USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA Screenwriting Fall 2020

[KatieeveD]

Congratulations to everyone else who’s got in/just heard from the waitlist!!! Crossing my fingers for everyone waiting to hear dont lose hope!!!

 

[sarahkwUT]

Loans for me too but my (perhaps faulty) logic is that I got into an MBA program last year that I ended up deciding against and it was more expensive than USC will be. And it's DEFINITELY less expensive than my best friend's fancy MBA from a top school!

 

[KatieeveD]

Does anyone know when we find put about scholarships or would we already know if we were going to get any?

 

[dorkydiana]

Does anyone know when we find put about scholarships or would we already know if we were going to get any?

when you get your packet in the mail you might learn more about financial aid and stuff but when it comes to scholarships from what i heard usc really sucks on getting back to you in terms of financing :/ which is why a lot of students didn’t end up going after getting accepted (which sucks) you can try calling to ask but @Septopus7 did that last year and literally no one got back to him :/

 

[dorkydiana]

it’s a bit sad really with usc because they have by far one of the much more expensive programs...and with graduate school most offer scholarships but how much? it just depends really...you can apply for grants and random scholarships but once again those are very small, there’s no such thing as “free money” when it comes to financial aid like there is for undergrad which is incredibly unfortunate as well :/ the government will provide loans and most of the time they’re with small interests but some people don’t end up paying off their higher education loans for years on end and you have to take into account the cost of living, books, transportation, food, basic stuff really, LA isn’t cheap it actually sucks ass and that’s the biggest downside to pursuing an mfa :////

 

[dorkydiana]

my uncle went to cal poly back in 1987 to get his PhD and he just paid off his loans....six months ago......

 

[Chris W]

Oh god yes. Otherwise it’s gonna be hella loans for me

Actually just added a financial aid article today!

Financing Your Film School MFA: Your Guide to Financial Aid

Whether you dream of using USC as a launching pad into the Hollywood hierarchy or want to hone your documentary storytelling at NYU, a graduate degree in film promises to help you develop the skills and connection you need to succeed. But first you have to pay for it. Graduate programs in...

• Elizabeth Trach
• Mar 5, 2020
• Category: Financing Film School

 

[Albs]

Does anyone know when we find put about scholarships or would we already know if we were going to get any?

I emailed them on Monday and they said scholarship recipients will be notified “in the next week or two”

Hi, @Albs ! Congrats! Do you mind telling us if you got your acceptance today or over the weekend?

I found out on Monday in Australia, so early morning Sunday in LA. But that was through checking the portal, I didn’t get an email til Wednesday!

 

[studio54]

Hi! Any of you planning on attending admitted students day April 3rd?

USC Cinematic Arts | Admitted Graduate Student Day

 

[sarahkwUT]

Hi! Any of you planning on attending admitted students day April 3rd?

USC Cinematic Arts | Admitted Graduate Student Day

I'm not, BUT I'm planning to fly out to Los Angeles a few days later to visit my brother and do some apartment recon. Fun fact: the ticket from Raleigh to LA dropped nearly $300 in the last week thanks to Coronavirus and any cancellation or change fees will be waived, so - great time to buy a plane ticket!

 

[DaVinciNoir]

... and do some apartment recon.

Be forewarned: rent out here is tantamount to extortion.

 

[studio54]

I'm not, BUT I'm planning to fly out to Los Angeles a few days later to visit my brother and do some apartment recon. Fun fact: the ticket from Raleigh to LA dropped nearly $300 in the last week thanks to Coronavirus and any cancellation or change fees will be waived, so - great time to buy a plane ticket!

Oh definitely an affordable time to fly!

I've lived in LA for a few years now so if anyone has questions about the area or making the big move, don't hesitate to ask. My number one piece of unsolicited advice: don't feel pressured to find an apartment right away in just a weekend. I would sublet a place for a couple of months if possible so you can get to know what neighborhoods you like before committing to a year lease, and then you can actually take some time to look around.

 

[Chris W]

Pretty sure I am 0 for 3 now so far this year.

Don't lose hope! See this article for some inspiration:

How to get Into USC SCA: Advice from an Admissions Committee Member

Considered by many to be the best film school in the world, it’s no wonder why the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is so sought after by prospective undergraduate and graduate students alike. However, the film school’s prestige can often make the application process particularly stressful and...

• Svaja Paka
• Mar 5, 2020
• 5.00 star(s) 7 reviews
• Comments: 6
• Reviews: 5
• Category: Admissions Interviews

 

[sarahkwUT]

@DaVinciNoir Well aware of those prices! Certainly several hundred more than what I'm paying in North Carolina, but it is what it is!

@studio54 I'll probably be messaging for tips, ha. My brother lives out there, but he's in undergrad at UCI and lives with his partner in LA when he's not at school. He's offered his advice but I don't trust a kid who still calls to ask me where to find stuff in Whole Foods.

 

[Chris W]

This interview is great. I was kind of dreading I didn't get accepted bc I made my personal statement too personal. I'm all out of hope at this point seeing how many people already got in but this interview kinda renewed my last tinyyyy sliver of hope

Glad you liked it. It really is a very inspirational interview.

 

[pablo86]

Alright, who's ready for Round 2 this weekend??

 

[hivictoria]

Alright, who's ready for Round 2 this weekend??

I'm scurred

 

[KatieeveD]

when you get your packet in the mail you might learn more about financial aid and stuff but when it comes to scholarships from what i heard usc really sucks on getting back to you in terms of financing :/ which is why a lot of students didn’t end up going after getting accepted (which sucks) you can try calling to ask but @Septopus7 did that last year and literally no one got back to him :/

Do they still do the physical packets for international students??

 

[dorkydiana]

Do they still do the physical packets for international students??

this i don’t know :/ sorry :/// but you can totally call and ask!

 

[addik]

Do they still do the physical packets for international students??

Hey, chiming in from the production thread! I just submitted my financial docs and they told me through email that they will send the acceptance package once you submit your intent to enroll. That's how they send your I-20 which you'll need for your student visa