Film Studies 2016 Acceptance thread

[Shahed_d]

I just got an acceptance email from Columbia NYC (Film Studies MA) yesterday. I got rejected from UW-Madison (MA) a few weeks ago.

I am waiting to hear back from U-Iowa (MA), NYU (MIAP), and U-Rochester (Film Preservation).

Has anybody heard anything from Iowa yet? 

Also, does anybody have advice on funding matters? Although I'm very excited to have been accepted to Columbia, the tuition is very high and they don't seem to offer any aid. Is it possible to distinguish yourself during the first semester and receive some aid for the remainder? Or do people think it's worth taking out the loans?

On that same note, does anybody have information on funding for or experience attending the other three programs I mentioned above. Tough decisions.

Thank you all and good luck!

[aregina91]

8 hours ago, larajean_p said:

Someone on the results posted an acceptance for UCLA MA...

I see that... has anyone here heard anything from UCLA?

I applied to their MA program, and like I said, called them last week, and was told April/May because they had a lot of applicants to sort through this year. I don't know how true any of this may be, though...

[aregina91]

1 hour ago, Shahed_d said:

I just got an acceptance email from Columbia NYC (Film Studies MA) yesterday. I got rejected from UW-Madison (MA) a few weeks ago.

I am waiting to hear back from U-Iowa (MA), NYU (MIAP), and U-Rochester (Film Preservation).

Has anybody heard anything from Iowa yet? 

Also, does anybody have advice on funding matters? Although I'm very excited to have been accepted to Columbia, the tuition is very high and they don't seem to offer any aid. Is it possible to distinguish yourself during the first semester and receive some aid for the remainder? Or do people think it's worth taking out the loans?

On that same note, does anybody have information on funding for or experience attending the other three programs I mentioned above. Tough decisions.

Thank you all and good luck!

I too would appreciate any sort of advice on funding for MA programs! If anyone has any information, please let us know. It seems like there isn't a lot offered by some schools, and I'm having a hard time finding funding elsewhere. 

[fs1991]

3 hours ago, Shahed_d said:

Has anybody heard anything from Iowa yet? 

 

I cannot speak for the MA program, but I can say that I called today to ask about the decisions timeframe for the doctorate program and was told that the Admissions Committee has met and the first round of cuts have been made. They didn't really mention if offers have been sent out (and suggested everything keeps rotating from this point onwards). My official status is still "pending" though regardless.

Again, not sure if the MA admissions are running at the same rate, but the people in the office were super nice so if you're desperately wondering/want to hear word of anything I'd suggest to just call and ask if they know roughly when you'd hear back. 

Edited March 3, 2016 by fs1991

[aregina91]

Did anyone else get an email tonight from the MAPH program at Chicago?

[Falcore]

17 hours ago, aregina91 said:

Did anyone else get an email tonight from the MAPH program at Chicago?

Yeah I did. Came with another email telling me they wouldn't be offering any funding. Kind of sad to see a great program like Chicago stoop so low by trying to fund their PhD program by relying upon the funds of rejects. "We'll take your money, but we don't really care if you come with it"

 

Edited March 5, 2016 by Falcore

[DivineLavender]

Hi All,

I have been reading the thread for a few weeks.  I'm proud to say I was accepted to UCLA Ph.D Film and Television Department with a fellowship nomination.  I got the call a couple of weeks ago and the official letter from the Dean's office a couple of days ago. There might be a waitlist for UCLA Film Department. I am still waiting to hear back from UC Santa Barbara - Ph.D Film & Media Studies. It doesn't matter at this point because I want to go UCLA.

Rejected: USC - Ph.D American Studies and UC Riverside - Ph.D. Ethnic Studies

 

 

 

 

[Falcore]

That's odd, because I asked them a day ago and they said no decisions had been made yet. 

6 hours ago, DivineLavender said:

 I'm proud to say I was accepted to UCLA Ph.D Film and Television Department

 

 

 

 

[DivineLavender]

16 hours ago, Falcore said:

That's odd, because I asked them a day ago and they said no decisions had been made yet. 

