USC Film Production MFA 2023

Hey guys, I got accepted for fall 22 but couldn't attend due to personal reasons so I'm reapplying for fall 23.
Do all of my creative submissions have to be brand new?
Example: the personal statement, visual sample, writing sample?
what parts of my application can be the same and which parts have to be completely new?
I understand if I have to build a new visual and writing sample but what should I do if I feel my personal statement last year was the best representation of who I am and is completely spot on for me?
I have just done more work in the industry and explored avenues in this year but my purpose remains exactly the same.
Can somebody help me out here?
 

Chris W

Willem was robbed
Staff member
I understand if I have to build a new visual and writing sample but what should I do if I feel my personal statement last year was the best representation of who I am and is completely spot on for me?
I have just done more work in the industry and explored avenues in this year but my purpose remains exactly the same.
I don't recommend sending an exact carbon copy of your old personal statement as that doesn't show much effort.

I'd mention somewhere near the beginning of the personal statement that you applied last year and was accepted but couldn't attend due to x and you are ready to attend this year. Or something like that.

Then update anything else in the statement that would bring it up to present day in terms of experience. The bulk of it can be very similar as you got in last year and it apparently worked so just bring it up to date and fix anything like typos if they exist etc.

Good luck!
 
I don't recommend sending an exact carbon copy of your old personal statement as that doesn't show much effort.

I'd mention somewhere near the beginning of the personal statement that you applied last year and was accepted but couldn't attend due to x and you are ready to attend this year. Or something like that.

Then update anything else in the statement that would bring it up to present day in terms of experience. The bulk of it can be very similar as you got in last year and it apparently worked so just bring it up to date and fix anything like typos if they exist etc.

Good luck!
Thanks for always being so helpful, Chris!
Just one last follow-up question,
Am I supposed to get 2 completely new letters of recommendation?
I used the best ones I could on my last application, and even today they'll be better than any new ones I get people to write.
Can I have the same people recommend me this year too?
 

Chris W

Willem was robbed
Staff member
Here's our current USC acceptance rate:

USC Cinematic Arts - Film and Television Production (MFA) Acceptance Rate
28%
Admitted
104  out of   378   Admitted
25%
Waitlisted
93  out of   378   Waitlisted
48%
Not Admitted
181  out of   378  Not Admitted


    Deadline appears to still be November 15th.

     

    r_film

    Member
    Supporter
    Does anyone know if we can start the slideroom application, and then come back to it a different time or does it need to be done in one sitting?
     

    r_film

    Member
    Supporter
    You can save and make changes later. You'll be able to submit when all of the required fields are filled
    Awesome thanks! I just want to be prepared before I start the application. Also, do you know if I need physical copies of my letter of recommendations or do I just tell them the reference and email?
     

    teyyana

    Active Member
    Awesome thanks! I just want to be prepared before I start the application. Also, do you know if I need physical copies of my letter of recommendations or do I just tell them the reference and email?
    On your Slideroom page you just need to input your recommender names and email addresses. They will receive a link that directs them to a form and they can upload the scan of the letter or input their recommendation message into a text box just like sending an email. You'll receive an email when they have submitted their recommendation ;)
     

    r_film

    Member
    Supporter
    On your Slideroom page you just need to input your recommender names and email addresses. They will receive a link that directs them to a form and they can upload the scan of the letter or input their recommendation message into a text box just like sending an email. You'll receive an email when they have submitted their recommendation ;)
    Awesome thank you! Do you know if there deadline the same as the overall deadline or do they get extra time?
     

    r_film

    Member
    Supporter
    What would you guys say is the most important part of the application? The 5 minute short? The personal statement? I ask because I currently don't have the best access to make a great 5 minute short, but I worked really hard on my personal essay, writing samples, and I think I have a decent film resume. I'm just worried this 5 minute short might cost me....
     

    Chris W

    Willem was robbed
    Staff member
    personal statement
    Personal statement is the most important. See our interview with USC admissions.


    Actually pretty much any of our admissions department interviews say that your personal statement is pretty much the most important.
     

    Chris W

    Willem was robbed
    Staff member

    scaldwellkerson

    Well-Known Member
    Supporter
    What would you guys say is the most important part of the application? The 5 minute short? The personal statement? I ask because I currently don't have the best access to make a great 5 minute short, but I worked really hard on my personal essay, writing samples, and I think I have a decent film resume. I'm just worried this 5 minute short might cost me....
    Personal statement, hands down.
     

    r_film

    Member
    Supporter
    Do I need to mail my transcript if I already copied and uploaded it on there website? The deadline passed, but they don't send you your USC ID until a couple days after your submission so I am unsure if I need to also mail them a transcript.
     

    teyyana

    Active Member
    Do I need to mail my transcript if I already copied and uploaded it on there website? The deadline passed, but they don't send you your USC ID until a couple days after your submission so I am unsure if I need to also mail them a transcript.
    Yes, you do. Wait until they give you the USC ID, then mail your transcript to them. Don't forget to ensure they have received your mail, because they couldn't find my mail at first. After I showed them the delivery receipt, they finally found it
     

    r_film

    Member
    Supporter
    Yes, you do. Wait until they give you the USC ID, then mail your transcript to them. Don't forget to ensure they have received your mail, because they couldn't find my mail at first. After I showed them the delivery receipt, they finally found it
    How do I make sure they get it? And can all this be done after the deadline? Because they don't send you your ID until you submit your application, and I submitted mine the day it was due.
     
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