NYU Tisch Dramatic Writing MFA Fall 2023

[Shenreice]

Do they say how many people are accepted in total?

24 I think? 8 per medium.

 

[jfjburns95]

Does everyone who applies to NYU Dramatic Writing get an interview?

No. They accept 24 people a year. 8 screenwriters, 8 tv writers, 8 playwrights. It seems that almost everyone from past years who got interviewed got accepted or waitlisted.

 

[Bradyb]

Does it make a difference who you are assigned to interview with?

 

[jfjburns95]

Does it make a difference who you are assigned to interview with?

I mean obviously none of us know for sure. From what I understand the interviewer makes notes about you for the admissions committee...it’s not like the interviewer is the one that decides if you get in or not. NYU primarily cares about your portfolio more than anything else.

 

[Galadriel]

Does it make a difference who you are assigned to interview with?

The past few years I have learned that it doesn't seem to matter. A friend in the program referred to the interview as basically a "vibe check." The first year I interviewed with the program head, the second year it was a professor, and this year a professor who had been a former program head. They usually try to match you with a professor in your discipline who has read your portfolio.

Not everyone gets an interview, and if you do interview it is likely you are either accepted or waitlisted, unless it is clear in the interview that is it mutually not a good fit. So it is an achievement regardless of the outcome!

It seems like there are many many factors at play with putting together the cohort of 24, but it's largely based on the sample. They also seem to want to know that you are prepared for the environment of the program, living in NYC, the expense, etc.

My only other thought to share is that the last two years, decisions came out right before NYU went on Spring Break, so I'm guessing we will hear by the end of next week.

 

[ermonic]

Hi all,

I just interviewed yesterday. Applied with a stage play. Interviewed with Daniel Goldfarb who was lovely.
Everything Galadriel just said gels with what I've gathered. Only thing to add: I was told by NYU decisions are aimed this year to hit in "early April".

Good luck, all.

 

[ermonic]

Does everyone who applies to NYU Dramatic Writing get an interview?

Nope.

 

[emmas]

I had my interview yesterday! It was truly very casual and conversational. I felt pretty comfortable throughout it. He asked me a few questions like why NYU and why an MFA, but most of it was us just talking. He was really interested in my full length piece, which made me feel pretty good! I think, though, the casual nature of it makes it hard to gauge how well it'll go in terms of my admittance. He did say he hopes to cross paths again, so maybe that's a good sign. Good luck everyone!

 

[jfjburns95]

I had my interview yesterday! It was truly very casual and conversational. I felt pretty comfortable throughout it. He asked me a few questions like why NYU and why an MFA, but most of it was us just talking. He was really interested in my full length piece, which made me feel pretty good! I think, though, the casual nature of it makes it hard to gauge how well it'll go in terms of my admittance. He did say he hopes to cross paths again, so maybe that's a good sign. Good luck everyone!

Did you submit a feature or pilot?

 

[emmas]

Did you submit a feature or pilot?

I submitted a feature!

 

[jfjburns95]

I submitted a feature!

Well hope we both get into here or Columbia. I got rejected by Austin today so I need a win!!! Lol

 

[emmas]

Well hope we both get into here or Columbia. I got rejected by Austin today so I need a win!!! Lol

Fingers crossed! I'm sorry to hear that but that doesn't mean that you're not the perfect fit for one of these programs! I'm still anxiously awaiting anything at all from Northwestern, to be honest. Regardless, we might end up being classmates, which is pretty cool!

 

[jfjburns95]

Fingers crossed! I'm sorry to hear that but that doesn't mean that you're not the perfect fit for one of these programs! I'm still anxiously awaiting anything at all from Northwestern, to be honest. Regardless, we might end up being classmates, which is pretty cool!

Yeah, I'm not getting my hopes up on northwestern. I think the program has gotten crazy competitive since they are made it free lol. Would be nice though. Plus the school is five minutes away from my parents house.

 

[jfjburns95]

The past few years I have learned that it doesn't seem to matter. A friend in the program referred to the interview as basically a "vibe check." The first year I interviewed with the program head, the second year it was a professor, and this year a professor who had been a former program head. They usually try to match you with a professor in your discipline who has read your portfolio.

Not everyone gets an interview, and if you do interview it is likely you are either accepted or waitlisted, unless it is clear in the interview that is it mutually not a good fit. So it is an achievement regardless of the outcome!

It seems like there are many many factors at play with putting together the cohort of 24, but it's largely based on the sample. They also seem to want to know that you are prepared for the environment of the program, living in NYC, the expense, etc.

My only other thought to share is that the last two years, decisions came out right before NYU went on Spring Break, so I'm guessing we will hear by the end of next week.

Do they send you an email with your admissions decision or is it posted in the application portal?

 

[Galadriel]

Do they send you an email with your admissions decision or is it posted in the application portal?

I checked the portal the past few years, as I never actually got a decision email, but some did! The portal will update with a decision letter.

 

[Arthrax]

So I've just asked this in the MFA Film thread as well, and I think this may be more for international students (I'm not 100% though) but has anyone else filled out the financial questionnaire thing on the portal? I haven't yet, I've found it so daunting and don't know where to start! Is it required to fill out for potential scholarships?

 

[katiebonnie]

So I've just asked this in the MFA Film thread as well, and I think this may be more for international students (I'm not 100% though) but has anyone else filled out the financial questionnaire thing on the portal? I haven't yet, I've found it so daunting and don't know where to start! Is it required to fill out for potential scholarships?

Are you talking about the financial aid application? I think that was due Feb 1st so I did fill it out and submit it but I also found it very daunting!

 

[jfjburns95]

does nyu publicize roughly how many applicants they get to dramatic writing every year?

 

[Bradyb]

Has anyone heard anything yet?

 

[ermonic]

Has anyone heard anything yet?

Nope. But last year's thread had the portal update the Friday prior to spring break. That's in 2 days this year. We'll see!