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Summit_Bid

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Posts posted by Summit_Bid

  1. Hello all! I want to wish everyone best of luck on their applications. I finally finished applying, and I wanted to see if a few others could weigh in on my chances of getting in anywhere. I'm really nervous and I'm starting to freak out...

    -I have 3.97 GPA at a small, liberal arts college (4.00 in Film Studies, my minor. Major is English. Taken about 8 film studies courses). Will graduate with Honors thesis, summa cum laude BA in May 2011.

    -Was a SPUR scholar in Film Studies at UCLA for Summer 2010

    -Have one publication, one forthcoming in a professor's book. About 4 conference presentations, two of them at national conferences.

    -Glowing, detailed letters of recommendation from professors who know me very well.

    -Teaching assistantship for Sexuality & Film course this past fall.

    -Started a Film Club on campus, film Critic for school newspaper, lead discussions for international film series, etc.

    -GRE 610V (88 percentile), 660Q (64 percentile, although I've heard that the Q doesn't matter too much), 5AW (84 percentile).

    Anyway, I'm nervous because I'm not from a large school like others (although I've heard that this could help because of the intensity of discussion, writing courses, etc.), and I'm only earning my BA. I've applied to:

    -Indiana (MA)

    -Michigan (PhD)

    -NWern (PhD)--but do they take some for MAs as well? I didn't realize that they did that.

    -Chicago (PhD)

    -TX @ Austin (MA)

    -UCLA (MA)

    -Wisconsin (MA)

    What are my odds of getting in at any of these places, and do people know the admissions stats for any of the above (and when they respond)? I'm especially interested in Indiana, NWern, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Thanks for all your input! It is much appreciated! I hope that everyone gets in where they want :)

    Sounds like you've got a great chance. If your writing sample and SOP are solid I'd say you've got a strong package.

  2. Going into debt sucks! If you can pay it off or easily make small payments each month then go for it--otherwise forget it. Debt will control how you live. I have a MINIMUM payment of $1,000/month and with my MA all I got was a job that pays me $1,800/mo that leaves me with $800-not a lot for living in LA (I live at home with Mom and Dad and still break even each month after gas, food, med/dental bills, cell hpone, car payments, car insurance etc...and I don't even pay utilities or rent). Seriously work with a financial advisor and realistically look at your future job prospects, salary and debt payments. It's hard to imagine what it's like until you are in it and paying--and by then it's often too late.

  3. Hi all,

    I thought I would start a new topic for those of us applying to film/media studies programs for Fall 2011. I'm re-applying to Media Studies PhD programs (I already have a MA), after across the board rejections last round. My focus is in television studies broadly, but more specificlly my research interests are in fandom, participatory culture, media paratexts, and industry studies.

    Right now I've just got University of Wisconsin-Madison, Comm Arts, Media and Culture; and USC, Anennburg, Media, Culture and Communiation on my list. I applied to UW last year, and came very close, but was unltimately rejected, so I'm really hoping this round will work out as it is my top choice.

    Anyone have any suggestions for programs that fit with my areas of study? I applied to UCLA, UCSB, UW-M, U Michigan, Indiana University, and UT last year, and honestly, the fit wasn't right with many of them, so I'm trying to be more selective this round to places that would be a great fit with my research. Anyone know of any other programs? Canadian or UK schools would interest me as well.

    Thanks for the help and good luck to everyone!

    I'm applying to most of the same schools you are (I did last year and the year before too!--It's rough out there!)I think you have unique ideas so it might be hard to find a match but I know a lot of professors are into fandom so keep looking. When I was browsing sites today I know I saw some...I just can't remember which ones. Apply broadly is my advice since it's soooo tough so anything to increase your chances is good--I understand this is hard when you can't find a match though.

    Good luck.

  4. 1. Surf net until I've seen everyweb page in existence.

    2. Make an action plan to raise $55K-100K so I can climb Everest before age 35.

    3. Research CHEAP vacation ideas (Backpacking, Ranch or Farm Vacation etc.) so I can travel like other broke young people my age-

    minus the debt.

    5. Bury myself in new hobbies by subscribing to related magazines and list serves and learning about it (I'm so into backpacking,

    outdoor survival and Everest Summit Bids so Nat'l Geo, Backpacker and Outside on my mags of choice)

    6. Figure out ways to make money while I'm at my desk job (I just tried selling my factory sealed Nintendo Wii on Ebay..no bids yet

    but I still have 3 days to go.

    7. Sit and stare and figure out what to do to repatch my life and not end up miserable and depressed like my elders...although I

    think it's too late.

    8. Maybe I'll get back into on-line Spanish classes and web building...

    9. Just let myself waste away by sitting here and staring.

  5. I technically wasn't in the Film (Tisch) MA program. I did the MA program through Gallatin (which I don't really reccommend). My feelings about NYU are that people do keep to themselves. Check out International House (www.ihouse-nyc.org). I lived there for three years for free (they gave me tons of scholarships). It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I met so many incredibly amazing people there. I became so outgrowing, strong, openminded and assertive after being in NYC and especially I.House. I got a brand new life when I went to NYC and I.House and it served me well upon my return to LA. I.House is one of the ebst things to have ever happened to me. The people, the experience, the activities, the financial help....I can't even describe how it's changed my life for the better...

    Everyone has a different experience so maybe you won't be as moved as I was but from what you are telling me it sounds like we are in the exact same boat and I can only tell you that the experience will be worth it. You'll always have time to come back here and build contacts. It's googd to have contacts in two places so why not try this. some filmies are sooooo into their craft that it is really hindering them beause it's too much. It's like they aren't even human. You will go through so much stuff in NYC that will seep into everyting you do upon your return. Do it.

