UCLA 2010

[Daniel Peck]

I find myself consistently agreeing with Dolemite's nemesis on this topic.

I would hope that A) nobody would wear something grossly inappropriate, thinking that it was the proper attire to this sort of event, and B) UCLA probably isn't going to disqualify anyone based solely on what they wear to the interview.

Personally, I feel like a shark when I'm wearing an honest to goodness suit-and-tie. It goes back to my days doing competitive speech and debate in high school, and it probably has to do with the fact that my life isn't full of really good reasons to wear a suit at the moment.

Like I said though, to each his/her own. If you want to go business casual, I doubt the gentlemen from UCLA are going to faint when you step through the door.

If, however, the UCLA interview is indeed more of a fashion show than an analysis of your potential as a screenwriter, I would like to encourage everyone to wear the ketchup-stained wife-beater and flip-flops (and wash their hair as little as possible before they walk through the door). It would really help my chances of getting to Pasadena.

 

[rosie922]

Not necessarily helpful for a grad school interview but: I worked as an interviewer for my college, undergraduate. We never really judged an applicant on what they were wearing unless it was wildly out of place, like cutoff shorts and a ripped tank top. What the student said was always more important. Saying that though, it is important to make a good first impression, as people will subconsciously judge you on appearance. So look put together and like you spent some time thinking about what to wear for your interview.

I interviewed at Stark in the fall, when they were doing voluntary interviews, wearing a nice vintage pencil skirt and a slightly modern, but throw back, blouse with flats (I'm what you'd call above average height). A costume designer friend helped me pick out the outfit for a dressed up yet youthful look. My UCLA interview was via skype, so I just worried about top. I wore a cardigan over a silk blouse, with minimal jewlery. For both interviews I felt comfortable in clothes I would wear everyday without being overdressed.

Good luck with your UCLA interview. I'm sure you'll dazzle them with your words and they won't think twice about what you are wearing!

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

Rosie922:

I liked that you got all dressed up for a Skype interview b/c I think it's important to see it/feel it/be it like jayimess sort of mentioned in her post.

Thank you for the comprehensive fashion advice. However, I wish it were April something or other and I knew where I would be this fall...

Good luck everyone!

 

[Impossible Protagonist]

Generally,

Sorry it took me a bit to get back to you, I didn't notice your question.

No, no real reason not to wear a suit, just a guideline. As it's been said, you have to be comfortable to really sell yourself. That's why I said no khaki, for me. It's just not me.

I meet with alot of academics in my current day job. The rule of thumb I've always taken is to be dressed one step above them. It makes everyone uncomfortable is someone is dressed to far above or below everyone else. To me, it's distracting. If everyone is around the same level it's more comfortable for everyone involved, and dressing just a little bit tighter shows respect.

Personally, i feel if one person is wearing a suit, and everyone else is in jeans, then there is no way the suited person can feel like they have a level playing field. Too much of a power dynamic on display.

Anyway, i could be 100% wrong on this, but that's my take, and I'm sticking too it.

And of course, I think any program is going to be far more concerned with what you say then how you look, within reason.

Good luck!

 

[JusTaNaPpLe]

just had my UCLA interview, the interviwers were all nice, but i think i blew the pitch part... well, i am gonna hate myself for a while on this.

they told me the acceptance/rejection notice will be given after MArch 15th, so i think there is a big chance they are done with interview notifications already, since next week seems like to be the last interviewing week.

good luck!

 

[Impossible Protagonist]

JustaPineapple,

How is the pitch question phrased? Or do they just sit back and say "Pitch or DIE!"

 

[WillieGreen]

Originally posted by Daniel Peck:
I find myself consistently agreeing with Dolemite's nemesis on this topic.

I would hope that A) nobody would wear something grossly inappropriate, thinking that it was the proper attire to this sort of event, and B) UCLA probably isn't going to disqualify anyone based solely on what they wear to the interview.

Personally, I feel like a shark when I'm wearing an honest to goodness suit-and-tie. It goes back to my days doing competitive speech and debate in high school, and it probably has to do with the fact that my life isn't full of really good reasons to wear a suit at the moment.

