Columbia University MFA Film : FALL 2017

[Noteyman]

Hello. I'm also on the waitlist for Columbia University in Screenwriting/Directing. Just wanted to check in if anyone on the list has received any offers yet?

 

[Zeno]

Started a separate thread about waitlisters you might check out. Nevertheless, most of us are on a Columbia University Film MFA waitlist like you are, Noteyman. Talking to mr. wanderer, Christopher Gooley, and Tristan, they have yet to report movement. I know two others who removed themselves from the producing and screenwriting/directing waitlist, respectively. And the google tracking sheets reveal nada. Deadline for deposit for those accepted and to stay on wait list was April 15th. Last year a person or two was contacted off the waitlist for screenwriting/directing the last week of April. This year, it's quiet. Least, on here. Maybe most people on the screenwriting/directing wait list (or accepted) aren't aware of film school.org. Could be given the fact that there are roughly 50 spots for screenwriting/directing and no where near that many folks who self report here. BTW, I would recommend writing a formal letter of cont'd interest if you haven't as the admissions office was encouraging about doing so. Here's a good link about it (undergrad but applicable): Sample Letters of Continued Interest for Waitlisted Students I'm on the screenwriting/directing waitlist too.

 

[Noteyman]

Started a separate thread about waitlisters you might check out. Nevertheless, most of us are on a Columbia University Film MFA waitlist like you are, Noteyman. Talking to mr. wanderer, Christopher Gooley, and Tristan, they have yet to report movement. I know two others who removed themselves from the producing and screenwriting/directing waitlist, respectively. And the google tracking sheets reveal nada. Deadline for deposit for those accepted and to stay on wait list was April 15th. Last year a person or two was contacted off the waitlist for screenwriting/directing the last week of April. This year, it's quiet. Least, on here. Maybe most people on the screenwriting/directing wait list (or accepted) aren't aware of film school.org. Could be given the fact that there are roughly 50 spots for screenwriting/directing and no where near that many folks who self report here. BTW, I would recommend writing a formal letter of cont'd interest if you haven't as the admissions office was encouraging about doing so. Here's a good link about it (undergrad but applicable): Sample Letters of Continued Interest for Waitlisted Students I'm on the screenwriting/directing waitlist too.

Thanks Zeno. Just posted on the thread.
BTW Do they normally contact you back when they received your Continued Interest letter? I've sent mine in back in April.

 

[Zeno]

Thanks Zeno. Just posted on the thread.
BTW Do they normally contact you back when they received your Continued Interest letter? I've sent mine in back in April.

Thanks Zeno. Just posted on the thread.
BTW Do they normally contact you back when they received your Continued Interest letter? I've sent mine in back in April.

You're on the ball. Hesitated to send anything because of the strict no additional materials policy they espoused. Double checked weeks after officially signing onto the waitlist and they surprisingly offered that continued interest letters are okay. I sent mine two weeks ago and have heard nothing. That's not surprising. These admissions committees are like papal conclaves deciding on a new pope. You only know when they're good and damn ready to send up the official smoke signal.

 

[Noteyman]

You're on the ball. Hesitated to send anything because of the strict no additional materials policy they espoused. Double checked weeks after and they said continued interest letters are okay. I sent mine two weeks ago and have heard nothing. That's not surprising. These admissions committees are like papal conclaves deciding on a new pope. You only know when they're good and damn ready to send up the smoke signal.

That's a great comparison!

 

[Noteyman]

I think those are all great points. Yes, Columbia is not necessarily a "production" school and doesn't have the facilities/equipment of some other schools. Although I think it has sufficient gear, but not great facilities. It is a "story" school after all.

Columbia has a good track record of working professionals and some bigger names and I do think there is a certain type of camaraderie that exists between CU grads. All these MFAs have alumni networks but I can't speak for those.

Hi Patrick. I've just read your post and I'm a little curious. How much do they teach you about production at Columbia?

 

[Zeno]

Just contacted the admissions assistant at the school of the arts and she said no one has been contacted off the waitlist. Also, wouldn't say if anyone had dropped out of the running. And they added that that was all that they are at liberty to disclose and the admissions office will make contact as necessary.

 

[Patrick Clement]

Hi Patrick. I've just read your post and I'm a little curious. How much do they teach you about production at Columbia?

I'd say it was minimal. Although I came in with significant production experience. Someone with no experience might feel differently.
But I can say for sure that Columbia is not a school that focuses on set work, equipment or facilities. When we screen exercises there is often little discussion about technical stuff. More like story and emotive camera work. That's my experience.

 

[Patrick Clement]

BTW everyone...

Congratulations on people who got in! And if you didn't...don't give up!
At Columbia we shoot a larger second-year project as we move into our thesis years.
Well, I am shooting mine June 5-12 in/around Great Barrington, MA, traveling up from NYC.

If any incoming students, NYC based applicants or Western MA applicants/accepted students are interested in working on a Columbia MFA set please send me a PM!

 

[Boethius]

So I don't have any reason to believe age is a primary deciding factor in admission decision. Although it may be a contributing factor.

I agree; I can see age being a contributing factor, but we had a 21-year-old in my incoming class. It's not an absolute.

 

[Noteyman]

I'd say it was minimal. Although I came in with significant production experience. Someone with no experience might feel differently.
But I can say for sure that Columbia is not a school that focuses on set work, equipment or facilities. When we screen exercises there is often little discussion about technical stuff. More like story and emotive camera work. That's my experience.

Thank you for your reply.
Best of luck on your coming shoot!

 

[Chris W]

I'm finally catching up on reading all of these posts. (I had a backlog of 900+ unread) Congrats to everyone! Be sure to come back to the site to share your experience at the school after attending for a while.

I hope everyone found the site helpful!