Ready for the adventure ahead!

m_w

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone! I hope everyone's doing well and keeping busy with the applications.

My name is Mishal, and I'm from Pakistan. Unfortunately, I found out about this website a little too late, but I hope to get some valuable information to help me with my remaining applications.

I think I was around 15 or 16 when I really started to think of a career in the film industry. Before that, I never even thought about making films, let alone getting an undergrad degree in Media. Nevertheless, It's been an amazing journey, and now I'm hoping to get a Master's degree in hopes of mastering my filmmaking skills. I'm interested in cinematography and hope to specialise in it. The universities that I'm applying to are UT Austin, FSU, DePaul, Columbia College Chicago, Columbia University, Brooklyn College and Emerson College. Some of the universities I've shortlisted are based on tuition fees since I'm an International student and gosh film schools are expensive in the US. So, if anyone of you are applying to these universities, let's connect!! Some other options I've kept as backup are York University in Canada, AFTRS and Uni of Melbourne in Australia. :)
 
I also apply to the UT, Columbia University, CCC and Emerson, but only got one Interview invitation by CCC.
I'm still waiting to hear back from UT and Emerson for interviews. I interviewed for Columbia Uni and will hear back in march hopefully with good news. I got accepted in CCC
 
I'm still waiting to hear back from UT and Emerson for interviews. I interviewed for Columbia Uni and will hear back in march hopefully with good news. I got accepted in CCC
Same CCC, I only received 16000 usd scholarship. UT already sent some interviews few days ago, but I'm not sure they had already sent all invitations. Best wishes for us.
 
Same CCC, I only received 16000 usd scholarship. UT already sent some interviews few days ago, but I'm not sure they had already sent all invitations. Best wishes for us.
I received almost 25k which is why I'm considering it. Hopefully, there are TAship opportunities available as well. I heard they've sent out offers for it as well. What's your major in CCC?

It would have been really helpful if UT gave us a timeline or at least told us when they've stopped sending out invites
 
$25,000 is a very good amount, especially since CCC hasn't been as generous in recent years as it used to be.

I applied for the directing program at CCC as well. If UT offers me admission, I would probably still choose CCC because I don't like very hot weather, and CCC has a more comprehensive program. UT only has directing and screenwriting departments, but it has a good ranking and lower tuition fees.

As far as I know, UT started sending interview invitations for the first time this year. In previous years, admission was granted without interviews. Perhaps they want to try something new.
I received almost 25k which is why I'm considering it. Hopefully, there are TAship opportunities available as well. I heard they've sent out offers for it as well. What's your major in CCC?

It would have been really helpful if UT gave us a timeline or at least told us when they've stopped sending out invites
 
$25,000 is a very good amount, especially since CCC hasn't been as generous in recent years as it used to be.

I applied for the directing program at CCC as well. If UT offers me admission, I would probably still choose CCC because I don't like very hot weather, and CCC has a more comprehensive program. UT only has directing and screenwriting departments, but it has a good ranking and lower tuition fees.

As far as I know, UT started sending interview invitations for the first time this year. In previous years, admission was granted without interviews. Perhaps they want to try something new.
I've been feeling super confused lately about whether I should go for CCC. There are so many bad reviews floating around, and even though there's a scholarship, I'm second-guessing if it's worth it. I can't seem to figure out the pros and cons properly, especially with all the mixed reviews out there. It seems like a big concern is the lack of communication between the administration and students, along with some warnings about unprofessional professors. Have you heard anything?

How long do you think UT will be sending out invites? And yeah, same. Not a big fan of hot weather and Chicago offers better internship opportunities as compared to Texas, I believe
 
You can search for posts about Columbia College Chicago on Reddit, and it must be acknowledged that about 70% of the reviews for CCC are negative. I think this might be due to financial issues the school has faced in recent years, but oddly enough, the Chinese students I've asked seem quite satisfied with CCC.

When comparing CCC and UT, the lack of DP, sound design, and production design majors can be considered a disaster. As far as I know, Austin doesn't have any other film schools, but CCC's undergraduate program offers these majors (at least cinematography). I saw you mention wanting to apply for an O1 visa, and it's difficult to stay with a directing major, which is a downside of CCC.

I think UT has finished sending out interview invitations, but there might be a waitlist in the future.
I've been feeling super confused lately about whether I should go for CCC. There are so many bad reviews floating around, and even though there's a scholarship, I'm second-guessing if it's worth it. I can't seem to figure out the pros and cons properly, especially with all the mixed reviews out there. It seems like a big concern is the lack of communication between the administration and students, along with some warnings about unprofessional professors. Have you heard anything?

How long do you think UT will be sending out invites? And yeah, same. Not a big fan of hot weather and Chicago offers better internship opportunities as compared to Texas, I believe

I've been feeling super confused lately about whether I should go for CCC. There are so many bad reviews floating around, and even though there's a scholarship, I'm second-guessing if it's worth it. I can't seem to figure out the pros and cons properly, especially with all the mixed reviews out there. It seems like a big concern is the lack of communication between the administration and students, along with some warnings about unprofessional professors. Have you heard anything?

