UCLA MFA Screenwriting 2019

[BuddernScotch]

Just writing this bc I’m annoyed none of us have heard anything yet

Well UCLA had interviews like 2 weeks ago. In comparison other programs had interviews way earlier or not at all. It sucks but makes sens.

 

[amlena]

I mean I was told tomorrow at the soonest. So... hopefully tomorrow?

 

[Cd23]

I mean I was told tomorrow at the soonest. So... hopefully tomorrow?

Yeah I was told around tomorrow too. But the way she made it sound was that they would have made their decisions already by last week and it’s up to the admissions Dept to actually send it out which is why it would be around now... so like any minute now pls!

 

[amlena]

I do want to know though, so I know if I have options or if I'm going to Chapman (or, though this sounds crazy since I did get into a program, try again next year??). I really don't know what to do at the moment.

 

[Cd23]

I do want to know though, so I know if I have options or if I'm going to Chapman (or, though this sounds crazy since I did get into a program, try again next year??). I really don't know what to do at the moment.

Yeah I hear you. I have a couple acceptances but now imposter syndrome and second guessing myself is making me wonder if this would only really be worth the money if I were to attend a school like UCLA.

 

[StarChild]

@Cd23 no idea whether it’s worth it for you or not- but visit the schools and make an informed decision. Imposter syndrome is viscous and you aren’t an imposter. You got in somewhere and you’re getting better. So do whatever’s best for you about going but do keep going

 

[Cd23]

@Cd23 no idea whether it’s worth it for you or not- but visit the schools and make an informed decision. Imposter syndrome is viscous and you aren’t an imposter. You got in somewhere and you’re getting better. So do whatever’s best for you about going but do keep going

Thanks, and same goes for you too! My only issue is I live across the country (literally opposite coast), and basically only have either a couple weeks or a month to give final decisions. And I’m in my last year of undergrad lol...so getting to visit is gonna be .... really hard

 

[StarChild]

Thanks, and same goes for you too! My only issue is I live across the country (literally opposite coast), and basically only have either a couple weeks or a month to give final decisions. And I’m in my last year of undergrad lol...so getting to visit is gonna be .... really hard

True- ask all your questions once you’re accepted and then also ask everyone online. You’ll know if it’s right for you.

Where are you accepted?

 

[BuddernScotch]

Yeah I hear you. I have a couple acceptances but now imposter syndrome and second guessing myself is making me wonder if this would only really be worth the money if I were to attend a school like UCLA.

I'm worried 'bout the same thing but I think it's a needless worry!! At least that's what I tell myself.

 

[Cd23]

True- ask all your questions once you’re accepted and then also ask everyone online. You’ll know if it’s right for you.

Where are you accepted?

So I’ve recently gotten into Chapman, BU, Emerson, DePaul comedy, and Stephens college

 

[BuddernScotch]

So I’ve recently gotten into Chapman, BU, Emerson, DePaul comedy, and Stephens college

Amazing! Grats.

 

[Cd23]

Amazing! Grats.

Hey thanks so much! Still hung up on UCLA tho... ?

 

[BuddernScotch]

Hey thanks so much! Still hung up on UCLA tho... ?

Samesies booboo

 

[Naya86]

To those of you who mentioned imposter syndrome, I'm glad I'm not the only one. It has been a serious stressor for me while waiting to hear from UCLA.

When it comes to a decision, I'm torn between, of all places, UCR. They offer an MFA in screenwriting (it is interdisciplinary, however) that fully funds students their first year and basically guarantees a Teaching Assistant Ship that covers tuition the second year. Not to mention, my parents live in Riverside and already agreed they wouldn't charge me rent, which would save me almost a thousand dollars a month. (L.A. housing is ridiculous!)

Obviously, UCR is a sub-par school, and not really a film school, but they still have amazing screenwriting faculty and have been incredibly welcoming. They gave me the acceptance email in February, paid for my mileage and lunch during my tour, invited me to sit in on a class, and had their MFA coordinator and adviser meet with me personally. As I mentioned, the financial advantage couldn't be better, and I doubt UCLA will be willing to send me much scholarship money, considering how competitive their program is.

