Hi Lovely People,

I'm a 29-year-old Canadian who is looking to do an MFA in Screenwriting in your lovely land. Like most of you, I want to go to the top - Columbia, UCLA, TISCH, USC.

I'm looking to hear from some successful candidates to find out how they got in. If you could tell me what made for a succesful application, that would be great. I'm looking to do whatever I can to bone up my application. Right now, here is where I stand.

I'm a magazine writer and editor who recently decided to make the transition in to film.

I'm working on:
a full-length screen play (act 1 written, working on the rest of the story beats)
a script for a short 4 to 6 minute-movie
an hour-long documentary, which I am currently writing, shooting and directing

I interned as a script reporter for 3 months
I've never worked on a film set, besides my own. Any advice here? Does PA work help on an application.

I've taken fairly extensive coursework in screenwriting and some basic coursework in film-making

I'd also love advice on who would be the best letters of rec to include in my apps. I have a screenwriting teacher who likes me and the cinematographers who are working on my Doc. I also sit on the board of a local video co-operative.

Besides that, all my other references are bosses from my days as a print journalist.

Thanks for your advice!

Leah

Oh, I should also mention that I write theatre reviews and previews for a local alternative weekly here in Toronto.



L

Leah,

Your credentials sound strong, so it's all a matter of your writing submissions.

As for recs, I went with a screenwriting professor, my supervisor at my internship as a producer for FOX, and my boss from my former position as a sales rep.

I got in everywhere I applied, but who the heck knows why?

I was a PA on dozens of films, didn't mention it on my resume.

I didn't have a feature, just a first act. Several of my classmates at USC didn't send any script work beyond the Creative Challenges.

There is no "formula" to get in. Just do what you think showcases you best.

Best of luck!

Thank you Jayimess! How do you find USC, if you don't mind my asking.

Love it.

I have no regrets about my decision to attend film school, this film school, or anything, really.