How long do you think UT will be sending out invites? And yeah, same. Not a big fan of hot weather and Chicago offers better internship opportunities as compared to Texas, I believe

e might be a waitlist in the future.
 
You can search for posts about Columbia College Chicago on Reddit, and it must be acknowledged that about 70% of the reviews for CCC are negative. I think this might be due to financial issues the school has faced in recent years, but oddly enough, the Chinese students I've asked seem quite satisfied with CCC.

When comparing CCC and UT, the lack of DP, sound design, and production design majors can be considered a disaster. As far as I know, Austin doesn't have any other film schools, but CCC's undergraduate program offers these majors (at least cinematography). I saw you mention wanting to apply for an O1 visa, and it's difficult to stay with a directing major, which is a downside of CCC.

I think UT has finished sending out interview invitations, but there might be a waitlist in the future.




e might be a waitlist in the future.
I think yes, most of them were financial issues since the tuition cost is really high if you don’t get a scholarship. O1 visa really isn’t really a major concern for me. My first priority was to get into a cinematography focused program but unfortunately, haven’t had any luck with that. This is also one of the reasons why I’m so hesitant about CCC because it’s directing focused but I’m sure i’ll get to learn a lot either way. But I think I’ve come around to the idea that I can just sign up for masterclasses for cinematography if I feel the need to. Directors and writers face difficulties in finding jobs, that’s what i’ve heard from people in the US so I just wanna keep my options open. What about you? Are you satisfied with a directing focused program.

Besides UT, I also have an interview with FSU and Brooklyn College scheduled soon
 
I think yes, most of them were financial issues since the tuition cost is really high if you don’t get a scholarship. O1 visa really isn’t really a major concern for me. My first priority was to get into a cinematography focused program but unfortunately, haven’t had any luck with that. This is also one of the reasons why I’m so hesitant about CCC because it’s directing focused but I’m sure i’ll get to learn a lot either way. But I think I’ve come around to the idea that I can just sign up for masterclasses for cinematography if I feel the need to. Directors and writers face difficulties in finding jobs, that’s what i’ve heard from people in the US so I just wanna keep my options open. What about you? Are you satisfied with a directing focused program.

Besides UT, I also have an interview with FSU and Brooklyn College scheduled soon

I think yes, most of them were financial issues since the tuition cost is really high if you don’t get a scholarship. O1 visa really isn’t really a major concern for me. My first priority was to get into a cinematography focused program but unfortunately, haven’t had any luck with that. This is also one of the reasons why I’m so hesitant about CCC because it’s directing focused but I’m sure i’ll get to learn a lot either way. But I think I’ve come around to the idea that I can just sign up for masterclasses for cinematography if I feel the need to. Directors and writers face difficulties in finding jobs, that’s what i’ve heard from people in the US so I just wanna keep my options open. What about you? Are you satisfied with a directing focused program.

Besides UT, I also have an interview with FSU and Brooklyn College scheduled soon
Why not apply to LMU and Chapman, they are much cheaper than Columbia University, and has Cinematography track.
 
I have to say I'm not very satisfied with this result, I want to apply to editing track in LMU, but I didn't get invitation. Sad.
I think yes, most of them were financial issues since the tuition cost is really high if you don’t get a scholarship. O1 visa really isn’t really a major concern for me. My first priority was to get into a cinematography focused program but unfortunately, haven’t had any luck with that. This is also one of the reasons why I’m so hesitant about CCC because it’s directing focused but I’m sure i’ll get to learn a lot either way. But I think I’ve come around to the idea that I can just sign up for masterclasses for cinematography if I feel the need to. Directors and writers face difficulties in finding jobs, that’s what i’ve heard from people in the US so I just wanna keep my options open. What about you? Are you satisfied with a directing focused program.

Besides UT, I also have an interview with FSU and Brooklyn College scheduled soo
 
I’m not sure why I applied to columbia tbh. It was a very last minute decision and I didn’t put much thought into it. I think I applied to it a day before the deadline lol. I thought it was probably cheaper than Chapman and LMU but not really. However, they do offer a reasonable amount of financial aid though. That’s what I’m hoping to get because without it, I obviously can’t afford to go. The tuition fee is insane!
Why not apply to LMU and Chapman, they are much cheaper than Columbia University, and has Cinematography track.
 
I have to say I'm not very satisfied with this result, I want to apply to editing track in LMU, but I didn't get invitation. Sad.
DePaul has an editing track. Why don’t you apply for that? I think there’s still time to apply for DePaul, if i’m not wrong. My friend got accepted there for editing and I got accepted in the Cinematography track but unfortunately, no scholarship. Not even a dollar 💀
 
DePaul has an editing track. Why don’t you apply for that? I think there’s still time to apply for DePaul, if i’m not wrong. My friend got accepted there for editing and I got accepted in the Cinematography track but unfortunately, no scholarship. Not even a dollar 💀
Actually, I didn't know if Depaul had a film editing major. If they do, I would definitely apply it.
 