I get a real kick thinking about this decision. On the down low, I'm kind of hoping UCLA flat out rejects me, even though they are an A-tier film school.
Just wondering what you all think?

 

[amlena]

When it comes to a decision, I'm torn between, of all places, UCR. They offer an MFA in screenwriting (it is interdisciplinary, however) that fully funds students their first year and basically guarantees a Teaching Assistant Ship that covers tuition the second year. Not to mention, my parents live in Riverside and already agreed they wouldn't charge me rent, which would save me almost a thousand dollars a month. (L.A. housing is ridiculous!)

The housing thing is a big reason why I applied to Chapman in the first place. Staying in Orange County means free rent at my parents' house (even though I really don't want to be here forever, lol). I didn't know UCR was fully funded. I guess it really depends on why you're going to grad school? Like if you're going just to hone your craft, you can really do that at any program that has good professors. If you're going to network, you probably want to be at one of the bigger schools because there will be more opportunities closer to LA. Personally I'm looking for access to internships to get my foot in the door, so that's something I can get from UCLA or Chapman (RIP all hope of ever going to USC).


By the way, has ANYONE heard anything yet? I wonder if I'm right and we won't hear until Tuesday.

 

[Cd23]

The housing thing is a big reason why I applied to Chapman in the first place. Staying in Orange County means free rent at my parents' house (even though I really don't want to be here forever, lol). I didn't know UCR was fully funded. I guess it really depends on why you're going to grad school? Like if you're going just to hone your craft, you can really do that at any program that has good professors. If you're going to network, you probably want to be at one of the bigger schools because there will be more opportunities closer to LA. Personally I'm looking for access to internships to get my foot in the door, so that's something I can get from UCLA or Chapman (RIP all hope of ever going to USC).


By the way, has ANYONE heard anything yet? I wonder if I'm right and we won't hear until Tuesday.

I still haven’t heard anything either and am getting so frustrated

 

[BuddernScotch]

I

The housing thing is a big reason why I applied to Chapman in the first place. Staying in Orange County means free rent at my parents' house (even though I really don't want to be here forever, lol). I didn't know UCR was fully funded. I guess it really depends on why you're going to grad school? Like if you're going just to hone your craft, you can really do that at any program that has good professors. If you're going to network, you probably want to be at one of the bigger schools because there will be more opportunities closer to LA. Personally I'm looking for access to internships to get my foot in the door, so that's something I can get from UCLA or Chapman (RIP all hope of ever going to USC).


By the way, has ANYONE heard anything yet? I wonder if I'm right and we won't hear until Tuesday.

I'm guessing same. Did you apply to LMU perchance? I'm hoping they have great internship opportunities but I'm unsure..

 

[Naya86]

The housing thing is a big reason why I applied to Chapman in the first place. Staying in Orange County means free rent at my parents' house (even though I really don't want to be here forever, lol). I didn't know UCR was fully funded. I guess it really depends on why you're going to grad school? Like if you're going just to hone your craft, you can really do that at any program that has good professors. If you're going to network, you probably want to be at one of the bigger schools because there will be more opportunities closer to LA. Personally I'm looking for access to internships to get my foot in the door, so that's something I can get from UCLA or Chapman (RIP all hope of ever going to USC).


By the way, has ANYONE heard anything yet? I wonder if I'm right and we won't hear until Tuesday.

You bring up some great points. I'm more focused on the craft, though the industry connections are incredibly important, if not most. I really like how UCLA expects a large volume of work since I want to develop a strong portfolio. I guess it all comes down to personal values, including finances.

Still nothing, either. But for those of you who have also been accepted into LMU, I just got an extension on the deadline to commit. I think it's only six days, but it's still less pressure when making the big decision.

 

[Naya86]

I

I'm guessing same. Did you apply to LMU perchance? I'm hoping they have great internship opportunities but I'm unsure..

Everything I've read about LMU boasts about the internship program, though nothing goes into depth. On the phone, Jenny Vazquez, the assistant director of recruitment, told me she would send me the contact for the person who runs the program. I would also ask her for that email/phone and contact them asap.

 

[Cd23]

So is the general consensus that we won’t hear anything this weekend?