 

Hi Falcore,

I do not know who you spoke with or the details of your application. On the other hand, I have the official letter from the Dean, Department and financial package. I submitted SLR and it is not odd at all. 

[Falcore]

Well, congratulations to you. It's just kind of weird how sporadically decisions seem to be sent out. Hard to keep track of. 

[fs1991]

I'm still waiting for any word back on Iowa, Washington, NYU, Michigan and Santa Barbara over here......I feel like the last round I applied I had heard back from a lot of schools (albeit they were rejections) at this point, so I'm not entirely sure what to make of what feels like a prolonged silence....

[Shahed_d]

Iowa Film Studies (MA) is not emailing people and just updating their website, so check your status application page and you will likely have your answer. I was not accepted.

I did get accepted to U-Rochester Film Preservation MA (English Dept.) on March 4th. They are funding half of the $44,000 yearly tuition and I am seriously considering attending. Does anybody have experience with or knowledge of this program's qualities and funding for second year. Also, any ideas whether such a degree would be useful in pursuing entry into PhD programs. Any information on the school or program is appreciated.

Still waiting to hear from NYU MIAP.

[aregina91]

On March 5, 2016 at 4:34 PM, Falcore said:

Yeah I did. Came with another email telling me they wouldn't be offering any funding. Kind of sad to see a great program like Chicago stoop so low by trying to fund their PhD program by relying upon the funds of rejects. "We'll take your money, but we don't really care if you come with it"

 

Really? They offered me a scholarship... Maybe contact them and see if there is any additional funding you might be eligible for. I've been reading that if you remain persistent and proactive about funding, they may just reevaluate your application or refer you to other available funding options.

[aregina91]

On March 6, 2016 at 0:48 AM, DivineLavender said:

Hi All,

I have been reading the thread for a few weeks.  I'm proud to say I was accepted to UCLA Ph.D Film and Television Department with a fellowship nomination.  I got the call a couple of weeks ago and the official letter from the Dean's office a couple of days ago. There might be a waitlist for UCLA Film Department. I am still waiting to hear back from UC Santa Barbara - Ph.D Film & Media Studies. It doesn't matter at this point because I want to go UCLA.

Rejected: USC - Ph.D American Studies and UC Riverside - Ph.D. Ethnic Studies

Congrats, that is a great opportunity! 

[aregina91]

1 hour ago, Shahed_d said:

Iowa Film Studies (MA) is not emailing people and just updating their website, so check your status application page and you will likely have your answer. I was not accepted.

I did get accepted to U-Rochester Film Preservation MA (English Dept.) on March 4th. They are funding half of the $44,000 yearly tuition and I am seriously considering attending. Does anybody have experience with or knowledge of this program's qualities and funding for second year. Also, any ideas whether such a degree would be useful in pursuing entry into PhD programs. Any information on the school or program is appreciated.

Still waiting to hear from NYU MIAP.

Congrats to you, as well! Film Preservation is my backup plan. Best of luck to you!

[Guest Grad19204]

1 hour ago, aregina91 said:

Really? They offered me a scholarship... Maybe contact them and see if there is any additional funding you might be eligible for. I've been reading that if you remain persistent and proactive about funding, they may just reevaluate your application or refer you to other available funding options.

My partner was also offered funding by the MAPH. I don't think the program is as morally bankrupt as people make it out to be, but it is definitely uneven. If you get funding, it's a nice stepping stone to a PhD program in one of the best media cities in the world. If you don't, it's an expensive gamble. My partner won't be attending.

[Guest Grad19204]

Finally rejected at NYU. 

[fs1991]

10 hours ago, cikkatikkaskwarr said:

Finally rejected at NYU. 

I am probably expecting this to happen to me soon (just got the axe from UCSB too), but I guess I should ask because I'm wondering: when it finally happens, is it via e-mail?

 

Regardless, congratulations on all of the amazing acceptances you've gotten this cycle and thanks for all of the advice and insight you've given on this thread so far! Are you going to be accepting at Chicago?

