Columbia University MFA Fall 2019

[Patrick Clement]

Thanks Patrick! I saw your post, and it was tremendously helpful. I will look into this more as well, but there exists a cap on how many federal loans a student may take out, and I'm fairly confident I would need to exceed that cap over my 3 years at Columbia, most certainly if they will factor in my undergraduate loans.

My credit score is good enough to get favorable rates for private loans, but deferral might make more sense, as I have advanced to the final interview for a very very good job at Fox/Disney.

There are NO CAPS on Grad+ loans. There are only caps on undergraduate loans. Once you are in grad school, loan caps go away. There is still a limit on Sub/Unsub loans, but Grad+ loans cover the remaining need without caps.

Ask around, private loans are a mistake.

 

[Dasha]

There are NO CAPS on Grad+ loans. There are only caps on undergraduate loans. Once you are in grad school, loan caps go away. There is still a limit on Sub/Unsub loans, but Grad+ loans cover the remaining need without caps.

Ask around, private loans are a mistake.

I am also very opposed to private loans. And yes, you're right, I was looking at the wrong loan type. Very exciting that there are no caps for PLUS...Not sure how I'd pay for projects and such though. I'm switching to DM to get more advice, because it seems like you know your shit, but I don't want to hijack this thread.

 

[Patrick Clement]

I am also very opposed to private loans. And yes, you're right, I was looking at the wrong loan type. Very exciting that there are no caps for PLUS...Not sure how I'd pay for projects and such though. I'm switching to DM to get more advice, because it seems like you know your shit, but I don't want to hijack this thread.

Its cool. I am sure lots of people have the same issues.

Columbia offers a loan increase to cover your projects.
I think it's $2500 (8to12 aka first year project) $3500 (D4 aka second year project) and up to $15k for a thesis, although if you are a producer, only the 8to12 and thesis would apply since youre not required to shoot a D4 as a producer.

Whats great about the Grad+ loans is the ability to put them into income based repayment plans. They are very very forgiving.
And the smart thing to do (and I had to figure this out on my own) is to go into REPAYMENT in your first year. If you are living on loans, your annual income will be very low. You won't have to pay towards your loans, but those years will count towards your loan forgiveness!

 

[Dasha]

Guys, Patrick's the best Send him all your questions! He gave me some great advice, and helpful info on housing as well.

 

[d890]

When might we be expecting decisions for Directing/Screenwriting you think??

 

[Dasha]

When might we be expecting decisions for Directing/Screenwriting you think??

You can straight-up call the Admissions office and ask if you want. (I did that a couple weeks ago for CP.) It's a staff member who answers, and they don't ask for your name or anything.

 

[d890]

You can straight-up call the Admissions office and ask if you want. (I did that a couple weeks ago for CP.) It's a staff member who answers, and they don't ask for your name or anything.

OOOOOHHH... Tempting...

 

[Cody Young]

When might we be expecting decisions for Directing/Screenwriting you think??

I imagine in the next week or so. If I recall correctly, there was something posted on this message board awhile back about the last interview taking place on March 20th. I imagine it takes them a few days at least to make final decisions and they will probably let us know sometime after.

 

[Patrick Clement]

Thanks Patrick! I saw your post, and it was tremendously helpful. I will look into this more as well, but there exists a cap on how many federal loans a student may take out, and I'm fairly confident I would need to exceed that cap over my 3 years at Columbia, most certainly if they will factor in my undergraduate loans.

My credit score is good enough to get favorable rates for private loans, but deferral might make more sense, as I have advanced to the final interview for a very very good job at Fox/Disney.

You can straight-up call the Admissions office and ask if you want. (I did that a couple weeks ago for CP.) It's a staff member who answers, and they don't ask for your name or anything.

OOOOOHHH... Tempting...

I imagine in the next week or so. If I recall correctly, there was something posted on this message board awhile back about the last interview taking place on March 20th. I imagine it takes them a few days at least to make final decisions and they will probably let us know sometime after.

I always think its funny when I'm waiting for a city bus and there is that person who keeps looking out into the street to see if the bus is coming.

It gets there when it gets there, right?
That bus is coming, enjoy these last moments before your life changes. Go swimming. Eat some cake.

 

[adelaidepal]

For those in CP who have received a scholarship - did you get any email with financial aid info?

 

[MargosMango]

Just got my formal acceptance letter! Multiple letters in fact! Financial aid info attached. Will anyone be attending the Admitted Students Day? Would love to meet up!

 

[adelaidepal]

Just got my formal acceptance letter! Multiple letters in fact! Financial aid info attached. Will anyone be attending the Admitted Students Day? Would love to meet up!

Oh yes it's there! I would have loved to be there but I'm still in France ?

 

[dariaeiche]

For those in CP who have received a scholarship - did you get any email with financial aid info?

There's a link to follow inside the letter. You would need to log in to a separate portal to see the info regarding scholarship.

 

[Kinz]

Just got my formal acceptance letter! Multiple letters in fact! Financial aid info attached. Will anyone be attending the Admitted Students Day? Would love to meet up!

I plan to attend!! i'm so excited!!! there are two days, one on the 29th and 31st! are you going to both?

 

[dariaeiche]

Here's my Facebook profile if anyone wants to connect: https://www.facebook.com/daria.mykhailova
I won't be attending Admitted Students Day unfortunately but really looking forward to meet all of you soon.

 

[MargosMango]

I plan to attend!! i'm so excited!!! there are two days, one on the 29th and 31st! are you going to both?

Yay! Let's definitely plan to meet up, this has been such a journey! I think the one on the 29th might be a typo...the link brings me to an old expired event, and the letter refers to 2018.

 

[Kinz]

Yay! Let's definitely plan to meet up, this has been such a journey! I think the one on the 29th might be a typo...the link brings me to an old expired event, and the letter refers to 2018.

oh weird!!!! i just figured they had a night one and a day one haha, was looking forward to the free wine and cheese
but yes let's meet up! this is so exciting ahhh

 

[Dasha]

I will also not be going to students' day but will see all of you in the fall <3 I'm the only Dasha Gorin on Facebook if anyone wants to add me, and dasha.gorin on Instagram ?‍

 

[Kinz]

Yay! Let's definitely plan to meet up, this has been such a journey! I think the one on the 29th might be a typo...the link brings me to an old expired event, and the letter refers to 2018.

also are you planning on attending the other events that day?? the film noire one looks really cool

 

[Kinz]

I will also not be going to students' day but will see all of you in the fall <3 I'm the only Dasha Gorin on Facebook if anyone wants to add me, and dasha.gorin on Instagram ?‍

following you on insta! my handle is kiinder - and everyone else feel free to find me there! i don't have facebook at the moment but might cave and reactivate it haha