Has anyone completed a certificate or continuing ed (such as UCLA Extension) before applying for MFA?

[notaprincess]

Hey everyone! I've been lurking around here because I'm considering applying to a few MFA Screenwriting programs next year (for Fall 2023). I was wondering if anyone here took courses or completed a screenwriting/other film certificate prior to applying to enhance their resume/work? My undergrad is in business with a theatre arts minor, but other than that I'm afraid I don't have enough film/theatre/tv experience on my resume. However, I've been working as a writer in another field for the past five years since graduating. Plus, I was hoping a certificate would help me polish my scripts so they are ready to submit for graduate school.

I guess I'm just curious if it's actually worth it and worth the money? Seems like a lot to pay ~$5k before possibly having to pay for grad school, too. I've been eyeing UCLA Extension in particular.

Please let me know if you have an experience with this or if perhaps it's not necessary at all! Thank you in advance.

 

[Chris W]

Here's a post on the UCLA extension program:

Is UCLA extension worth it?

Hi! I'm an international student looking to study film Directing in LA. I was informed by a friend of mine about the programs at the UCLA extension and I learnt the classes are mostly taken at night. Has anyone ever take classes there or does anyone know someone who has? I need reviews...

www.filmschool.org

 

[Chris W]

FYI I just added it to our database:

UCLA Extension

As one of the oldest film institutions in America, UCLA Extension is an excellent option for California-based filmmakers looking for a blend of prestige and affordability. The university boasts a breadth of film certificate programs that can be pursued full-time for nine months to one year or...

• 4.00 star(s)
• Views: 9,885
• Reviews: 2
• Category: California

If you've taken UCLA extension courses and can review them it would be awesome! (reviews can by anonymous)

 

[Nightwriter]

I did the UCLA professional program in feature screenwriting 21-22. It was a great experience and that’s where I wrote the two features that ended up going in my application. 5k was definitely worth it and it honestly should have cost more given how much time our instructors put into each of us individually!!!
BUT I have still yet to hear back from UCLA MFA after applying

 

[Nightwriter]

They also told us that professional programs are a tad better than the extension programs because the professional programs are literally coming directly from the school in question whereas the extension programs are not technically related to the school/faculty itself in question

 

[Chris W]

I did the UCLA professional program in feature screenwriting 21-22. It was a great experience and that’s where I wrote the two features that ended up going in my application. 5k was definitely worth it and it honestly should have cost more given how much time our instructors put into each of us individually!!!
BUT I have still yet to hear back from UCLA MFA after applying

Can you review their professional program on this link below? That would be awesome.

View film school 98
Sorry to hear that UCLA MFA is taking forever. Hopefully news comes soon.

 

[Chris W]

Hey everyone! I've been lurking around here because I'm considering applying to a few MFA Screenwriting programs next year (for Fall 2023). I was wondering if anyone here took courses or completed a screenwriting/other film certificate prior to applying to enhance their resume/work? My undergrad is in business with a theatre arts minor, but other than that I'm afraid I don't have enough film/theatre/tv experience on my resume. However, I've been working as a writer in another field for the past five years since graduating. Plus, I was hoping a certificate would help me polish my scripts so they are ready to submit for graduate school.

I guess I'm just curious if it's actually worth it and worth the money? Seems like a lot to pay ~$5k before possibly having to pay for grad school, too. I've been eyeing UCLA Extension in particular.

Please let me know if you have an experience with this or if perhaps it's not necessary at all! Thank you in advance.

I forgot - did you end up doing the producers program or the extension? If so it'd be great to get more reviews for them.

UCLA - Professional Programs

UCLA's graduate-level, non-credit Professional Program has filmmaking courses taught by UCLA TFT staff. This film certificate program is more competitive than UCLA Extension. Directing: Learn the art of directing by exploring emerging film industry technologies and current narrative techniques...

• 4.75 star(s)
• Views: 39,339
• Reviews: 4
• Category: California

UCLA Extension

As one of the oldest film institutions in America, UCLA Extension is an excellent option for California-based filmmakers looking for a blend of prestige and affordability. The university boasts a breadth of film certificate programs that can be pursued full-time for nine months to one year or...

• 4.00 star(s)
• Views: 9,885
• Reviews: 2
• Category: California