Heywetried,

Yeah it was for Screenwriting. I'm not sure if they forgot to call, or if I was on a short waitlist, or they just felt they didn't need to contact me since they were sending the letter and I live in LA.

I guess it's one of those it's not over till it's over situations.

So don't give up hope till you know for sure.

Okay so today I decided to send in my intent to register to chapman...

Looks like I'm finally solid in my decision...

Woo scary.

And screw UCLA (Sorry for those of you going there) They take Too long to decide!

Hey there,

My name is Warren, I'm new here. I really wish I had discovered this site last fall when I started this whole process. I found this site today by googling "AFI waitlist." I got my AFI letter today letting me know I've been waitlisted for the screenwriting department.

I called Scott Hardman at AFI to get more info. He knew who I was as soon as I gave my name and said the screenwriting committee thought highly of my application, but I guess not enough. I asked if he knew how high up I was on the list, and he said that's info only the screenwriting committee knows.

He explained that there is a list of "alternates," but they don't necessarily choose the #1 on the list if one of the accepted 28 turns down the offer. It seems that they try to put together a class with group of writers with varied backgrounds and talents. If one of the accepted drops out, then they try to replace him or her with someone off the waitlist who most resembles that person.

The letter said they would be able to let me know my status by May 9th, but Scott seemed to think that May 9th was the deadline given to accepted candidates to send AFI back their formal acceptence and their $1K deposit. So if that's the case, alternates won't know until after May 9th. Does anyone know more about this--perhaps one of you guys who got accepted for screenwriting, what is the deadline that is stated in your letters?

I've got to admit that this wasn't the letter I was expecting today, but I suppose it's not over until it's really over. Plus, I'm still waiting until May 1st to find out if I got into NYU Singapore. I interviewed with them too, so hopefully I'll get a big envelope come that day!

Welcome warren-- glad you can commiserate with us.

I had a question for all of you. I've been accepted to a couple of decent schools and I'm not sure which one I will be able to attend. Because of some complicated family issues I would prefer to accept both and then lose my deposit on one later on. Because of those issues, I just won't know where I'll be until the middle of the summer. I'm worried that these programs might talk to each other and, if they found out I had accepted multiple schools, would bounce me from both. Has anybody ever heard of something like this happening? I know I'm not going to win any karma points for this, but I'm in a really tough position.

Thanks for any ideas, advice, or help

Holden,

I've got to say that that's probably not the coolest thing you could admit here or ask for help on. I'm new here, but I know many people have been waitlisted, including myself, and are desperately hoping space opens up. To have gone through this entire process and to get so close is a frustration almost beyond getting a straight denial. I understand you have personal problems I know nothing about, but honestly, I don't think what you're considering is the right thing to do.

Holden,

Warren's right. By taking two slots, you are standing in someone's way. I was placed on USC's waitlist, but I've decided not to wait till May 1st to find out if they want me or not, and I'm going to UCLA.

However, not everyone has such options.


Also, not only might the schools talk to each other, your FAFSA might reveal your little plot...two schools preparing aid packages for you could cause a frenzy in the gov computer, and BAM! your secret is out.

I know nothing of your problems, but my plan would be to either pick a program and make it happen, or postpone and try again next year.

Don't double enroll. It could burn bridges at both schools, and it's just a crummy thing to do.

Warren,
Know that I take your concerns seriously. On one hand I know that this isn't fair for people who got waitlisted. On the other hand, I worked very hard to get into those schools. At this point, if I make a choice of one school over another and my situation goes down the tubes, then my dream is over, at least for another year (and I think if I reapplied next year, the admissions comittee might be weirded out that I was previously accepted and declined). All that work will be wasted and could even be viewed as counterproductive because of a terrible family health issue. Is that fair?

If I do this (and I haven't made up my mind to - I'm really hoping it won't come down to this. I'm going to be spending the next couple of weeks gorging myself on information about the schools in order to avoid it), then whatever school I eventually decline will have an extra spot open up. They will definitely give that spot to a student on the waiting list - the only difference being that that student will be notified a month ahead of time instead of three months. I know that's not ideal and unfortunate.

I do know that this double acceptance thing is a fact of life in the undergraduate admissions process. I know nothing of the graduate process.

