USC MFA Fall 2014 (film & tv)

[mcholman]

Amina Hey there! Welcome!

 

[bgardner]

this is driving me nuts! my app still says it's in the first stage. I live in LA and frequently get calls from 213 area codes (USC's area code) and every time I don't recognize the number I freak out a little bit. Still no call from USC though. To those of you that have gotten calls, what was the number?? Maybe I'll save it in my phone as USC - Keep Calm

 

[JFSWLA]

theflry Thanks for the info! Yeah, I'd call that an interview - I'd just classify it as a hardball one. They do want to make sure that you have your financials in place and that you're extremely dedicated. They don't want to give someone a slot and have them flake out after first semester when they could've given it to somebody who really wants it. Do you know who it was that interviewed you?

On another topic, I checked back on my application status and this is what it says:

"Your file has been forwarded to the academic department for review and an admission decision. You may check this system periodically for updates, and if the academic department requires additional information or renders an admission decision, you will be contacted."

Anybody else at the same status? It looks like it's in the right place, but I just want to make sure that I don't get left behind because of some silly detail that got missed.

I'm starting to check my email constantly now, waiting for that interview notice...

I've been checking my status everyday for months now and it hasn't changed since about mid-November:

• YOUR FILE HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW AND AN ADMISSION DECISION. YOU MAY CHECK THIS SYSTEM PERIODICALLY FOR UPDATES, AND IF THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT REQUIRES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR RENDERS AN ADMISSION DECISION, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED.

I turned in my application on Nov 18. LORS and transcripts were submitted early because of UCLA's requests. Pretty sure it verifies that your package is complete and being forwarded to the next step which is, I believe, the academic dept., who reviews your work (transcripts, etc) before forwarding it to SCA for their review of your creative work.

What I have learned, during this wait, was the script format I've been writing in was totally FLAWED and my use of CAPS for "important details" really is a turn off per feedback from contests (far from any success I may add) but it's good to know so...if anyone uses CAPS a lot - don't (haha). I just switched from a homemade INDD formatted doc to FINAL DRAFT 9. FD is rad.

Good luck to everyone.

 

[kazedragon]

After creeping around the forum for a bit, I decided to stop being creepy stalker guy and join back into the fray. So, if ya'll have read some of the past postings for USC, than you may have seen my name in the spring semesters thread cause, I applied last spring semester. And then got wait-listed. Followed by forwarding my application for the Fall semester. Been one long journey of waiting to come back to wait again.
So, how is everyone else holding up?

 

[Mate Boegi]

Finally my app. also says:
YOUR FILE HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW AND AN ADMISSION DECISION. YOU MAY CHECK THIS SYSTEM PERIODICALLY FOR UPDATES, AND IF THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT REQUIRES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR RENDERS AN ADMISSION DECISION, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED.

 

[Ovsanna]

Mine still says the same It's being reviewed

 

[mcholman]

Gah, on the USC 2014 College Confidential someone posted that they received their acceptance letter on Jan 28th! WTC? Not fair. Maybe it's because they applied for Critical Studies, but I'm starting to go crazy. It's like waiting for a special gift for Christmas, but nobody knows when Christmas is!

Welcome to you new folks! Glad you could join us!

 

[mcholman]

theflry posted this to me, but for some reason it's not showing up, so I'll repost it before I reply lol

theflry:
Very strange system, seeing how mine says it's in the first stage. That could be good news for you, i.e. the professor assigned your app decided yes, then sent it on for the final approval without feeling a need to interview you.

And my response:

WOOT! I really hope that's the case!

 

[mcholman]

I don't remember - what does it say when it's in the first stage?

 

[theflry]

I don't remember - what does it say when it's in the first stage?

