Columbia 2013 Applicants

[freakyfreddy]

Well, their first questions was, "How would graduate school help you achieve your goals?" My response was that I want to start my own production company and grad school will help me achieve that goal by yada yada yada”¦and they basically said, "we don't think this is the right program for you."

Keep in mind that was the FIRST question! So my immediate thought was: Oh @!*#^, what have I done?!

The remaining 15 minutes or so was spent back peddling and rethinking my whole interview strategy. It sucked.

But in the end I thought to myself: I told them what my plans for graduate school were and if I won't gain much from their curriculum, then maybe Columbia isn't right for me, and I'll save $100,000 in the meantime.

 

[kincid]

@Freakyfreddy Hmm I dont think one question will make it or break it. Do you remember their exact response to your answer?

 

[Moira]

@freakyfreddy: Now I am really nervous for my interview tonight, haha. Directing/Screenwriting with emphasis on directing. Wish me luck everyone!

 

[dusty_rose]

AHHHH ... GOOD LUCK!!!! ;D

 

[freakyfreddy]

Originally posted by kincid:
@Freakyfreddy Hmm I dont think one question will make it or break it. Do you remember their exact response to your answer?

I'm sorry, I don't remember.

 

[kincid]

In that case I think maybe you've been overanalyzing things a bit? I wouldn't worry that much about a single answer/question if I were you. I think the interview is more an opportunity to get a feel of the person you are, your personality, your energy, etc.

 

[sudarshansuresh]

Just finished my interview. And I think it went off fairly well. Quite excited, but I'm definitely not counting my chickens yet.

Most of the questions they asked me were specific to my circumstances (I'm a lawyer, but I've been an avid painter/ illustrator and actor for donkey's years). So they quizzed me on the reasons for my transition etc etc.

The rest were generic questions like what do you expect from this program, films/ filmmakers that inspire you, do you have any questions for us etc etc. You know the usual.

It's been said again and again, and it used to annoy me to read it again and again, but I completely understand now -- you just have to be yourself. Pretension doesn't fly. I didn't have a clue how to prepare for this interview and I got on the call with a blank mind, and I think that helped. My advice would be to just listen to your favourite music and introspect.

I can't wait to know their decision now. Good luck everyone.

ps. any idea when we can expect to hear from them?

 

[freakyfreddy]

I hope I'm just overanalyzing it, I just had a bad feeling. I have had bad interviews and still got the job before.

 

[s.aldani]

If they are having interviews up until the 18th I can't imagine they'll be sending out invitations until after... though last year it looks like people began finding out around the 15th.

As time passes I think my perception of the interview is getting more and more warped. I really enjoyed it and absolutely loved June and Jeff, they were so kind and friendly and really really funny, but I just have no real perspective on it because it's all completely plagued with self doubt!

Anyone else feel the same?

x

 

[ath579]

Am I the only person with an interview that late?

 

[freakyfreddy]

Originally posted by freakyfreddy:
I hope I'm just overanalyzing it, I just had a bad feeling. I have had bad interviews and still got the job before.

Haha I was just accepted!! I guess my interview went better than I thought.

 

[schua310]

I just got a called from Maureen Ryan. I got accepted too!!!

 

[Moira]

@sudarshansuresh: Funny, I also had my interview today! I had mine on 4:30, and it's fun to read your impressions of the interviewers. I can't remember their names, but chances are high that we had the same people. They were really charming and really, they just wanted to know something about me, what inspires me, what kind of books i read, films I watch. They listened to what I told them and just picked up things to inquire further. I have a huge print on my back wall with flying books which they adored and asked me about several times, which was awesome. I think it's rather spontaneous, but they have their questions in the back of their minds and just pick them up when it fits. It was a really pleasant talk, nothing like a job interview or something.

@freakyfreddy: congrats!! How long between your interview and the decision?

 

[LucyPcoket]

I just got a call from Maureen Ryan as well that I got in! I also got into UCLA though - I'm not sure which one I'm going to choose. Eek!

 

[sudarshansuresh]

@moira

Yeah, it was really nothing more than a pleasant conversation. I was interviewed by Evangeline Morphos and Ramin Bahrani. I had actually read up a fair bit on Ramin and his work, and was shocked when the call started and I saw him sitting there! You should check out the music video he shot for Sigur Ros, and his short 'Plastic Bag', voiced by Herzog. I was tempted to tell him I admire his work, but didn't for fear that it may be mistaken for manipulative flattery.

But all in all it was a good experience. There were a few jokes cracked here and there. And on more than one occasion Evangeline very sweetly encouraged me by saying that's a great answer. I hope all this means something though. My fingers are now crossed and almost inextricably knotted.

Good luck to you Moira!

 

[freakyfreddy]

My interview was last Monday

 

[sudarshansuresh]

freakyfreddy, schua, lucy, congratulations you guys!

Are all of you creative producing applicants?

 

[schua310]

Yes, I applied to the Creative Producing program.

 

[Prime(Tim)e]

@FreakyFreddy Congrats! When I saw that post earlier where you said that they felt that the program wasn't for you, I knew that was a ploy haha. That seemed crazy of them to say, so maybe they were playing possum.

Congratulations to all who have been accepted!!!

Was it only phone calls? or Was it letters or emails as well?

Hope they aren't done with calls... Feeling shaky right about now... haven't heard anything since my interview 2 weeks ago...

 

[freakyfreddy]

I don't know what they were thinking during the interview, the whole admissions process is such a mystery to everyone. But anyways, I received a phone call from ira.