[Guest Grad19204]

2 hours ago, fs1991 said:

I am probably expecting this to happen to me soon (just got the axe from UCSB too), but I guess I should ask because I'm wondering: when it finally happens, is it via e-mail?

 

Regardless, congratulations on all of the amazing acceptances you've gotten this cycle and thanks for all of the advice and insight you've given on this thread so far! Are you going to be accepting at Chicago?

Thank you. It's been a nice ride. I'm torn between Northwestern and Chicago at this point. The former is offering a considerably larger amount of money, but I'm harboring a bit of resentment towards them for making me go through a prolonged and arduous interview process where I was thrown into a mixed pit of solid scholars and academic pretenders and forced to "perform" my scholarship for 2 whole days. The whole experience was toxic. 

That being said, while visiting the city of Chicago, I somehow ended up drinking wine and eating chili with David Rodowick. Although I feel a little dirty that Northwestern had to subsidize my visit with UChicago faculty, I'm taking it as a sign. I will most likely be accepting UChicago's offer around April 9th, but not before a brief (and half-hearted) round of negotiations.

[soontobeangel]

Thanks for the encouraging thread!

I got into Chapman, rejected from Iowa (via website), and I am still waiting to hear from UCLA and from Emory University (ATL).  Anybody know anything about their admission's timeline for the Film Studies MA?

[Guest Grad19204]

On 3/10/2016 at 0:52 PM, fs1991 said:

I am probably expecting this to happen to me soon (just got the axe from UCSB too), but I guess I should ask because I'm wondering: when it finally happens, is it via e-mail?

 

Regardless, congratulations on all of the amazing acceptances you've gotten this cycle and thanks for all of the advice and insight you've given on this thread so far! Are you going to be accepting at Chicago?

And yes, NYU sent an e-mail.

[DivineLavender]

On March 6, 2016 at 1:10 PM, aregina91 said:

Congrats, that is a great opportunity! 

Thanks!!!

 

[DivineLavender]

On March 9, 2016 at 0:36 PM, cikkatikkaskwarr said:

Thank you. It's been a nice ride. I'm torn between Northwestern and Chicago at this point. The former is offering a considerably larger amount of money, but I'm harboring a bit of resentment towards them for making me go through a prolonged and arduous interview process where I was thrown into a mixed pit of solid scholars and academic pretenders and forced to "perform" my scholarship for 2 whole days. The whole experience was toxic. 

That being said, while visiting the city of Chicago, I somehow ended up drinking wine and eating chili with David Rodowick. Although I feel a little dirty that Northwestern had to subsidize my visit with UChicago faculty, I'm taking it as a sign. I will most likely be accepting UChicago's offer around April 9th, but not before a brief (and half-hearted) round of negotiations.

Your plan seems solid. Who would want to live in Evanston over Hyde Park???!!!! (I worked at Northwestern and lived in Evanston).  Your observations about the atmosphere at Northwestern is spot on. Their department has a lot of ABDs for a reason. I hope you land at UChicago and live in Hyde Park. Congrats!!!

[Guest Grad19204]

2 hours ago, DivineLavender said:

Your plan seems solid. Who would want to live in Evanston over Hyde Park???!!!! (I worked at Northwestern and lived in Evanston).  Your observations about the atmosphere at Northwestern is spot on. Their department has a lot of ABDs for a reason. I hope you land at UChicago and live in Hyde Park. Congrats!!!

Thank you. And thanks again for the reassuring words. I wasn't sure if I was being too harsh, but one other recruit and now you have both agreed with me. Based on their website and oustanding faculty, it seems like a great program, but once there the tension among the students was palpable. 

Plus, I'd want to go to a place where the answer to "who directed The 400 Blows?" isn't "Some French guy." Yes, this happened. Immediately after a screening of the film.

[fs1991]

14 hours ago, cikkatikkaskwarr said:

Plus, I'd want to go to a place where the answer to "who directed The 400 Blows?" isn't "Some French guy." Yes, this happened. Immediately after a screening of the film.

At first I thought this was kind of funny, and then I remembered I (while still not formally) got rejected from that same program.......