• THANK YOU FOR APPLYING TO GRADUATE STUDY AT USC. YOUR FILE IS CURRENTLY IN THE FIRST STAGE OF OUR EVALUATION PROCESS. WE WILL NOTIFY YOU IF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR INTENDED ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO MAKE SURE ALL SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION MATERIALS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

Now I can't help but feel a little funny about it still being "first stage"

 

[valeskarod]

I applied for Screenwriting and mine says
WE ARE REVIEWING YOUR APPLICATION. THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION IS UPDATED DAILY AND/OR AS CHANGES OCCUR TO YOUR FILE. BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF MATERIALS WE RECEIVE, PLEASE NOTE THAT IT TYPICALLY REQUIRES 8-10 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT FOR DOCUMENTS (SUCH AS TRANSCRIPTS) TO BE PROCESSED INTO YOUR FILE.

 

[8mm]

Mine is in the first stage as well. I applied a little bit before the deadline though, so I'm sure that has something to do with it.

 

[mcholman]

I just checked through the screenwriting thread from last years' fall applicants, and saw that the first guy got his acceptance notification on around feb. 15th. If that's any indication, we're going to be hearing something in the next couple weeks! YAAA!

Everyone is required to post whether or not they got in- then those that get accepted should make a facebook group or something We (I'm being joyfully optimistic in this statement) can call ourselves the victors of the 85th Annual Cinema Games! lol

Note: the school was founded in 1929, so this actually is their 85th anniversary

 

[BkBred]

I applied for Film & TV Prod, online it says it's in the first stage...

But my interview is all set for Sunday
So I wouldn't put much stock into the online system.

 

[mcholman]

BkBred Hi! Welcome!

So, to clarify - for the people who got interviewed, or haven't gotten interviewed yet: was the online system in the 'first stage' when you got your interview?

This is so nerve-racking. I'm practically keeping watch over my inbox.

 

[Arijit]

Has anyone received a mail asking for the submission of proof financial support?
The mail goes like this:
"Hello,
Our records indicate that the University has yet to receive your proof of financial support. It is important that you submit this information as it is required as part of the application process. For more information regarding these materials, please click here.
Please send any necessary information to USC Graduate Admissions by email at usci20@usc.edu. If you haven't done so already, please also send a scanned copy of your passport. If you have any questions, please email usci20@usc.edu. If you do not plan on sending this information to us, please let us know ASAP so that we can make a note for our records.

Best,
SCA " .

 

[Ovsanna]

Has anyone received a mail asking for the submission of proof financial support?
The mail goes like this:
"Hello,
Our records indicate that the University has yet to receive your proof of financial support. It is important that you submit this information as it is required as part of the application process. For more information regarding these materials, please clickhere.
Please send any necessary information to USC Graduate Admissions by email at usci20@usc.edu. If you haven't done so already, please also send a scanned copy of your passport. If you have any questions, please email usci20@usc.edu. If you do not plan on sending this information to us, please let us know ASAP so that we can make a note for our records.

Best,
SCA " .

Yes, I received it this morning

 

[G_F]

Hi guys !

I have been absent for such a long time
so much to catch up !

mcholman : thank you so much for all the information regarding the interviewing process! I am getting super nervous now that they’ve started calling people… I keep checking my emails like a crazy! But I wouldn’t worry too much about the status on the online application system

BkBred: good luck for your interview!!! (fingers crossed) Who is interviewing you?

Amina: thanks! I only applied to USC. Are you also interested in documentary? I’d love to see your film

Arijit: nice film! I received the same email this morning… This is the tricky part I guess… Do you already have all your financing ready ? I am still in the process getting the funding… and this email made me even more nervous!

kazedragon: good luck to you!! I hope you’ll get in this time



Good luck to you all!!!

 

[mcholman]

G_F Hey there! Welcome back!

Arijit I haven't received it, but I'll bet it's because I'm not an international student.

Good luck on your interviews, everybody!

 

[Mate Boegi]

Yep, also recieved financial stuff. I hope it's a good sign, although we are international.

Sounds pretty good to me :
"International applicants (those who are, or will be, in the United States on a non-immigrant visa) must submit documented evidence of financial support. The U.S. government requires that all international student applicants provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses for themselves and their dependents (if applicable) before a formal letter of admission and an I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility can be issued. For visa information or to check whether you will need an I-20/DS-2019 issued by USC, please see Obtaining a Visa."