Columbia University MFA Film : FALL 2017

[Christopher Gooley]

I hope if I get accepted I can keep working at the Apple Store (Been there for 3 years now)

 

[Patrick Clement]

I hope if I get accepted I can keep working at the Apple Store (Been there for 3 years now)

Not to bum you out, but I can't think of anyone in our 70 person class that has a reg joby-job. Especially in the first year. It's immersive.

 

[Christopher Gooley]

Bartending? or just talk extra graduate plus loans to get by LOL

 

[Christopher Gooley]

take*

 

[Boethius]

Bartending? or just talk extra graduate plus loans to get by LOL

Yes, unless you have access to generous funding you'll be taking on a significant debt burden to attend Columbia. I did do some online part-time work last semester, and even the few hours I put in took time away from working on class assignments, and the payment was practically just a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of attendance.

I believe @Patrick Clement said this somewhere else--it's better to take on a little extra debt if it gives you the time to focus solely on your class work. The work is all-encompassing--and the thing I didn't expect was how many directing exercises I would be helping other classmates on, which easily take up 15 to 20 hours on some weeks. Top that with prepping and editing your own film work, writing several short scripts, etc., and you'll find that any free time you get you'll be wanting to use for sleeping or de-stressing by going to a movie or taking a walk or reading a book. This has been my experience, in any case. (On the flip side, despite the fact that there is quite a bit of work, if you're a good scheduler and disciplined in your creative habits, you can give yourself enough time to sleep and eat--the program is trying to teach you, not kill you.) Also, the first semester is 18 credits, but when you take into account mentor sessions, required film viewings, and equipment training, you'll be in a classroom environment on average about 22-24 hours a week. I believe success is found in the program through patient endurance, flexibility, and pacing.

I personally like the fact we're kept so busy, as I know it's helping train me to be the best storyteller possible. That said, I'm also looking forward to the thesis period, when I can focus on one or two projects at a time, instead of having six or seven classes with associated assignments to keep track of.

 

[Boethius]

Also the people who interviewed the Screenwriting/Directing applicants were : (not sure if that'll stand true this year)
Eric Mendelson
Dan Kleinman

It was also discussed that they ask you very pointed questions about all of the material you submitted for the application so it would be best that you know the material you submitted inside and out.

...

Question, when I am checking my application status should i be waiting for the green check and "received" to turn into "reviewed" ?

Both Eric and Dan interviewed me. Of all the interviews I had at different film schools, theirs was the best. They knew my material, and more importantly, they were curious to learn more about me from my autobiographical essay. Both Eric and Dan turned the interview into a lively conversation about what I hoped to gain from the program, what I hoped to do with my career in film, and why I wrote the material I did. For some reason I expected an admissions interview at an Ivy League school to be stuffy and defensive, but they were some of the most genial and forthright people I met in my admissions journey. As I was running late to the interview, they also gave me time to settle and catch my breath before we spoke, which I really appreciated. To be honest, one of the biggest reasons I chose Columbia was because of the interview.

As far as the application status, I'd not worry about it. If you have a "received" check mark, it will be reviewed. Columbia is often slow on updating status changes.

 

[glebski]

Hey guys, does anyone know what time of the day should we expect the invitation to interview e mail? It may varry, obviously, but it would be interesting to know. Thanks!

 

[Briona Mornam]

Golly, I'm so anxious. I keep looking at my inbox. Did anybody who applied to the screenwriting/directing MFA get any notification?

 

[Christopher Gooley]

Does anyone know in past how many people applied to producing/how many didn't get in the program.

 

[glebski]

Golly, I'm so anxious. I keep looking at my inbox. Did anybody who applied to the screenwriting/directing MFA get any notification?

We are all anxious )) no email on my side, still waiting. let's hope for the best and keep fingers crossed!

 

[katherinekbb]

Has anyone heard anything from Columbia yet? I applied for Screenwriting/Directing. According to the google doc, they usually started to send out invites around Feb.5/6. Now it's already been two days past that date and no one yet has updated on the google doc, I'm a bit nervous! Thank you!

 

[Briona Mornam]

Has anyone heard anything from Columbia yet? I applied for Screenwriting/Directing. According to the google doc, they usually started to send out invites around Feb.5/6. Now it's already been two days past that date and no one yet has updated on the google doc, I'm a bit nervous! Thank you!

I haven't gotten anything either. Maybe they'll send out notifications sometime this week. Hopefully (fingers crossed)

My bet is Friday the 10th

 

[glebski]

I haven't gotten anything either. Maybe they'll send out notifications sometime this week. Hopefully (fingers crossed)

My bet is Friday the 10th

yes, most likely. fingers crossed, indeed.

 

[EclecticMel21]

No word on interview invitations yet

SIGH

And I've been doing so well at not thinking about this for the past couple of months...

 

[Christopher Gooley]

We just got hit with a bad snow storm on the east coast so, keep that in mind!

 

[Briona Mornam]

No word on interview invitations yet

SIGH

And I've been doing so well at not thinking about this for the past couple of months...

You and me both. Still nothing on my end

 

[Briona Mornam]

We just got hit with a bad snow storm on the east coast so, keep that in mind!

Good looking out! I just found this on their website.

Update on the Current Snowstorm | Preparedness

Final Update on Winter Storm | Preparedness

I'm in Atlanta. Didn't even think of a snow storm Geesh NYC winters are real serious.

 

[glebski]

Did everyone got an e mail from Columbia
Financial Aid Application Deadline Reminder: February 16? Just got a reminder from them at 5 pm. No more e mails so far

 

[lianlee]

Did everyone got an e mail from Columbia
Financial Aid Application Deadline Reminder: February 16? Just got a reminder from them at 5 pm. No more e mails so far

I got that email too, but still didn't get any interview emails...

 

[Nar]

Hi there!!!
Columbia just replied to my email about interview notification dates. Here is what they said:
All interview invitations for the Film MFA Program in Screenwriting/Directing should be sent out by the end of February.