Columbia University - Screenwriting/Directing Fall 2022 entry

[Browncapital]

Hope you're feeling better!

What made you not want to go back?

 

[Casper]

Hi everyone, I actually started with the 2021 year but after getting covid and getting very sick for a long time I decided to withdraw to focus on my health. I’ve decided not to try and go back next year, but if anyone has any questions feel free to reach out!

Sorry to hear about your health, hope you are feeling better now! I agree that health should be the priority too!
here are some questions-
what is your experience like before you decide to go back? are you still in touch with your classmates, how do they cope with the covid situation these days - are they required to take the class online?

 

[Casper]

I’m going to be copying and pasting a lot of this from another response. I hope you don’t mind.

I am feeling better finally. Thank you! I was double vaxed before getting it and still got sick to the point I thought I was going to end up in the hospital. Not something to mess around with.

Okay, some context: I was one of the people who got accepted for fall 2020 but deferred until Fall 2021 due to the pandemic. I spent most of 2020 working at a primate sanctuary in israel, came back to visit Canada in January 2021 and got trapped, and spent the six months before the program trying to get back to israel… but then time was up so I went to New York.

For the program itself, I had the understanding it would be about 50/50 writing/directing which wasn’t really the case. I wanted to give a lot of time to writing, but it’s mostly production in first year, and although they claim they teach you from scratch, the editing class expected you to be an expert from the beginning. An older student I knew told me to take a class on avid before the intro class, and I did, and it still wasn’t enough, and they don’t slow down for you. But overall, I didn’t find the level of instruction of any of the instructors any better than any other school. I’ve done film school stuff at much less esteemed schools (like Vancouver film school) and they offered the same or better. And it was really disheartening, for me. I came out with the impression that Columbia is just a name.

But really what did me in, was I got covid. The program said they had a plan for if you got covid you could email them before and they’d set you up to zoom in, but those emails often went ignored, and you’d miss class in a program where you can’t really miss class. And when emailing after for what you missed, you’d also be ignored on those emails also. Within like two weeks I was so far behind I wasn’t sure I’d be able to catch up even if I was recovering. And I wasn’t. And even if that system was working, if I’m too sick to even zoom in for class then I’m still missing classes I can’t miss.

In regards to the people, I found it like the film industry. People sort of want to make shows of themselves, or view you for what they can use you for. Some are genuinely really nice and want to teach, but some are very phoney and self-interested. I am very good at making friends and I found it hard to make friends. It felt very cutthroat. When I emailed my profs that I was leaving, it was actually the less friendly ones who wished me the best and said they hoped I’d come back, and the ones who acted like they’d do anything for you or acted like you had a real connection who didn’t even reply.

I’m not really staying in touch with my classmates. As I’ve mentioned before, I didn’t connect really with any. I’m actually closer with some people in the year ahead and they’re glad they can finally do more writing, since their first year was so stressful. They also seem nicer, so it’s important to keep in mind that these are just my experiences… A lot more in my year have gotten covid since I’ve left so I’m assuming they’ve made the video calling in for classes better because otherwise the program would have collapsed by now. Even before covid we had a couple classes online already because it was easier for the instructors (but harder for us). The problem with having instructors still trying to maintain careers in film is those careers will always come before their teaching.

Overall though, it goes back to my first paragraph. I enjoyed working at the primate sanctuary more than I ever have film and despite getting a pretty impressive scholarship, it just didn’t feel worth the money anymore. I felt like I could get the same thing at VFS or NYFA or anywhere really. I’m going back to Tel Aviv this month. Some other programs I got into last year reached out to me about coming back so I’ll see where that leaves me in the coming months, but I’m pretty happy with the idea of being in Tel Aviv with my friends. Maybe I’ll be in LA in six months though. Who knows.

Wow, thank you for the detailed picture. Absolutely informative. Covid really messed up the whole studying abroad experience. It's really helpful to know the good and bad before making this kind of commitment.
A little follow-up question: as you mentioned above that Columbia does not teach everything from scratch, especially in the editing room. So I am wondering is that the case for all the subjects? (directing, writing ect.)
Another question: Is there a certain type of film or certain path they expect the students to follow? like, despise for commercial films and marvel films things like that...
Also, It's good to know you have so many good options and plans that sound so exciting!