  6. I was in the exact same boat as you in 2006. I'm from LA and I chose NYU and have NO regrets. You are right that you will never have a chance to experience NYC the same way again. While it's always possible to just move there when you want later in life, now is the time. NYC will change you're life! I lived there for three years and came back here(Los Angeles)after my MA at NYU.I'm so glad I experienced both worlds. I never really liked NYC that much but it toughened me up. Now I've got connections on 2 coasts.

    There will always be time to make connections at USC and UCLA without being a student. There are so many ways to make connections without being in school in LA since SOCAL is a mecca swarming with filmsters. Go to NYC for a little while and then come back. Both will always be around and no matter what you're age or what anyone says, you'll always have time to make connections in LA. Don't rush it. Don't be sooooo focused. Try new things. It will help you tog et a change of scenery. Don't leave a chance like this in the dust. Live life a little and grow strong as a filmmaker and theorist by branching out a little. Trust me on this.

    Telling other LA film junkies I was in NYC makes them jealous, want to talk to me and gives me a colorful history, is an icebreaker and has just enhanced my life soooo much.

    Go to NYC and then come back to awesome LA when you are done. You won't regret it.

  7. I visited the University of Chicago over the 11th and 12th for their campus visit days. What can I say? It was love at first sight. I've considered the hefty price tag for the MAPH, I've spoken with the outgoing and incoming directors, faculty members of the CMS department, and in the end I do feel that the MAPH offers a remarkable opportunity to academic-career-inclined people who have an unusual background. The sheer breadth and intensity of the MAPH seems like a terrific opportunity for me to fill in some gaps in my academic career and on top of that, can potentially add an excellent credential. Beyond that, I loved what I learned of UChicago's approach to film studies and the current work going on there.

    An added bonus is that I love the arts/culture scene in Chicago and I really miss living in a thriving metropolis. So yeah, here's to UChicago come September '10.

    Luck you. it's nice to find a fit like that and ahve something to look forward to in the months ahead. I hope it's every bit as good as how it seemed to be when you visited. I heard so much great stuff about that school. Best of luck to you.

  8. I do have one story that is a little like the OPs. There was a women who was accepted into a program but couldn't get into a very crowded class she needed to graduate. She bought the books for the class and attended everyday despite not being officially enrolled. Eventually they kicked her out but she went on the lawn outside the window of the classroom and listened. The teacher allowed her to come to class and take the tests and graded all of her homework assignments and even the final. She ended up being the best student in class and aced all exams and papers. Because she did such a good job administration later added her retroactively and she was able to graduate.

  9. I got a BA at Cal State Long Beach. COTA (College of the Arts) is great! I loooooooooooved CSULB and the people there. I liked it better than the hoity-toity East Coast school I went to for my MA. The weather is great, it's in a safe, quiet suberb close to nightlife/shoreline, people (students and faculty are nice) and the campus is like a garden and a short bus ride from the beach. It's CHEAP too which is a big plus. I don't have much info about your department but their art department is supposed to be pretty good from what I hear. Each summer the Cal State System hold CSU Summer Arts at Fresno State. It's a fun "summer camp" type of thing I went to three years in a row. It's fun for artists and you can get school credit for it.

    Cal State Long Beach is a state school though so keep in mind the reputation of the school in general is bad. People still think anyone can go there and that grad inflation is rampant (it probably is). Compared to the UC system, Cal State Systems are losers--at least that's the reputation still held by a few people. Like all state schools "The Beach" is in financial trouble and a lot of resources are probably missing--studios included..but I'm not sure. There are lot's of furlough days there too so you aren't getting as much bang for your buck as usual.

    I would highly recommend visiting the school, faculty and department to see what resources are there and check out what will be available to you if you decide to go.

    Many have described the students there as unmotivated and faculty kind of frustrated with us. Again, I'm basing this on my undergrad experience. Students have a defeatist attitude towards life often times. They are NOT the best and brightest but they are a good bunch.

    I really thought faculty took the time to get to know me and thought they really cared about my work.

    CSULB is a kick-back, informal place.

    Overall, my CSULB experience was great. I still have friends there, I'm in no debt and got tons of scholarships (it's like I got paid to go!), my professors in my arts-related field were awesome--I still keep in contact with them and visit them every Spring-- and I have no regrets going. It was the best 4 years of life.

    What are your other choices of schools?

  10. You and I have the exact same story (I'm applying to Cinema Studies too at the same schools you did) except this is my third year trying and I applied to 15 schools this year! I'm still waiting to hear from Michigan.

    Your stats and mine and very similar. I think the best advice would be to tighten up your SOP. I heard that is the true make or break factor for our field. I would name names. I called schools last year and the year before to inquire about rejections and they all told me to be specific and name names. I did this year and last and it didn't make a difference but needless to say I think my SOP was the strongest it's ever been...however it's obviously not effective.

    I would try to get published and teach but really work on the SOP. That's what everyone is telling me.

    You applied to a good range of schools so I don't think that's your problem. I think overall it is really competitive and maybe nothing was wrong with your app. I think you know the real reason you didn't get in: it's all about luck. I think you app is fine overall. Sure a good GRE score wouldn't hurt but really I think this whole Cinema Studies admissions thing is really a numbers game.

  11. Some people do wait until April 15th to make the descision because they need the time or they don't get notification until up to then. This doesn't mean you don't have a chance of getting in, it just means you'll have to wait longer for notification if you are waitlisted or whatever. I got accepted into an MA program at NYU once and it was May 5th when they called to tell me the good news. They said the last day I had to tell them if I was going or not was May 1st! When you find out this late in the game they don't really start following those deadlines anymore. I can see your dilema if you have other schools who are pressuring you to accept before April 15th though. Ask for an extension or be upfront and tell them your circumstance. Hold your ground and don't let them pressure you.

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