Columbia's average scholarship is $30,000, but even so, it is still very expensive, and one must also consider the expensive rent in New York
I’m not sure why I applied to columbia tbh. It was a very last minute decision and I didn’t put much thought into it. I think I applied to it a day before the deadline lol. I thought it was probably cheaper than Chapman and LMU but not really. However, they do offer a reasonable amount of financial aid though. That’s what I’m hoping to get because without it, I obviously can’t afford to go. The tuition fee is insane!
 
Actually, I didn't know if Depaul had a film editing major. If they do, I would definitely apply it.
They do and the facilities they provide are amazing. You should definitely check it out if you're interested in post-production.
 
Columbia's average scholarship is $30,000, but even so, it is still very expensive, and one must also consider the expensive rent in New York
Definitely and the same goes for LA. It's also extremely expensive which is why I didn't consider applying there but the opportunities are everlasting in LA and NY.
 
Definitely and the same goes for LA. It's also extremely expensive which is why I didn't consider applying there but the opportunities are everlasting in LA and NY.
Maybe Emerson is the best choice, because they have a high rank with low tuition, also offer scholarship.
Definitely and the same goes for LA. It's also extremely expensive which is why I didn't consider applying there but the opportunities are everlasting in LA and NY
 
Maybe Emerson is the best choice, because they have a high rank with low tuition, also offer scholarship.
I haven’t heard back from Emerson yet but last time I checked, their tuition was higher than CCC and the program courses are a bit different than my interest. I applied because they had no application fee and I already had the materials to apply
 
I haven’t heard back from Emerson yet but last time I checked, their tuition was higher than CCC and the program courses are a bit different than my interest. I applied because they had no application fee and I already had the materials to apply
True, too many media courses...
I haven’t heard back from Emerson yet but last time I checked, their tuition was higher than CCC and the program courses are a bit different than my interest. I applied because they had no application fee and I already had the materials to apply
 
Log your film school application with our Application Database so that we can improve our admissions statistics.




Latest Accepted Applications


Acceptance Data
For up to date Film School Acceptance Rates, including Minimum GPAs, Minimum Test Scores, After Interview and Off-Waitlist Acceptance Rates, Film Experience and Undergraduate degrees of accepted applicants, Age data, and other acceptance statistics for your film program of choice simply navigate to the Acceptance Rates tab on each film school's page in our Film School Database.

For example:
Log your own Application with our application database to help improve the site's acceptance data.

Latest Film School Reviews

  • ArtCenter College of Design
    2.00 star(s)
    Safety school, last resort
    Good faith tl;dr: ArtCenter should be your last resort safety school. Only go here if you are willing to blow the money and didn't get into any...
    • Anonymous
  • UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT)
    3.00 star(s)
    UCLA on Downturn
    When I applied to the Production MFA, I definitely hadn’t expected to get in. Much of the process and its student body hasn’t demystified and for...
    • Anonymous
  • California College of ASU (formerly Columbia College Hollywood)
    2.00 star(s)
    A few solid professors and peers, but an otherwise underwhelming experience
    I graduated in the early 2010's, so this review may not be entirely relevant to the state of the program/institution as it is now. With that said...
    • Anonymous
  • Carnegie Mellon University
    1.00 star(s)
    Program deliberately misrepresents itself
    After finishing my MFA at CMU, I, like many of my peers, was unable to do anything with my career. The program was a nightmare because it...
    • Anonymous
  • Stony Brook University (SUNY)
    5.00 star(s)
    Challenging and Fabulous!
    2 things stand out in my second year of film school. #1: In my directing class, the professor insists everyone does their own camera work (we...
    • Supernegro

Latest Applications

Latest questions

  • AFI Conservatory
    Does anyone know the number of people they usually interview vs accept for cinematography?
    • JaredFilms378
  • AFI Conservatory
    I applied for cinematography- I got my interview notification yesterday. Is there an advantage to being notified in the first wave?
    • pandaexpresss
  • AFI Conservatory
    I do have a question-- I know the program is totally all-consuming and will take over your entire life, but- and this may seem an odd question-...
    • HatsOnHatsOnHats
  • Mount Saint Mary's University - Film, Media and Communication
    I can't find any independent reviews or insights about their MFA Film and TV programs online, does anyone on here have any idea about what the...
    • freesoup
  • Duke University - MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts
    Hello! I am considering different MFAs to apply to and have come across Duke's Experimental Documentary Film Programme. Does anyone know how this...
    • arcen.o

Latest Articles

Latest Accepted Applications

Applications
Articles
Forums
Film Schools
Scholarships
Back
Top