Columbia SOA MFA Directing & Screenwriting Fall 2025 (2 Viewers)

I interviewed with Eric and David back in February but have not heard anything. At this point, I'm beginning to think about applying again next year.

Congrats to all who got in! I'm curious if any of you had applied previously?
 
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Just got off my zoom with Eric and turns out I was accepted into screenwriting/directing instead of writing for film/tv. It's definitely unexpected as I did not attach any visual/directing samples to my portfolio, but still very happy with the opportunity. Now, I'm just waiting on NYU dramatic writing results and will have to weigh my options.
 
Just got off my zoom with Eric and turns out I was accepted into screenwriting/directing instead of writing for film/tv. It's definitely unexpected as I did not attach any visual/directing samples to my portfolio, but still very happy with the opportunity. Now, I'm just waiting on NYU dramatic writing results and will have to weigh my options.
Did you apply to both programs (not even sure if this is possible) or just to Writing for Film/TV? Did you ask Eric about the decision to admit you to Screenwriting/Direction rather than Writing for Film/TV? Curious to hear if he had any info to share on that...
 
Did you apply to both programs (not even sure if this is possible) or just to Writing for Film/TV? Did you ask Eric about the decision to admit you to Screenwriting/Direction rather than Writing for Film/TV? Curious to hear if he had any info to share on that...
There was an option to be considered for both programs. I clicked it, but was honestly not expecting much because I did not submit a film or anything (I guess Columbia is truly a story school lol). I do have a BFA in Film and TV production which might've helped my case? Eric said he could reach out to the writing for Film and TV people if I had any questions, which makes me believe that they have separate admission teams for each track. I guess the screenwriting/directing people liked my stuff more? It's tough to say.
 
Late update here but I received the email invitation to a zoom on Wednesday (3/26). I’m abroad and 13 hours ahead of the NYC time zone, so I went back and forth with someone helping Eric to schedule the call and after a few tries she ended up saying that she couldn’t find any time that I could chat with him given my time zone.

Then on Friday (3/27) I got the official acceptance update in my portal. I also received a $20,000 scholarship per year.

I was rejected to NYU grad film at Tisch so I didn’t know what to expect here. Very grateful for admission and for the scholarship, but I received a bigger scholarship to another program so unless Columbia offers more, I’ll likely turn down the offer. That should mean at least one more opening for the waitlist!

Good luck to you all. It was helpful having this group to wait with during an otherwise quiet month. I don’t doubt that all of you are immensely talented - please keep creating, even if the film school you wanted didn’t say yes. Most of the directors that we all love and revere didn’t go to schools like these - this path is not as prestige-gated as others. Keep creating!
 
Late update here but I received the email invitation to a zoom on Wednesday (3/26). I’m abroad and 13 hours ahead of the NYC time zone, so I went back and forth with someone helping Eric to schedule the call and after a few tries she ended up saying that she couldn’t find any time that I could chat with him given my time zone.

Then on Friday (3/27) I got the official acceptance update in my portal. I also received a $20,000 scholarship per year.

I was rejected to NYU grad film at Tisch so I didn’t know what to expect here. Very grateful for admission and for the scholarship, but I received a bigger scholarship to another program so unless Columbia offers more, I’ll likely turn down the offer. That should mean at least one more opening for the waitlist!

Good luck to you all. It was helpful having this group to wait with during an otherwise quiet month. I don’t doubt that all of you are immensely talented - please keep creating, even if the film school you wanted didn’t say yes. Most of the directors that we all love and revere didn’t go to schools like these - this path is not as prestige-gated as others. Keep creating!
Which program will you be attending?
 
Late update here but I received the email invitation to a zoom on Wednesday (3/26). I’m abroad and 13 hours ahead of the NYC time zone, so I went back and forth with someone helping Eric to schedule the call and after a few tries she ended up saying that she couldn’t find any time that I could chat with him given my time zone.

Then on Friday (3/27) I got the official acceptance update in my portal. I also received a $20,000 scholarship per year.

I was rejected to NYU grad film at Tisch so I didn’t know what to expect here. Very grateful for admission and for the scholarship, but I received a bigger scholarship to another program so unless Columbia offers more, I’ll likely turn down the offer. That should mean at least one more opening for the waitlist!

Good luck to you all. It was helpful having this group to wait with during an otherwise quiet month. I don’t doubt that all of you are immensely talented - please keep creating, even if the film school you wanted didn’t say yes. Most of the directors that we all love and revere didn’t go to schools like these - this path is not as prestige-gated as others. Keep creating!
Congrats! Would you mind sharing that other program?
 
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