Like I said though, to each his/her own. If you want to go business casual, I doubt the gentlemen from UCLA are going to faint when you step through the door.

If, however, the UCLA interview is indeed more of a fashion show than an analysis of your potential as a screenwriter, I would like to encourage everyone to wear the ketchup-stained wife-beater and flip-flops (and wash their hair as little as possible before they walk through the door). It would really help my chances of getting to Pasadena.

Word.

And one more thing: After you're accepted and you fly out here (I say you're in), in case you don't mapquest UCLA, the Rose Bowl is in Pasadena, but the campus is across town in Westwood.

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

IP: That sounds a sound perspective.

I wonder if ketchup guy was a stress eater...

 

[beezy16]

The notification date of March 15th, what program is that for? I know my screenwriting interview is not until the week of March 22-27. Just a little nervous...

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

As far as I know, screenwriting applicants won't hear anything until early April. Screenwriting interviews in NYC are on the 12th and 13th. Screenwriting interviews in LA are between the 22nd-27th.

 

[Daniel Peck]

Originally posted by WillieGreen:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Daniel Peck:
I find myself consistently agreeing with Dolemite's nemesis on this topic.

I would hope that A) nobody would wear something grossly inappropriate, thinking that it was the proper attire to this sort of event, and B) UCLA probably isn't going to disqualify anyone based solely on what they wear to the interview.

Personally, I feel like a shark when I'm wearing an honest to goodness suit-and-tie. It goes back to my days doing competitive speech and debate in high school, and it probably has to do with the fact that my life isn't full of really good reasons to wear a suit at the moment.

Like I said though, to each his/her own. If you want to go business casual, I doubt the gentlemen from UCLA are going to faint when you step through the door.

If, however, the UCLA interview is indeed more of a fashion show than an analysis of your potential as a screenwriter, I would like to encourage everyone to wear the ketchup-stained wife-beater and flip-flops (and wash their hair as little as possible before they walk through the door). It would really help my chances of getting to Pasadena.

Word.

And one more thing: After you're accepted and you fly out here (I say you're in), in case you don't mapquest UCLA, the Rose Bowl is in Pasadena, but the campus is across town in Westwood. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Embarrassingly enough, I thought the entire campus was in Pasadena. I used to do sports talk radio and all I know about campuses that I've never been to is based in athletics.

If we both get in, I'll just come out and say I can't wait for us to work on a reimagining of Dolemite. I'm thinking Terrence Howard as Dolemite, Michael Clarke Duncan as Willie Green, and Ludacris as the Creeper.

 

[WillieGreen]

Sounds like a plan, Dan!

 

[JusTaNaPpLe]

Impossible Protagonist - well, in my case, they were just like "pitch it", but i mentioned the pitch myself before they even asked me to, so i dont know if they have a phrased question for that...

 

[TheCoffeeKid]

Received my MFA Screenwriting interview time and date for West Coast interviews today on UCLA campus. Anyone else hear anything?

 

[WillieGreen]

Originally posted by TheCoffeeKid:
Received my MFA Screenwriting interview time and date for West Coast interviews today on UCLA campus. Anyone else hear anything?

No follow-up yet.

Who are you interviewing with?

 

[maltesefalcon]

likewise. no followup yet.

 

[beezy16]

no word on my interview yet, but now i'm getting excited!

 

[TheCoffeeKid]

Originally posted by WillieGreen:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TheCoffeeKid:
Received my MFA Screenwriting interview time and date for West Coast interviews today on UCLA campus. Anyone else hear anything?

No follow-up yet.

Who are you interviewing with? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hal Ackerman.

 

[useyourheadset]

Originally posted by TheCoffeeKid:
Received my MFA Screenwriting interview time and date for West Coast interviews today on UCLA campus. Anyone else hear anything?

Was this first you heard from UCLA or follow up to confirm location?

 

[TheCoffeeKid]

Follow up from Hal Ackerman to confirm interview location and time on campus. Last year I received an email from a TA when I interviewed in NYC.