Peter Stark Producing Program 2013/2014

[roaming_saint]

Hi all,
Its now 2 days after the application deadline for Fall 2013.

Last year's discussion forum ( Peter Stark Producing Program 2012/2013 ) was a great source of information, help and general camaraderie.

I couldn't find one for 2013/2014. So I decided to start one.

Hope to hear from all the potential Starkies out there.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hello!

I just had the same thought a minute ago and was about to create a thread but you preceded me

Yes, last year's discussion was such a source of inspiration and comfort, I hope we can keep it going this year as well!

How do you feel about your application?

I personally had some trouble with the personal information essay, I felt like the third question they added this year (favorite movie/favorite tv series) kind of stole space from the more relevant question about personal shortcomings..

Are there any re-applicants this year?

 

[freakyfreddy]

I am reapplying as well. I feel my essays are so much better, but I still think I'll be rejected because I didn't improve my GRE and GPA. They are both above the suggested minimum but not by much.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hi Freddy,

believe me you shouldn't worry about GPA and GRE as long a they're above the minimum.

I know for a fact that they're just a way to discourage under-achievers and to screen applicants very roughly so that the admission office doesn't have to look through too many bad applications.

Keep your spirits up and be confident!

 

[Mighty]

My GPA is ~2.98 ... are you saying it's [possible] my application at USC (Screenwriting) will not even receive an evaluation?

 

[freakyfreddy]

It is a possibility because it does happen (med school), but not that likely in film school since they are trying to gauge your artistic ability. The reason I brought up my scores is because last year I remember most of the students that were accepted had very high GPAs and their GRE scores were around the 90th percentile.

For me, it is a odd scenario. Years ago I wanted I wanted to go to med school but was rejected because of my low GPA. If I had the GPA that the Stark program wants I would have been accepted into med school and I would have never applied to USC in the first place.

 

[Coinsquolino]

I think admission officers at USC are flexible.

They're looking for TALENT, so they value each applicant not just academically but also creatively and professionally.

I believe that with an impressive personal statement and resume it won't matter if your GPA is 3.0 or slightly less as long as you performed decently in your GRE.

These are personal opinions anyway!

 

[Mighty]

If that's the case, and it does happen to me, I want a refund.

 

[Mighty]

USC Screenwriting does not require a GRE this year.

 

[guerrera]

Hello, I am also applying this year. This is my first time. I have been following the posts from the previous year and the information I got from there was very helpful for my application. I am also nervous about my GRE score, I have a fairly decent 3.4 GPA, but my GRE scores are a few points above the minimum, Im hoping they'll go a bit easy on me for this because I'm an international student, but I have not idea if that will actually happen. I got a pretty good TOEFL score though. But the main reason for my nerves is that I received a fullbright scholarship which is enabling me to pay for a producing MFA, so this is my only chance to apply for the program because if I dont get accepted I will be forced to use my scholarship to undergo a producing MFA in one of the other schools I applied to, I like some of them, but none like USC. Im looking forward to chatting with all the fellow applicants, good luck to you all, and hopefully we will be classmates next fall!

 

[roaming_saint]

Ah great to hear from so many folks.

This is my first time applying as well.
I think I gave my best shot at the application, but then I am sure everyone feels the same way.

I did not know that Favorite TV/Film question was added this year. Picking only one favorite film was the hardest decision I had to make.
The personal information section required some careful 'space management'. There were essentially 4 questions to be answered in 1 page.

 

[roaming_saint]

Originally posted by Coinsquolino:
Hello!

Coinsquolino, I remember you from last year's forum. Good to see you reapplying again !!

I have heard the Stark program loves re-applicants, so I am sure you will be rewarded for your perseverance. Same goes for you - freakyfreddy.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hey roaming_saint!

Ahahah it's great that you remember!

Last year's forum was really insightful, especially when the admitted students shared their stories, those guys were great.

I know USC loves re-applicants and I hope that'll be my case this time around. Not getting in last year was tough, but I have come to realize what I did "wrong" in my application and I had this whole year to think about if and why I really want to go to USC.

It also gave me that extra boost to give my best in my everyday life and personal projects. I am not afraid to say that rejection was a huge learning experience.

Last year I had applied to USC, UCLA, NYU and Columbia; this year I am only applying to USC.

I know it's always best to stay positive, but what are you guys going to do if you don't get in this year? Do you know already? Any plan Bs?

 

[roaming_saint]

Originally posted by Coinsquolino:
Last year I had applied to USC, UCLA, NYU and Columbia; this year I am only applying to USC.

I know it's always best to stay positive, but what are you guys going to do if you don't get in this year? Do you know already? Any plan Bs?

Did you apply for producing to all those places last year. Any particular reason why only USC this time around. Also it would be really insightful to know what you felt you did wrong last time around (if you don't mind sharing)

As far as plan B. I guess it is continuing with the same old (that means working in my current job) Its not a bad gig, wall street and all, but its hell for creative people. And unfortunately since I am not a US citizen, I need to have a work permit to stay in this country. Sigh ... as long as I have my weekends to shoot stuff.

 

[freakyfreddy]

This is my second and last year I will be applying to film schools. I have the privilege to live in LA and I have already started working in the industry as a development assistant. Most of the people (~90%) I work with never went to film school, so I will follow in their footsteps and try to move up in the industry with hard work.

 

[roaming_saint]

Hey guys,
The application website says the following:
"Because of the volume of materials we receive, please note that it typically requires 8-10 business days from the date of receipt for documents (such as transcripts) to be processed into your file."

Are we supposed to get a notification/change in status once this is done. It has been 2 weeks since the deadline.
What can you guys see as your status.
I just see:
Submission Status: Submitted
Submitted Date: 11/30/2012 8:26:00 PM EST

 

[freakyfreddy]

It will stay that way forever.

http://www.usc.edu/admission/g...plicationstatus.html

^In a month of so this webpage will provide a link that you can click on and check the status of your application. It should say 'pending'.

You will not hear from USC till the week of Feb. 25th. If you don't hear back from them by that Friday (March 1st), you will be rejected.

This is the what happened last year and the year before. So don't bother checking your email or checking your status on a daily basis like I did. Just wait till the calls come in that last week.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hey guys, it's been a while!

How are you holding up?

I know that March 1st is coming up in no time and we'll soon know if we made it or not, but if you feel like sharing during these few weeks of waiting... just know that there's plenty of people feeling the same way you do!

 

[freakyfreddy]

Any good anecdotes about your interviews? I had mine with Richard, it was actually a pretty boring hour and a half conversation about the school and the industry.

 

[roaming_saint]

A month away from March 1 (the non-leap year helps)
Mostly I have been busy with work and general life after the application-induced hectic December. Not tensed, but somewhat excited.
I guess the tension will start when people start getting interview calls. (Some people from the other discussion thread USC Cinematic Arts Program have already got interview emails, but I am hoping that is only for production)