Columbia University MFA Fall 2019

[WriterK90]

I just received my rejection letter for screenwriting/directing. Got an email at 5:51 pm est. I never interviewed so I knew it was coming but just wanted to update.

 

[Cody Young]

It's really a bummer not knowing yet, but I'm sure you will have at least one of these amazing schools to choose from! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Thanks, I certainly appreciate the thought! Best of luck to you as well.

 

[Patrick Clement]

I have a question regarding getting loans for living expenses: do we make an estimate and submit it to the school, or....? I didn't do that for undergrad, so not sure. Still waiting for my packet, but trying to do some preliminary planning.

The school has a form called "Budget Adjustment Form" you can find it here:

Forms & Documents | Columbia University Student Financial Services

sfs.columbia.edu

That form gives a breakdown of the monthly expense limits you can borrow. You would also submit that form to get an increase. Columbia allows you to borrow up to $2,000 per month for housing during the 9 mo school year. You will need to provide a copy of your lease along with that form and submit for an increase.

guys, has anyone applied for Assistantships? when should we apply for it and what are the chances?

Student worker jobs come in your second year. I don't think first years are allowed to work those jobs, although I think they have made exceptions in the past. Every second year is guaranteed a student worker position in the second year. I believe. There is an application process.

 

[abu2030]

hi abu2030! Just curious, who were your interviewers?

Did i respond to this yet? it was Dan and Matthew. They were very nice.

I applied as a director/screenwriter but judging by how the interview went it looks like they thought of me as more of a screenwriter which makes sense and doesn't really seem to matter at all given that they don't care what we focus on once we're in the program.

 

[Chelsie]

Has anybody been accepted off the waitlist yet?

 

[Dasha]

Has anybody been accepted off the waitlist yet?

Our deadline to give a final answer is April 16. I don't think they'll take anyone from the waitlist until then, because we are technically able to change our minds until then, even if we initially reject the offer. I know some people who aren't accepting the offer though, so hang tight!

 

[sortofawriter]

I got an invitation to interview today which I found really strange...anybody else get that message?

 

[Yuk]

I got an invitation to interview today which I found really strange...anybody else get that message?

?that does sound unusual since our deposit is due in a few days. May I ask which program you applied to?

 

[sortofawriter]

?that does sound unusual since our deposit is due in a few days. May I ask which program you applied to?

That’s exactly what I was thinking. Screenwriting.

 

[Yuk]

That’s exactly what I was thinking. Screenwriting.

I have no idea what's happening but good luck on your interview!

 

[strugglingwriteryikes]

@sortofawriter can I ask if you had been rejected and THEN just received an interview request? Or was it just radio silence until now? Somewhat strange but congrats and good luck! Sending good vibes your way

 

[sortofawriter]

@sortofawriter can I ask if you had been rejected and THEN just received an interview request? Or was it just radio silence until now? Somewhat strange but congrats and good luck! Sending good vibes your way

It was radio silence. Thank you! Yeah it’s way weird but I’m going with it

 

[strugglingwriteryikes]

Anyone gotten off the waitlist yet?

 

[akxv21]

Hey. Anybody here turning down the acceptance offer? eagerly waiting on wait list

 

[Dasha]

Hey. Anybody here turning down the acceptance offer? eagerly waiting on wait list

I know several people who are turning down their acceptances! Based on what I've heard from Patrick Clement and other students, it's totally standard for them to continue taking people off the waitlist throughout the summer. Best of luck to you!

 

[mftalbotm]

Hey. Anybody here turning down the acceptance offer? eagerly waiting on wait list

same! ?

 

[mftalbotm]

Hi all-- got the call from Eric yesterday! Super excited, but now overwhelmed by how I am going to pay for this. Any other accepted/current students have any insight or advice?

 

[Chris W]

I interviewed @Patrick Clement for an article on Columbia. Enjoy!

Q & A With Patrick Clement, Columbia MFA Screenwriting & Directing Student

Recently I had the pleasure talking with long time forum member Patrick Clement who is currently in his fourth year at Columbia's Screenwriting & Directing MFA program.

www.filmschool.org

 

[Deleted member 21360]

Hi all-- got the call from Eric yesterday! Super excited, but now overwhelmed by how I am going to pay for this. Any other accepted/current students have any insight or advice?

Which program did he call for? Congrats!

 

[Patrick Clement]

Hi all-- got the call from Eric yesterday! Super excited, but now overwhelmed by how I am going to pay for this. Any other accepted/current students have any insight or advice?

Eric calls for directing, you must have been pulled off of the waiting list?