USC Film & TV Production MFA Fall 2021 Applicants Unite!

[Anhdn]

It's an unprecedented time to apply for film schools in LA but here we are, friends. Good luck to everyone! Looking forward to agonizing and swapping essays together

 

[Chris W]

Good luck! I edited the thread title slightly so people know what this thread is for.

 

[ShereanJ]

It's an unprecedented time to apply for film schools in LA but here we are, friends. Good luck to everyone! Looking forward to agonizing and swapping essays together

I would love to connect and come together to see how we can strengthen our applications together. I spoke with a current student and she mentioned she and her friends did this.

 

[Anhdn]

I would love to connect and come together to see how we can strengthen our applications together. I spoke with a current student and she mentioned she and her friends did this.

Yeah sure!! Dm me your personal statement whenever and we can swap.

 

[ShereanJ]

Yeah sure!! Dm me your personal statement whenever and we can swap.

Will do

 

[Blue Grape]

Is there anyone planning to submit photo option for the visual sample?

 

[ScriptToScreenDream]

So I was waitlisted for Spring 2021. I've read that the Personal Statement is really important. My original Personal Statement stuck out enough for USC to want to interview me. I'm having trouble deciding to alter my Personal Statement for my Fall 2021 app. Do I do a completely new one? Or should I stick with the same statement, since it got USC's attention?

Please help asap, thank you!

 

[deeoz]

So I was waitlisted for Spring 2021. I've read that the Personal Statement is really important. My original Personal Statement stuck out enough for USC to want to interview me. I'm having trouble deciding to alter my Personal Statement for my Fall 2021 app. Do I do a completely new one? Or should I stick with the same statement, since it got USC's attention?

Please help asap, thank you!

I was thinking of just editing mine. But I'm not sure where it needs improvement. If anyone can help me review mine that would be great!

 

[angelah]

Does anyone wanna swap personal statements? I'm a first time applicant so idek if I'm on the right track ;-;

 

[ShereanJ]

Does anyone wanna swap personal statements? I'm a first time applicant so idek if I'm on the right track ;-;

I'm interested in swapping personal statements it's my first time applying

 

[angelah]

I'm interested in swapping personal statements it's my first time applying

messaged you!

 

[ShereanJ]

messaged you!

I just sent you and e-mail

 

[cheeeese3cake]

Hello got a question regarding the concept for a feature film (#3 on writing sample): should I write it in screenplay format? I saw most film treatments are in screenplay format.
Also hasn't anyone NOT submitted their applications yet? Does handing it in on Nov 15 affect USC's decision... i am so stressed atm

 

[cheeeese3cake]

Is there anyone planning to submit photo option for the visual sample?

yea i am!

 

[cheeeese3cake]

Does anyone wanna swap personal statements? I'm a first time applicant so idek if I'm on the right track ;-;

hey I would like to swap personal statement as well... pls shoot me a message if you are still interested

 

[Chris W]

Todays the day! (midnight deadline) How many still haven't gotten their applications in?

***VERY IMPORTANT*** DO NOT WAIT UNTIL LAST MINUTE!​

There's been many cases over the years where people wait until the last minute and theirs a technical issue and they miss the deadline.

Don't let that be you!!!!

 

[tzenggustav]

Just submitted my application ... then remembered there was this site ... Sigh
Big applications still coming!

 

[Cy98]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any tips on how to forgot about USC until February? I’m always checking my emails, but I know deep down I won’t hear from USC for months

 

[Isthison?]

I just got 2 views on my video sample. I am about 95% sure it's not me accidentally haha because it happened last weekend and I don't think I nervously rewatched it then. I used YouTube so I, unfortunately, don't have all the cool extra metrics

 

[JasperJohns]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any tips on how to forgot about USC until February? I’m always checking my emails, but I know deep down I won’t hear from USC for months

I know you posted this in November, but I'm just seeing it, now. I hope you've been doing okay! (I am applying to the screenwriting program, not the production one, FYI.)

I think it's impossible to forget about the outcome of your application. Your acceptance or denial is something you care deeply about, and, if you're going to be a creatively successful filmmaker, it's going to be at least partially because you obsess about both the little and the large things. My advice, since you asked for it, is to embrace these character traits as positives, rather than as problems.

I have a famous actor friend who has many of the biggest of big awards our industry gives. He still has doubts that he has any talent or ability. While he comes off as cocky and super self-confident, he's actually obsessing about whether or not he was any good in the last take and can he pull it together for the next one. But he has come to accept this doubt as a constant travelling companion, a given for his line of work. So, rather than trying to silence the voice that encourages negatives (DON'T think about that, DON'T say that line that way, FORGET ABOUT your application) he's accepted that the voice is never going away. He has, instead, turned it into a compass. The moment it says not to do something, he does it, with awareness. Because the obsessive nature of his doubt now leads him to actions that cause him to deliver great performances.

He takes the straw and spins it into gold.

So, in your case, maybe check for an email -- and then write about a character who is constantly obsessing over something. Anything. Doesn't matter. Knitting a scarf. A patient in a coma. Becoming the first American on The Great British Baking Show... Thing. Turn your current OCD into something creative. Use it as fuel for something larger. Let it strengthen you as a creator rather than weaken you. Then, each time you go to check the results of your application, add to the story. Even add another character and consider making this silly exercise into a draft of a dialogue scene for NEXT year's application, in case you don't get in.

Those are my 4 cents. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!