 

[Chris W]

Well, it’s a complicated answer. I was one of the people who got accepted for fall 2020 but deferred until Fall 2021 due to the pandemic. I spent most of 2020 working at a primate sanctuary in israel, came back to visit Canada in January 2021 and got trapped, and spent the six months before the program trying to get back to israel…

For the program itself, I had the understanding it would be about 50/50 writing/directing which wasn’t really the case. It’s mostly production, and although they claim they teach you from scratch, the editing class expected you to be an expert from the beginning. An older student I knew told me to take a class on avid before the intro class, and I did, and it still wasn’t enough, and they don’t slow down for you. Overall, I didn’t find the level of instructions of facility’s any better than any other school. I’ve done film school stuff at much less esteemed schools and they offered the same or better. And it was really disheartening, for me.

But what did me in, was I got covid. The program said they had a plan for if you got covid you could email them before and they’d set you up to zoom in, but those emails often went ignored, and you’d miss class in a program where you can’t really miss class. And when emailing for what you missed, you’d also be ignored. Within like two weeks I was so far behind I wasn’t sure I’d be able to catch up even if I was recovering. And I wasn’t.

In regards to the people, I found it like the film industry. People sort of want to make shows of themselves, and view you for what they can use you for. Some are genuinely really nice but some are very phoney and self-interested. When I emailed my profs that I was leaving, it was the less friendly ones who wished me the best and said they hoped I’d come back, and the ones who acted like they’d do anything for you or acted like you had a real connection who didn’t even reply.

Overall though, it goes back to my first paragraph. I enjoyed working at the primate sanctuary more than I ever have film and despite getting a pretty impressive scholarship, it just didn’t feel worth the money anymore. I’m going back to Tel Aviv. Some other programs I got into last year reached out to me about coming back so I’ll see where that leaves me in the coming months, but I’m pretty happy with the idea of being in Tel Aviv with my friends.

Woah. It would be awesome if you could copy this into a review for the program on its page on the site linked below so it doesn't get buried in this thread in this and later years. I think people would love to hear your point of view on it.

Columbia University's School of the Arts

In 2022, Columbia University SOA was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the no. 6 best global university. Its Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies Program combines film studies with hands-on filmmaking laboratories. Alumni include director Anna Boden (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson) and...

• 3.67 star(s)
• Views: 54,731
• Reviews: 3
• Questions: 3
• Category: New York

I am now, thank you! I was sick for like 1.5 months. I was double vaxed at the time and still got floored. I’m at three shots now and feeling less invincible than I was before.

Glad that you're better! Wow double vaxed and still got it bad? I'm double vaxed and boosted and so far so good although I was knocked off my feet in bed being really sick for 2 weeks in February 2020 but no one would test me because I never went to China or Italy or was in contact with people confirmed positive. (Despite the fact our production company was filming in Italy) so who knows?

Really glad that you're doing better though. One would hope they have remote learning and missing class due to sickness figured out now especially with omicron.

Primate sanctuary sounds fun though. Do what you love!

 

[Chris W]

I’m not sure how qualified I feel to leave a review as I didn’t even get to finish the semester.

You're completely qualified. It was your experience as a student at the school. It would be helpful for people to know about.

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Hi everyone, I actually started with the 2021 year but after getting covid and getting very sick for a long time I decided to withdraw to focus on my health. I’ve decided not to try and go back next year, but if anyone has any questions feel free to reach out!

Sorry to hear you fell ill. Hope you're feeling better. Two questions for you:

1. Would you happen to know how the admissions committee makes decisions? Like, what part of the applications matter most?

2. What job opportunities or paths did people take directly out of the program? I realize you're leaving early but thought I'd ask.

 

[Chris W]

From everything I’ve gathered this article is pretty accurate: ‘Financially Hobbled for Life’: The Elite Master’s Degrees That Don’t Pay Off

@Patrick Clement from our site was interviewed for that article. I hope he's doing well.

 

[Chris W]

@Patrick Clement from our site was interviewed for that article. I hope he's doing well.

