UCLA Screenwriting MFA 2013 (1 Viewer)

[honeybadger]

The acceptances usually happen in waves, so there is definitely still hope. Plus there is also the wait list, and as a long time follower of this board, I know that people can be accepted up to orientation week, depending on whether people choose to accept their offers. I am most definitely accepting mine. UCLA is always where I've had my heart set on going. Would anyone like me to start a Facebook page for those of us that are going to be classmates, so we can get to know one another a little? PM me if you are interested.

 

[WKJoel]

This might be a dumb question, but the email received stating that the graduate division still had to review your official transcripts, and that you would be contacted soon with an official decision letter is the acceptance email, correct?

 

[SVC914]

Hello. Congratulations to all who were accepted! My condolences to those who didn't. Remember to keep writing.

My name is Steven and I'm a current MFA'er and am part of the Class of 2015 Welcoming Committee. Some information: The Welcome Committee will be creating a private Class of '15 Facebook and adding you to it. Additionally, we are revising the UCLA screenwriting handbook (you'll receive it in a few weeks) so please hold tight.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about the program, next steps, etc. feel free to post here, or personal message me, and I (or another current MFA'er) will do my best to answer it for you!

Once again, congratulations! Welcome to the family!! Looking forward to meeting you in the fall.

 

[handstokeys]

Congratulations to everyone who was accepted! I was also accepted and I am over the moon.

@SVC914 - I would love for you to create a Facebook page.

I do have a question. I'm a resident of NYC now, but I am wondering how quickly I can establish legal residency. Do you know anything about that?

Thank you so much!

 

[SVC914]

Originally posted by handstokeys:

@SVC914 - I would love for you to create a Facebook page.

I do have a question. I'm a resident of NYC now, but I am wondering how quickly I can establish legal residency. Do you know anything about that?

Thank you so much!

Hey Handstokeys!
No problem...FB page coming soon!

As a fellow NYer I'm all too familiar with this process. You'll have to wait a full year before you can apply for California residency. Some tips: open a bank account at a CA bank, go to the DMV to receive CA identification, and don't leave the state! No really. There's a crazy rule about not leaving CA for more than 2 weeks for the entire year. To my knowledge, no current MFAer has ever been denied.

 

[Chessirose]

Has any one found out if they didn't get in, or has just a wave of acceptances gone out?

 

[handstokeys]

@SVC914 - Thank you for the info! It's very helpful to know, especially the 2 week thing.

I'd also love to know if there are teaching/assistant opportunities to offset the cost of tuition? Perhaps this is something available in second year? Or maybe even funding?

My only concern with UCLA is the money but it's my dream, so it feels worth it.

 

[Mike Clayton]

What is the class size this year? Does anyone know? Gracias.

 

[SVC914]

@ Handstokeys - You'll have to wait until your second year to apply for teaching assistant opportunities. Tuition is certainly high for out-of-staters (worth it). Things change from year to year, but this past year the out of staters received a large grant to offset cost. Sometimes there's additional TFT funding you can request, if the budget permits (there was $ this year). Additionally, there are donor awards that you can apply for in the winter quarter.

 

[handstokeys]

@SVC914 - Thank you so much for the information, it's so helpful. I cannot wait to join the class next year.

Also, do most of the students choose to live on campus or off? Graduate housing sounds pretty nice and convenient!

 

[SVC914]

Originally posted by handstokeys:

Also, do most of the students choose to live on campus or off? Graduate housing sounds pretty nice and convenient!

Most of the MFAers live off campus. A few do live in grad housing, in Westwood, with varying degrees of success. I think it really depends on the kind of experience you are looking to have. Westwood Village is cool, though a little young (tons of undergrads). There's certainly something to be said for living closer to campus though - traffic can be brutal.

 

[stelladallas89]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I was just wondering how many of the current MFA screenwriting students have part time jobs while at UCLA?

 

[jeremy's sea]

Originally posted by SVC914:
Most of the MFAers live off campus. A few do live in grad housing, in Westwood, with varying degrees of success. I think it really depends on the kind of experience you are looking to have. Westwood Village is cool, though a little young (tons of undergrads). There's certainly something to be said for living closer to campus though - traffic can be brutal.

+1
I couldn't, at this point in life, imagine living on campus, LA has a lot to offer! (plus I have dogs) I love Westwood Village for its young college vibe, but I already did that in Dinkytown at the U-MN (way too long ago!). I live in East LA and will probably try to move to the westside. I do recommend trying for something central or west and only go east or to the SF valley if you feel you can't afford it otherwise. The commute to Westwood can be horrendous at the wrong time of day... That said, I will miss my eas los hood.

 

[SVC914]

Originally posted by stelladallas89:
Long time lurker, first time poster. I was just wondering how many of the current MFA screenwriting students have part time jobs while at UCLA?

I can't give you the raw numbers, but there are plenty of MFAers who are working part-time, and small number who work full time. I work part-time (no more than 20 hrs per week). If I had a choice I wouldn't because it takes away from my writing time. It's doable, and has certainly taught me how to manage my time!

Once we have the FB page up you'll have an opportunity to hear about everyone's experience. Additionally, each of you will be matched with three mentors (current MFAers who you can turn to for advice).

 

[perspectivestudent]

@SVC914 Would you recommend the Professional Program for those who weren't admitted, but are still planning on applying next year?

 

[SVC914]

Originally posted by perspectivestudent:
@SVC914 Would you recommend the Professional Program for those who weren't admitted, but are still planning on applying next year?

It can't hurt. I completed the PP prior to applying to the MFA program and found it beneficial. It really prepares you for what to expect as an MFAer.

There are people out there who believe that the PP is a pipeline to the MFA program. Of the 28 in my class 10 of us completed the PP at some point in the past 5 years. Take that for what it's worth.

 

[WKJoel]

I'm in the PP now, and just got accepted into the MFA program. I also happen to work full-time. Do you know when the classes are held? They are generally in the evening, correct? I usually work until 4 everyday, and then write from 5 to 8 on the days I don't have class.

 

[perspectivestudent]

Thanks guys, that is really helpful. I sat in on Hal Ackerman's PP class last night and it was really great. I'm pretty sure I will be enrolling in the program.

 

[SVC914]

Originally posted by WKJoel:
Do you know when the classes are held? They are generally in the evening, correct? I usually work until 4 everyday, and then write from 5 to 8 on the days I don't have class.

It really depends on the class. Quite a few are taught in the evening. Most of the writing workshops - where you'll write a feature - are taught in the early afternoon (between 1p and 5p).

 

[B.A]

Hello all,

I was just wondering if anyone else has heard back today? With either yes or no...
I'm still waiting, which I'm starting to assume means a NO, but you never know. Congrats to all of you who got in.