Anyway, I will also stipulate that my possible course of action is very unpopular here. But I did not admit it to be cool, to be unpopular, or even to start an ethics debate. I appreciate your candor, but I'm not looking to get flamed by everyone, especially over something I haven't even done. Please know that I too, am struggling with this impending ethical dillema. I have a very tricky problem and I'm just looking for information and a solution.

Thanks,
Holden

Holden - if the school which accepted you isn't AFI, why don't you just free Warren from his misery?

This topic and the film school forum section in general has blown up! It's getting a ton of views.

Spread the word folks. Thanks to Tima for suggesting the reorganization of this section.

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Hey everyone. I am getting so very anxious. I still have not heard back from Chapman yet, but know they have received my application February 1st. It's pushing three months now! I wonder why they haven't gotten to my application yet. I am assuming that if they have already, then I either would have been rejected or asked for a DVD reel by now. It's difficult studying for my last exams and sending in more applications while waiting to hear back from the school I want to go to. My oh my...I just want an answer at this point.

Holden,

I think schools would be very sympathetic to your family health matter. It's not uncommon that people request deferment for a year. I understand what you're saying, and obviously you've worked hard and have to look out for your future.

But I think an alternate way to deal with it is to be honest with the schools about your dilemma -- you have good reasons for your indecision. If you're concerned about not having a shot again next year because you've turned one of them down, I guarantee you that a quicker way to ruin your chances is by lying to them. I think honesty with them is more likely to get you what you want.

By the way, I don't think disagreement is the same thing as flaming. I'm sure we all relate to your sense of having worked extremely hard and caring a great deal about succeeding.

Best of luck to your family and to you with your decisions.

Call Chapman. I didn't apply there or anything, but everyone on these forums seems to have called them...they don't seem to mind.

Manofaction,

I would email the department chair...Joe Slowensky and ask him about the status of your application. I emailed him and within an hour he called me and invited me to the Directing program.

Philly, Jayimess:

I have e-mailed jslowens@chapman.edu twice since I handed in my application. One time was to update them on my application, because for some INSANE reason, I totally didnt realize that I didnt hand in a resume for Chapman (in the application process they didnt ask for a resume), and the way I structured my application, I left out some important and relevant industry experience in my letter of intent. So I notified them of that. That was the issue of the first e-mail I sent them. The second e-mail, was to ask about my status, which, over the e-mail notification said the usual: "still being looked over, please contact Chapman, etc." I always get Nate Atcheson replying, and he just told me that Production applications are still being looked over, and I should hear something by the end of April, if not sooner. This is the same thing he told me to the first e-mail, as well.

So...I havent talked to Joe Slowensky through e-mail or phone. PHILLY, did you get a hold of Mr. Slowensky, or do you mean "Chapman, collectively, so to speak (i.e. Nate and others who handle the jslowens@chapman.edu emails) when you tell me to e-mail Joe?

And also, when you e-mailed him an hour before being admitted to the program by him, did you already send in your DVD reel? Because, in my mind, if that is the case, then it puts my situation in a completely different order since they have not asked for any supplemental material (DVD reel).

I guess my dilemma is the same as everyone else who is interested in calling for an update. I do not want to push, considering ive already sent a couple of e-mails, but at the same time feel like enough time has passed that they HAVE indeed seen my apllication, and something may be up.

Mano,
When I emailed Prof. Slowensky they had had my reel for about two weeks. I don't think it would hurt to just send your reel..I mean that would definately show how eager you are to attend Chapman...that's just my opinion though. Which emphasis are you applying for?

Also you can try calling him-- he's super nice on the phone.

directing

I got my letter today from AFI. I thought I had been rejected, but it turns out I'm an alternate for screenwriting.

I already sent in my deposit for Chapman, so I guess I would lose that $1000 if I went to AFI. How frustrating! But I guess I'm happy.

How long has it been since you last sent an email? If it's been a couple weeks I guess it wouldn't hurt to try emailing again. Although, at this point maybe you should try calling.

Either way, if you're trying to avoid sounding impatient (although who can last 3 months?), you might try to confirm that their decision isn't being delayed for any specific reason, rather than just asking if they've decided yet.

And just so you know, they don't require everyone to send in a reel. I had been waiting since Feb 1st too and a couple weeks ago I sent an email to Joe Slowensky asking if I should send one in. I got a response from him personally about a week later telling me that I had been accepted. Although, I applied for cinematography, not directing. I'm not sure if they're treated differently as far as requiring reels goes.

And Melsea... be happy!