Discussing this article here:

"Financially hobbled for life" The high price of some film programs

Some film programs such as Columbia and AFI are very expensive. One of the professors mentioned still paying off Columbia university’s loans, and said something like “we paid Columbia prices so you don’t have to”. That really got me excited because I love Columbia’s program structure but no...

www.filmschool.org

 

[User]

Hey all. I'm keeping this anonymous and debated even posting it, but here goes. I entered the Directing/Screenwriting MFA at Columbia Fall 2021 alongside @Your Actual Dad .

[EDITED OUT PERSONAL ATTACK BY MOD]

Plenty of his concerns were valid: again, film school is difficult and expensive - even if you are in a financial position to attend, whether you think it will be worth it for you is a tough and personal decision.

[EDITED OUT PERSONAL ATTACK BY MOD]

I just remember combing through these forums when I was applying and seeing this would have freaked me out, so I felt like I had to say something.

I've had my ups and downs throughout the semester, but I've written and filmed so much in the last 6 months, and I feel like I learn something every day. I was worried about making friends, but I have personally found everyone amazingly kind. I think the feeling that people are trying to "prove themselves" is real, but it dies down after the first few weeks, and it's mostly just everyone feeling insecure. Once you all start filming exercises together, the competitive element falls away. Our professors being working filmmakers doesn't make them inaccessible - my screenwriting professor literally took us all out to dinner and told us the plot of his unreleased TV series - it works in your favor I promise!

What I originally came here to say (before I stumbled on this post) is this: for my fellow financial aid people - they tell you how much you receive when they call with your acceptance. For me it was $20,000 per year. The program is 2 years of classes at ~$65,000 each year, then up to 2 years of "Research Arts" while you work on your thesis film/screenplay at ~$17,000 a year. The scholarship doesn't apply to the research arts years. What no one told me is how negotiable your scholarship is - it's just a matter of persistence. One of my friends in the program was offered nothing, but e-mailed them every week right up until the end of August, until they finally caved and gave him $20,000. It's super annoying but there it is. They will reply to you and say there is no more money left to give out, but just keep bothering them, there is always more money. Good luck!

 

[mcama]

For someone that was waitlisted, this is aggravating. Give the space to someone who really wanted it.

Hey all. I'm keeping this anonymous and debated even posting it, but here goes. I entered the Directing/Screenwriting MFA at Columbia Fall 2021 alongside @Your Actual Dad .

[EDITED OUT PERSONAL ATTACK BY MOD]

Plenty of his concerns were valid: again, film school is difficult and expensive - even if you are in a financial position to attend, whether you think it will be worth it for you is a tough and personal decision.

[EDITED OUT PERSONAL ATTACK BY MOD]

I just remember combing through these forums when I was applying and seeing this would have freaked me out, so I felt like I had to say something.

I've had my ups and downs throughout the semester, but I've written and filmed so much in the last 6 months, and I feel like I learn something every day. I was worried about making friends, but I have personally found everyone amazingly kind. I think the feeling that people are trying to "prove themselves" is real, but it dies down after the first few weeks, and it's mostly just everyone feeling insecure. Once you all start filming exercises together, the competitive element falls away. Our professors being working filmmakers doesn't make them inaccessible - my screenwriting professor literally took us all out to dinner and told us the plot of his unreleased TV series - it works in your favor I promise!

What I originally came here to say (before I stumbled on this post) is this: for my fellow financial aid people - they tell you how much you receive when they call with your acceptance. For me it was $20,000 per year. The program is 2 years of classes at ~$65,000 each year, then up to 2 years of "Research Arts" while you work on your thesis film/screenplay at ~$17,000 a year. The scholarship doesn't apply to the research arts years. What no one told me is how negotiable your scholarship is - it's just a matter of persistence. One of my friends in the program was offered nothing, but e-mailed them every week right up until the end of August, until they finally caved and gave him $20,000. It's super annoying but there it is. They will reply to you and say there is no more money left to give out, but just keep bothering them, there is always more money. Good luck!

 

[weeblewobble18]

For someone that was waitlisted, this is aggravating. Give the space to someone who really wanted it.

