OSU vs. CU Boulder vs. Duke vs. UWM -- Any insight helpful!

[asynchronology]

I feel really lucky that I have several acceptances to choose from, but am having trouble deciding. I'm looking to get an MFA in Film, and I'm particularly interested in experimental film/documentary. I'd also like to take classes outside the art department, mostly in anthropology, folklore and history.

I've been accepted into Ohio State's MFA program (fully funded + stipend + free summer tuition), CU Boulder's MFA in Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts (fully funded + stipend), Duke's MFA in Experimental & Documentary Arts (half tuition funded + small stipend), and U Wisconsin Milwaukee's MFA in Cinematic Arts (fully funded + smaller stipend).

I think I'm mostly deciding between CU Boulder and Ohio State because they have given the most support and I don't want to have debt because of an MFA. I really love the idea of being near beautiful mountains in Colorado, but also love the idea of being in proximity to the Wexner at OSU, where many amazing filmmakers come through to show their work. Duke and UWM are such good schools, especially for experimental film/doc, that I don't totally want to discount them.

Ultimately, I know the experience is what I make of it, and no place will be absolutely perfect. If anyone has any insight, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

[Chris W]

Fully funded is great! That's awesome.

Unfortunately, we don't have any reviews on the site for any of those programs except for Ohio:

Ohio University School of Film

Offering an MA in Film Studies, an MFA in Film, and a BFA in Film.

• wesross
• Nov 2, 2015
• 5.00 star(s)
• Views: 20K
• Reviews: 1
• Category: Ohio
• bfa ma critical studies mfa mfa film and television ohio

I'm particularly interested in experimental film/documentary. I'd also like to take classes outside the art department, mostly in anthropology, folklore and history.

Between the top two you mentioned - which are the best for that from your research?

We have an interview with CU Boulder that @Alexa P. that we're hopefully publishing soon - but I don't think it'll be before you need to make a decision.

 

[asynchronology]

Unfortunately, we don't have any reviews on the site for any of those programs except for Ohio:

Ohio University School of Film

Offering an MA in Film Studies, an MFA in Film, and a BFA in Film.

• wesross
• Nov 2, 2015
• 5.00 star(s)
• Views: 20K
• Reviews: 1
• Category: Ohio
• bfa ma critical studies mfa mfa film and television ohio

Between the top two you mentioned - which are the best for that from your research?

We have an interview with CU Boulder that @Alexa P. that we're hopefully publishing soon - but I don't think it'll be before you need to make a decision.

Ah this is actually Ohio University in GA -- Ohio State is in Columbus. It's hard -- they both look great in different ways! I guess this just means that wherever I choose will be a good choice Looking forward to reading the interview!

 

[Chris W]

Ah this is actually Ohio University in GA

Oops lol! No reviews for Ohio in GA.

Please don't forget to log your applications.

 

[Alexa P.]

Ah this is actually Ohio University in GA -- Ohio State is in Columbus. It's hard -- they both look great in different ways! I guess this just means that wherever I choose will be a good choice Looking forward to reading the interview!

If have a passion for experimental film vs. fundamentally narrative films, look even deeper into CU Boulder. There's the historic First Person Cinema program, and the coursework itself dives deep into artist-driven vs. industry-driven film making practices. Even the very concept of what an experimental film is will be examined at the granular level. Finding and incorporating your unique voice as an artist into your films will constantly be a priority.

I hope this tidbit is helpful during the decision making process! I'll let you know when the interview is live.

 

[asynchronology]

If have a passion for experimental film vs. fundamentally narrative films, look even deeper into CU Boulder. There's the historic First Person Cinema program, and the coursework itself dives deep into artist-driven vs. industry-driven film making practices. Even the very concept of what an experimental film is will be examined at the granular level. Finding and incorporating your unique voice as an artist into your films will constantly be a priority.

I hope this tidbit is helpful during the decision making process! I'll let you know when the interview is live.

Thanks so much! I actually ended up accepting CU Boulder yesterday. Definitely looking forward to all that you mentioned

 

[Chris W]

Thanks so much! I actually ended up accepting CU Boulder yesterday. Definitely looking forward to all that you mentioned

Congrats! Don't forget to log your applications! Very helpful to people.

Application Database

A database of thousands of film school applications to calculate acceptance rates to film programs and the minimum GPAs, minimum SAT and GRE scores, experience of accepted applicants, and much more....

www.filmschool.org

 

[Alexa P.]

Thanks so much! I actually ended up accepting CU Boulder yesterday. Definitely looking forward to all that you mentioned

You're welcome! Good luck moving forward!