Columbia Film MFA, Fall 2020 Application (1 Viewer)

[Drew DP]

Hi all, I got the interview email for Columbia yesterday (Tuesday the 11th) around 10:30am EST, so the requests are definitely spread out. They said in the email "You will be interviewed by two faculty members who have read your application, who are interviewing on the specified dates," and my dates are on the later end, so that might be part of why the notifications are rolling.

 

[Sastre]

Hi all, Does anyone have or know where I could find a general list of courses broken down per semester?

 

[truffleshuffle]

Hi all, Does anyone have or know where I could find a general list of courses broken down per semester?

This is a basic breakdown of the curriculum for the MFA program.

You can browse through the "Film" link here for more details about certain courses, but the course listings are grouped together with the undergrad courses. The course numbers that begin with AF are generally the ones meant for MFA film students, but grad departments rarely ever include course descriptions on that site so your mileage may vary.

 

[cseckman]

Hey everyone! I just thought I’d send out my update. I had an interview earlier today at Columbia for Creative Producing. This was my third time applying, third time interviewing, and was waitlisted last year. I’ve never posted before, but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this subject. Since it’s my third time, I doubt I apply again if I don’t get it. Does Columbia tend to interview a lot of people for their film programs? Or am I getting closer than I realize and am just being tough on myself? It’s kind of getting to the point that I feel like Red in the Shawshank Redemption, going before the parole board hopelessly lmao

 

[andy001]

Hey everyone! I just thought I’d send out my update. I had an interview earlier today at Columbia for Creative Producing. This was my third time applying, third time interviewing, and was waitlisted last year. I’ve never posted before, but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this subject. Since it’s my third time, I doubt I apply again if I don’t get it. Does Columbia tend to interview a lot of people for their film programs? Or am I getting closer than I realize and am just being tough on myself? It’s kind of getting to the point that I feel like Red in the Shawshank Redemption, going before the parole board hopelessly lmao

Damn! What other schools have you applied to? They need to accept you already! I know they interview quite a lot of applicants being that it is one of the top film schools. I think you are very close, have you made it to the interview stage before?

 

[cseckman]

Damn! What other schools have you applied to? They need to accept you already! I know they interview quite a lot of applicants being that it is one of the top film schools. I think you are very close, have you made it to the interview stage before?

Lol that’s what I’m saying too, man. I do have interviews with UCLA and AFI at the end of the month, but I think Columbia is my top choice though. I’ve been interviewed by Columbia before, but this will be my first time for UCLA and AFI. those are the only three schools I applied to this year.

 

[Chris W]

Lol that’s what I’m saying too, man. I do have interviews with UCLA and AFI at the end of the month, but I think Columbia is my top choice though. I’ve been interviewed by Columbia before, but this will be my first time for UCLA and AFI. those are the only three schools I applied to this year.

Good luck! Be sure to add your applications to the tracker.

 

[cseckman]

Good luck! Be sure to add your applications to the tracker.

Thanks! Good luck to everyone else too! And will do

 

[truffleshuffle]

They definitely don’t interview everyone. Unlike USC, being asked to interview means they are seriously considering you as a candidate and you’ve basically made the first and largest cut already.

 

[Sastre]

This is a basic breakdown of the curriculum for the MFA program.

You can browse through the "Film" link here for more details about certain courses, but the course listings are grouped together with the undergrad courses. The course numbers that begin with AF are generally the ones meant for MFA film students, but grad departments rarely ever include course descriptions on that site so your mileage may vary.

Thanks a lot!!!

 

[Memz]

Hey everyone! I just thought I’d send out my update. I had an interview earlier today at Columbia for Creative Producing. This was my third time applying, third time interviewing, and was waitlisted last year. I’ve never posted before, but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this subject. Since it’s my third time, I doubt I apply again if I don’t get it. Does Columbia tend to interview a lot of people for their film programs? Or am I getting closer than I realize and am just being tough on myself? It’s kind of getting to the point that I feel like Red in the Shawshank Redemption, going before the parole board hopelessly lmao

Hey! I don't want to alarm you but it is my understanding that Columbia doesn't allow you to re-apply after the third time. Some policy they have.. Have you asked for feedback since the other applications? I think you are entitled to that after putting in the time, money and effort towards an application two times already. You should also maybe reach out to those who have applied and gotten in and see if you can take a look at their application materials. There are great stories on this site about people who have applied 2 or 3 times before they've gotten in and their lessons from that, here is a good example:

