DePaul vs Brooklyn College for directing MFA

[jorgeicotte]

I may end up deciding between these two. Caveat is I already live in Chicago.

DePaul is the most established program but I'm particularly curious to hear from folks familiar with the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.

Both programs tote their studio space. Feirstein has the benefit of being in NY. DePaul is higher ranked and has the LA quarter.

Would love to hear anyone who has insights or how you would go about deciding.

 

[catmom]

I would pick DePaul unless you're dying to move to NYC. If you see yourself moving to LA after school or staying in Chicago, go with DePaul. Their program is more established and having access to that alumni network (including BFA graduates) will help you find work after graduating.

 

[jorgeicotte]

I would pick DePaul unless you're dying to move to NYC. If you see yourself moving to LA after school or staying in Chicago, go with DePaul. Their program is more established and having access to that alumni network (including BFA graduates) will help you find work after graduating.

Thanks -- that makes sense and is what my gut is telling me.
Would appreciate any other thoughts people have. Especially curious to hear from other people with experience with Brooklyn/Feirstein

 

[djo__]

I've noticed there isn't a lot of discourse on here re: Feirstein because the program is still growing (I'm a screenwriting applicant & it's felt quiet compared to other programs lol). Since you've been admitted, I think it's worth reaching out to them to get in touch with current students or recent grads.

& remember, there's no "right" answer when it comes to picking; wherever you choose, you'll get out what you put in so go where to the one that makes you excited to make films & meet other filmmakers. Both programs seem great from my research so congratulations and good luck deciding!

 

[geminishmemini]

I’ve gotten accepted into both programs as well except for screenwriting instead! I’ve also heard little about Brooklyn College and the environment there, but I was told in my interview that while they advertise being in part with Steiner Studios, they don’t actually have a real connection with them besides being neighbors and sometimes the opportunities for internships or jobs pop up. Maybe I’ll see you on campus in the fall!

 

[jorgeicotte]

I've noticed there isn't a lot of discourse on here re: Feirstein because the program is still growing (I'm a screenwriting applicant & it's felt quiet compared to other programs lol). Since you've been admitted, I think it's worth reaching out to them to get in touch with current students or recent grads.

& remember, there's no "right" answer when it comes to picking; wherever you choose, you'll get out what you put in so go where to the one that makes you excited to make films & meet other filmmakers. Both programs seem great from my research so congratulations and good luck deciding!

Trying to get in touch with current / recent students is a great suggestion. I reached out to both schools. Heard back from DePaul (nothing scheduled yet). I'll try to report back with what I learn.

 

[jorgeicotte]

I’ve gotten accepted into both programs as well except for screenwriting instead! I’ve also heard little about Brooklyn College and the environment there, but I was told in my interview that while they advertise being in part with Steiner Studios, they don’t actually have a real connection with them besides being neighbors and sometimes the opportunities for internships or jobs pop up. Maybe I’ll see you on campus in the fall!

Congrats gemini! Pls report back if you learn anything worth sharing. Best of luck on your decision.

 

[jorgeicotte]

Wanted to bump this to see if we could get any more input. Does anyone think Feirstein would be worth it just to be in NYC?

 

[jkosmacki]

I actually did commit so I'll be going to Brooklyn College in the fall. The price is a big factor, it's one of the cheapest MFAs and a great value all around. After talking to some folks who got their MFAs in film from different places (USC, NYU, AFI), they all said you basically get out what you put in. Folks who go to top-tier places but don't take initiative toward their goals or take advantage of the resources provided, especially other students, are not much better off than someone who went to a less prestigious program, and not only that, now they've got debt to pay off. Like other people have said in other forums, it all depends on your goals going in and how you go about trying to achieve them. Feirstein looks like a place where one can make a number of projects with access to good technical resources and talent, which is huge for a directing-track student in particular, since that stuff can be hard to obtain seeking work as a young director outside of an MFA program. Hope this is helpful in some way!