Hi all, I'm from SoCal, and I'm thinking of applying to USC for the screenwriting MFA program when applications open in fall 2023.
I actually have a degree in creative writing, and I've built a decent career as a communications consultant in the past decade or so. However, I constantly dream of being a professional storyteller and seeing my stories on the screen. I happened to be looking for degrees and certifications I could work on to upskill for my current job, but I looked at USC's SCA webpage and figured, why not give it a shot? I've taken several screenwriting and film classes over the years, and I've always enjoyed them. Like, even when I had ten weeks to write a feature from treatment to script, and I had never done that before. (You really never know what you're capable of until you try!)
I'm so glad I found filmschool.org while I was obsessively trying to find admissions stats for this program. When I applied for my creative writing degree, there was a website that tracked applications/responses, and it just helps so much to be in a community and feel like you're not alone!
One question, not sure if anyone has an answer: do admissions committees mind if there are software watermarks on your creative submissions? I ask because the scriptwriting software I'm using only allows PDF exports with huge watermarks. Just wondering if I should shell out the $50 to look more professional.
I'm pretty excited to upload my application materials this fall. And, yes, I've already got them done. (Yes, I'm a huge nerd.
And I need to let my writing sit before I make final edits.) I'm so ready to see what happens. Class of 2026, let's goooooooo!
I actually have a degree in creative writing, and I've built a decent career as a communications consultant in the past decade or so. However, I constantly dream of being a professional storyteller and seeing my stories on the screen. I happened to be looking for degrees and certifications I could work on to upskill for my current job, but I looked at USC's SCA webpage and figured, why not give it a shot? I've taken several screenwriting and film classes over the years, and I've always enjoyed them. Like, even when I had ten weeks to write a feature from treatment to script, and I had never done that before. (You really never know what you're capable of until you try!)
I'm so glad I found filmschool.org while I was obsessively trying to find admissions stats for this program. When I applied for my creative writing degree, there was a website that tracked applications/responses, and it just helps so much to be in a community and feel like you're not alone!
One question, not sure if anyone has an answer: do admissions committees mind if there are software watermarks on your creative submissions? I ask because the scriptwriting software I'm using only allows PDF exports with huge watermarks. Just wondering if I should shell out the $50 to look more professional.
I'm pretty excited to upload my application materials this fall. And, yes, I've already got them done. (Yes, I'm a huge nerd.
And I need to let my writing sit before I make final edits.) I'm so ready to see what happens. Class of 2026, let's goooooooo!