Sometimes you don't know how things will turn out until you get into the program. I definitely don't know the whole story or condone making other people feel silly for liking something (referring to what User said), but wanted to point that out. Genuinely mean no offense and I empathize with where you're coming from.

 

[Chris W]

For someone that was waitlisted, this is aggravating. Give the space to someone who really wanted it.

Sometimes you don't know how things will turn out until you get into the program.

Sometimes you really want something and the reality of the something when you actually get it is not what you imagined it to be. THAT'S OK! They realized it wasn't the program for them and that's a good thing. Not every program is going to be right for every person. Better they realized that their first year and not 3 years into the program.

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Hey all. I'm keeping this anonymous and debated even posting it, but here goes. I entered the Directing/Screenwriting MFA at Columbia Fall 2021 alongside @Your Actual Dad .

[EDITED OUT PERSONAL ATTACK BY MOD]

Plenty of his concerns were valid: again, film school is difficult and expensive - even if you are in a financial position to attend, whether you think it will be worth it for you is a tough and personal decision.

[EDITED OUT PERSONAL ATTACK BY MOD]

I just remember combing through these forums when I was applying and seeing this would have freaked me out, so I felt like I had to say something.

I've had my ups and downs throughout the semester, but I've written and filmed so much in the last 6 months, and I feel like I learn something every day. I was worried about making friends, but I have personally found everyone amazingly kind. I think the feeling that people are trying to "prove themselves" is real, but it dies down after the first few weeks, and it's mostly just everyone feeling insecure. Once you all start filming exercises together, the competitive element falls away. Our professors being working filmmakers doesn't make them inaccessible - my screenwriting professor literally took us all out to dinner and told us the plot of his unreleased TV series - it works in your favor I promise!

What I originally came here to say (before I stumbled on this post) is this: for my fellow financial aid people - they tell you how much you receive when they call with your acceptance. For me it was $20,000 per year. The program is 2 years of classes at ~$65,000 each year, then up to 2 years of "Research Arts" while you work on your thesis film/screenplay at ~$17,000 a year. The scholarship doesn't apply to the research arts years. What no one told me is how negotiable your scholarship is - it's just a matter of persistence. One of my friends in the program was offered nothing, but e-mailed them every week right up until the end of August, until they finally caved and gave him $20,000. It's super annoying but there it is. They will reply to you and say there is no more money left to give out, but just keep bothering them, there is always more money. Good luck!

Hi, User. I'm curious if anyone in your cohort works part or full time while schooling?

 

[Chris W]

Just a reminder to keep it civil on here. Let's try not to personally attack anyone.

I edited @User 's post to remove the personal attacks. @Your Actual Dad 's experience is valid and so @User . People are allowed to have different experiences at a program. It's good that both views are shared and I hope we can continue this discussion in a respectful manner.

I want FilmSchool.org to be a place where all feel welcome. Thank you!

 

[mcama]

If it helps maybe you should take my word for it that I did want to be there but had a negative experience over an anonymous person who feels the need to claim I never really wanted to be there to defend their own experience when I emphasized mine was subjective and didn’t speak for others

It wasn’t necessarily personal as far as my response goes. In general, a spot becoming open for whatever reason is aggravating to a waitlisted person. I made no judgement in regards to your situation beyond a surface level or the other person’s. As far as I’m concerned, you both could be full of it or both be correct. Makes no difference to me beyond what I said.

 

[mandrewvi]

Hi Everyone! Not sure if this was already answered, but when can we expect interview requests to come out? This waiting period has been so nerve wracking.

Also, are interviews typically held in-person (requiring us to travel)? I'm sure last year was different due to COVID.

 

[fosteli124]

From the past years the 5th - 18th looks like the typical window. I believe they are still doing Zoom interviews due to covid.

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Those two weeks between the 5th and the 18th are going to be peak anxiety for me lol. I wish they announced interviews invites on just one day ugh.

I wonder when the bulk of interview invites are sent?

 

[mcama]

I got my notification on the 18th last year.

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Don't forget that the financial aid app is due next week, y'all!

Has anyone reached out to the admissions office to inquire on when we might expect interview invites to start trickling in for Screen/Directing?