What questions do you have for Columbia University Film School admissions department?

[Alexa P.]

FilmSchool.org is excited to announce our interview with Columbia University School of the Arts!

Columbia is among the top-ranked film schools in the United States and the world. In 2022, The Hollywood Reporter named Columbia SOA no. 7 on its annual list of the 25 best American film schools. Columbia offers several highly regarded master's programs, including its newly instated Writing for Film & Television program. You can also learn more about Columbia SOA in FilmSchool.org's how to apply guide:

Columbia University: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Columbia SOA Film Student

Columbia University’s School of the Arts film program is widely regarded as an elite hub for storytellers. With MFA concentrations in Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television, and a BA in Film & Media Studies for undergraduates, Columbia combines rigorous...

• Alexa P.
• Sep 15, 2022
• Category: Applying to Film School

This interview is a can't-miss opportunity for aspiring graduate students, in particular, to ask questions about Columbia. Here are a few questions I plan to ask:

1. This year, Columbia unveiled an exciting new graduate program: Writing for Film & Television. What unique courses does the program offer for aspiring screenwriters? Do you welcome experimental and unconventional storytellers in the application process, or should applicants follow a more conventional three-act structure?

2. Give us an overview of your remaining programs: Screenwriting & Directing and Creative Producing. How many students apply to each program per application cycle vs. the number (or %) of students admitted?

3. How can an aspiring Columbia SOA student construct a stellar portfolio? And what are common mistakes people make on the portfolio section?

Please aim to submit all questions between Thursday, 1/12 and Sunday, 1/15. Thank you!

 

[Chris W]

This interview is happening soon so please get your questions in if you have any.

 

[jfjburns95]

I would like to know the following:
1. In general, what does Columbia look for in interviews?
2. Why doesn't Columbia require a resume as part of their application?
Thanks!

 

[notaprincess]

Ditto on what they're looking for in an interview.
I'd also like to know how the students accepted into the new writing for screen & tv concentration will differ from the screenwriting/directing concentration students? What will they be looking for in students that's different? Specifically since they let students apply to both with one application, I'm wondering how they are going to determine who goes where and why. (Probably need to word that better - sorry)

Thanks for doing this!

 

[obisesan]

How does Columbia help with scholarships and housing for selected MFA students? How do they help students with no prior practical film experience find their voice? Is faculty engaged in helping students finding their unique voice and becoming original autuers?

 

[mandaa]

FilmSchool.org is excited to announce our interview with Columbia University School of the Arts!

Columbia is among the top-ranked film schools in the United States and the world. In 2022, The Hollywood Reporter named Columbia SOA no. 7 on its annual list of the 25 best American film schools. Columbia offers several highly regarded master's programs, including its newly instated Writing for Film & Television program. You can also learn more about Columbia SOA in FilmSchool.org's how to apply guide:

Columbia University: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Columbia SOA Film Student

Columbia University’s School of the Arts film program is widely regarded as an elite hub for storytellers. With MFA concentrations in Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television, and a BA in Film & Media Studies for undergraduates, Columbia combines rigorous...

• Alexa P.
• Sep 15, 2022
• Category: Applying to Film School

This interview is a can't-miss opportunity for aspiring graduate students, in particular, to ask questions about Columbia. Here are a few questions I plan to ask:

1. This year, Columbia unveiled an exciting new graduate program: Writing for Film & Television. What unique courses does the program offer for aspiring screenwriters? Do you welcome experimental and unconventional storytellers in the application process, or should applicants follow a more conventional three-act structure?

2. Give us an overview of your remaining programs: Screenwriting & Directing and Creative Producing. How many students apply to each program per application cycle vs. the number (or %) of students admitted?

3. How can an aspiring Columbia SOA student construct a stellar portfolio? And what are common mistakes people make on the portfolio section?

Please aim to submit all questions between Thursday, 1/12 and Sunday, 1/15. Thank you!

Hi, I missed this session. Is there any link to watch the replay? Thank you!

 

[Chris W]

The interview article should be coming out this month.

 

[edanna]

The interview article should be coming out this month.

Would love to read when available!

 

[frella]

I applied for the directing in MFA Columbia University but still did not receive the interview invitation. I wanna know that do I still have chance? Since lots of my friends had already receive the email.

 

[frella]

When is the last day for directing to release the interview?

 

[Chris W]

The interview with Columbia University admissions is now up:

How to Get Into Columbia University Film School: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions and Industry and Outreach Departments (Part 1)

The graduate film program at Columbia University School of the Arts is highly acclaimed for its star-studded alumni roster and teaching students how to tell stories that move the masses. In 2022, FilmSchool.org ranked Columbia SOA runner-up for Best Screenwriting Program in its list of top film...

• Alexa P.
• Feb 23, 2023
• Category: Admissions Interviews

How to Get Into Columbia University Film School: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions and Industry and Outreach Departments (Part 2)

Exclusively for our Supporting Members, this is the second part of our 2-hour interview with the Columbia SOA Admissions and Industry Outreach departments. FilmSchool.org is 100% advertisement free so without our Supporting Members, in-depth articles and interviews like this one would not be...

• Alexa P.
• Feb 23, 2023
• Category: Supporting Member Exclusives

I hope everyone enjoys it and finds it useful!