicant here. Just sent in my application. Good luck to everyone.

 

[s.aldani]

Hey! I'm so glad you started this. I sent my application in for Columbia Film Directing yesterday (like 10 minutes before the deadline). Really nervous!

For some reason I keep going back over the application even though there's nothing I can do about it anymore.

How are you coping post-deadline?

Good luck to you too!

 

[freakyfreddy]

I'm feeling good after everything. I applied last minute as well.

December and January should be quiet. In February I'm sure I'll feel a lot more anxiety.

 

[Robin101]

Hey Everyone,

I also applied to Columbia's program for Directing. It's feels so strange to be done. I'm sure a lot of people can relate to this, but after spending months writing, developing and worrying about my application and portfolio it's weird for it to just be over.

I'm like you, s.aldani. Even though there's nothing that can be done now, I keep looking over my materials to see what I could have done differently. At the beginning, I was completely confident with what I was writing, but by the end of it, I just needed to be done. I really hope that doesn't bite me in the butt at all. Did anyone else feel that way?

 

[s.aldani]

Hey Robin101,

I completely understand. I was so meticulous and dedicated when it came to planning the pieces and there were about 10 drafts before the final ones... but by the end of it I was so close and involved with what i was writing I completely lost perspective on it. I just don't know if any of it is good or not anymore.

The thing I'm worried will bite me in the ass is that I didn't send in a video submission. I'm fairly new to directing film (my background and experience is theatre) and I thought sending in some of my really amateur short films would actually take away from my application rather than add to it. Still not sure if I made the right call!

Ugh... two whole months before we hear anything. Let the wait begin.

x

 

[Moira]

Hey Guys,

I think it is normal to feel weird after such an intensive period of working and being creative. I applied to five film schools in November and also started with a lot of energy and motivation, but in the end, it was really all about damage-limitation, because all the specific formats, page-limitations and font sizes gave me a hard time I haven't re-read my applications yet, because I know it will make me feel like I didn't do good enough, though speaking out of experience, I am sure that I did my best. And in the past, when I re-read applications a few months later, I was really surprised how good they were, because I got some distance.
The review of our applications has a lot to do with subjective views of the board, so I try not to measure my creative submissons. Besides, I am also nervous about what happens next, but I try not to worry too much Good luck to all of you, I am sure we are all different from each other and equally gifted!

 

[Robin101]

@s.aldani I say don't worry about the video submission. Honestly, the vibe I got from them is that they aren't too inclined to watch them. From everything I've read on this forum, they seem more focused on story than technical skills anyway so as long as your written materials are stellar, I say you have no worries.

@Moira I think you're absolutely right. I'm trying my best to forget I even applied (although while still sending out positive vibes about acceptance).

I'm worried though. My last recommender has yet to turn in her letter. I've been emailing her these past few days, but she hasn't responded which is extremely weird for her. Today, I'm on a mission to track her down and talk face to face, but do you think this counts as a disqualification?

 

[s.aldani]

No I don't think it's a disqualification! In your application under recommenders did you say she would be posting it or uploading it online? Tell her to post it, Columbia will accept it but I think there's a late fee. You should call and check but I'm sure its not a disqualification!
x

 

[s.aldani]

Also, does anyone know how many students Columbia accepts onto the Directing concentration?
x

 

[guerrera]

Hello I applied for creative producing, good luck to all!

 

[manguforcheap]

Applied for Screenwriting/Directing. Not sure how I feel about my application haha.

 

[Virat]

Hey guys I've also applied for the screenwriting/directing program. Did a lot of preparation before actually applying but not exactly sure how it'll turn out. Pretty glad that it's over though, especially after applying on the last day! Good Luck to everyone!

 

[Stevie]

s.aldani

On Columbia's website it states that they take 24 students for creative producing and 48 students for screenwriting/directing. I assume that they divide the screenwriting and directing students fairly evenly so they will probably accept around 24 for directing.

 

[CLFilms]

I applied there as well.

Where else did you all apply?
I applied to six other schools:
AFI, USC, UCLA, Chapman, UT, and NYU.

February will be interesting -- hopefully for the best.

 

[matildabrown]

Hey guys,

I applied to Columbia for directing... I do hope I get in! I've never written a fiction film treatment before (mostly worked in documentary), so I hope it's up to snuff.

To those above: the video submissions are 100% reviewed. I visited Columbia in August and they said they are definitely checked.

 

[jufebato]

Hi,
I applied to the screenwriting concentration. My second time applying so I'm not as nervous. Anyway, from the experience I had last year I know that if you don't get called for an interview by the end of February your chances to get in are pretty much reduced to zero. That and the fact that only 10% of those who apply get accepted encourages me to not think too much about my application or what I could have done differently.

At any rate I wish you all good luck and hang in there for the next couple of months.

 

[Stevie]

@jufebato

It's my second year applying as well. I'm praying that the second time around goes better for both of us. Screenwriting applicant as well. I'm not as nervous this time around either, but an interview would be nice. I'm just glad I have a better idea of how this works. Last year I allowed myself to hope well into April. Shame. Best of luck to everyone applying this year.

 

[freakyfreddy]

Originally posted by jufebato:
Anyway, from the experience I had last year I know that if you don't get called for an interview by the end of February your chances to get in are pretty much reduced to zero.

Good to know.

 

[Sara Suri]

Heyy everyone,
Even though I've been stalking this forum like crazy, I decided to join it today.
I've applied to Columbia and NYU. I also plan to apply to FAMU (Prague). Anyone applying there?

Also, just like everyone else, I also happen to be sitting here, opening my id and staring at what I've sent. The more I read my stuff, I feel that I could have done better. Sigh.

Anyway, good luck everyone

 

[sudarshansuresh]

Hi Sara,

I'm planning on applying to FAMU as well. Nice to meet someone else who is (and from India at that). If I'm not mistaken, the deadlines haven't been announced yet, though they've indicated that they're typically around March.

Sudarshan