How I Got In To Film School: Application / Interview Process Information and AMA

 

[cseckman]

Hey! I don't want to alarm you but it is my understanding that Columbia doesn't allow you to re-apply after the third time. Some policy they have.. Have you asked for feedback since the other applications? I think you are entitled to that after putting in the time, money and effort towards an application two times already. You should also maybe reach out to those who have applied and gotten in and see if you can take a look at their application materials. There are great stories on this site about people who have applied 2 or 3 times before they've gotten in and their lessons from that, here is a good example:

How I Got In To Film School: Application / Interview Process Information and AMA

I had no plans of reapplying after this time anyhow, so that’s not alarming lol. Probably should’ve done some more digging before my interview this year, not much I can do now but wait and see. I’ll check out that link though, thanks!

 

[Memz]

I had no plans of reapplying after this time anyhow, so that’s not alarming lol. Probably should’ve done some more digging before my interview this year, not much I can do now but wait and see. I’ll check out that link though, thanks!

Ha, okay, that's good! I definitely don't think they interview that many by the way, you're obviously very close to what they're generally looking for. Unfortunately there are a lot of different factors at play when they pick their intake, some of which are pretty damn mysterious..

 

[xrisdelrio]

Hey everyone! Just had my interview today with David Klass and Eric Mendelsohn. They were both super friendly and tried to make the interview process as relaxed as possible. They asked several questions about my application materials, which they were very familiar with. We also talked a lot about what kind of films/tv I like and what I see myself making in the long term. The other thing we talked a lot about was the program itself. I also got the opportunity to talk to a current student who spent quite a while answering all of my questions. Just wanted to share with all of you, because these posts have been very useful for me. Best of luck everyone!

 

[jioh]

Hey everyone! Just had my interview today with David Klass and Eric Mendelsohn. They were both super friendly and tried to make the interview process as relaxed as possible. They asked several questions about my application materials, which they were very familiar with. We also talked a lot about what kind of films/tv I like and what I see myself making in the long term. The other thing we talked a lot about was the program itself. I also got the opportunity to talk to a current student who spent quite a while answering all of my questions. Just wanted to share with all of you, because these posts have been very useful for me. Best of luck everyone!

Thank you for sharing! Hope you nailed it. I have an interview next Friday, I'll share how was it too.

 

[Memz]

Had my interview today with Eric and David. They were both really lovely and were very familiar with my written materials. They asked me a about my current role and what I am doing right now, my influences, the type of stories I want to write, what I've written so far and what I am looking to gain from the program. They also asked me to elaborate on the writing sample I submitted and had some questions about the short films I've written and directed. I asked some specific questions about the program and the NY film industry in general.

Really just a lovely chat and something I would urge people to try to enjoy for what it is. You've got two really accomplished and experienced members of the faculty asking you questions and wanting to know more about you and your writing, it's rare chance to get all of sorts of valuable insight!

 

[truffleshuffle]

Had my interview today with Eric and David. They were both really lovely and were very familiar with my written materials. They asked me a about my current role and what I am doing right now, my influences, the type of stories I want to write, what I've written so far and what I am looking to gain from the program. They also asked me to elaborate on the writing sample I submitted and had some questions about the short films I've written and directed. I asked some specific questions about the program and the NY film industry in general.

Really just a lovely chat and something I would urge people to try to enjoy for what it is. You've got two really accomplished and experienced members of the faculty asking you questions and wanting to know more about you and your writing, it's rare chance to get all of sorts of valuable insight!

My interview was pretty much the same, except it was with Ramin and Ian. They were great and really made me feel at ease. Good luck, everyone!

 

[greenfurredturtle]

Hey guys! Just wanted to ask if we will be given information on who will be interviewing us prior to the interview? I asked a grad student but have't received a reply yet.

 

[truffleshuffle]

They said they deliberately won't tell you. I tried to find out too. Hehe

 

[ams2020]

This may be an odd question but what's the normal attire to wear for the interview. I'm not sure how formal to dress. I'm sure it doesn't matter much, but I'm a little lost.