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Frequently Asked Questions
PROSPECTIVE FELLOWS
What makes the AFI Conservatory different from a university program?
AFI is based on a Conservatory model which focuses the educational experience in 6 disciplines while maintaining a hands-on production environment. Filmmakers come to AFI because you are guaranteed to make movies and to master the art of storytelling. AFI Fellows participate in the entire life cycle of a film, from development through production and exhibition. Because you can’t learn how to make movies without first making movies, we apply practical, hands-on collaboration in your field while guaranteeing that you train in your discipline.
How long is the Conservatory Program?
The Conservatory program is a full time, two-year Master of Fine Arts degree program in six different disciplines which include Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. Graduation requirements include completion of a thesis or capstone project, which Fellows are expected to complete no later than December 31 of the year in which they have completed their two-year program.
I do not have a bachelor's degree. Would I still be considered for admission?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree is not required to attend the AFI Conservatory. However, any admitted fellow without a bachelor’s degree will be awarded a Certificate of Completion upon graduation instead of a Master of Fine Arts degree. To see if you are eligible for the Certificate of Completion, please review the admissions requirements page. Click here for Certificate of Completion gainful employment disclosures.
My degree is unrelated to film, will I still qualify to study at the AFI Conservatory?
Although it is not required, applicants are recommended to have demonstrated experience relating to the discipline to which the applicant is applying. For example, Production Design applicants may have a background or degree in architecture, theatre arts, graphic or fine arts, all of which are applicable to the desired discipline of study.
May I apply to more than one discipline? Is it possible to enroll in more than one field of study?
The AFI Conservatory is designed for those who want to advance their craft in a specific discipline. You may apply for a maximum of two disciplines in the same academic year. Please be aware you will need to submit separate applications for each discipline. Due to the collaborative nature of the program, admitted applicants can only be enrolled into one discipline.
Has the application process changed due to COVID-19?
The application process overall has not changed. However, for the Cinematography and Directing discipline, please consider health and safety concerns as you approach the application prompts. The current COVID crisis has required us to adapt many aspects of our lives, and this application is no different. We recommend that you produce, film and edit the exercise yourself, with available light and locations and design elements, and calling upon “actors” that are housemates or in your quarantine pod. Please be mindful of established health and safety measures (masks, social distancing, washing hands, open windows, shooting outdoors if possible; and observing any additional local protocols for film production). Compelling stories can still be told within these limited conditions, and evaluations will be made in this spirit of appreciating the production value (and performance) limitations.
What submission materials are best to send with my application?
Each AFI Conservatory program has submission requirements specific to that discipline which can be found on the Admissions Requirements web page. Submitted material should demonstrate individual talent and ability. The AFI Conservatory focuses on narrative filmmaking. Samples should also be narrative in format. Film submissions should be no more than the required Total Running Time (TRT) required by each discipline. Production Designer submissions should present at least 75% of their work in their submitted portfolio. Screenwriters may send a script as a TV pilot or as an animated series, as long as they show narrative ability and it is the best demonstration of their talent.
How many individuals apply and how many are accepted?
The AFI Conservatory receives thousands of applications each year. Enrollment is around 144 Fellows per class comprised of a successful mix of Cinematographers, Directors, Editors, Producers, Production Designers and Screenwriters.
I’m confused by the narrative statement. How should I write it?
We break down what the narrative statement should be about in the admissions requirements page on our website. That is a just a template for you to use so you can write your statement. This is the place where you should tell us about yourself so we can get to know you, your passion for filmmaking, and what makes you unique. While you can address each area of the narrative statement separately, we recommend a blended statement addressing each question meaningfully. Just make sure it’s no longer than 3 pages.
May I submit two scripts that are within the 20-page limit for the Screenwriting application?
No. Please follow the instructions for the required supporting materials for the Screenwriting discipline. Only one script sample can be submitted as part of the 20-page example. You can submit a screenplay that is less than 20 pages. The title page and a one-page synopsis does not count towards the 20 pages. Only those materials will be reviewed by the Admissions committee, and the Admissions committee will not review a project that is longer than the recommended length.
May I submit an additional movie or production stills? Can my films be longer than the required length?
You may not submit additional materials or exceed the required Total Running Time (TRT) for film submissions. Please follow the required supporting materials guidelines for each discipline. The Admissions Committee will only review materials that meet the application guidelines and will not review a project that is longer than the recommended length. Please cut down any samples to fit within those time constraints, and please only submit one video sample per link.
Is the online application all that is due on the deadline dates? Can I submit supporting material after the deadline?
All application and discipline-specific materials are due on the application due date including letters of recommendation and English proficiency test scores. Please refer to the Admissions Requirements page for applications deadlines and requirements.
I’m having trouble uploading my documents. Can you help?
The AFI Conservatory uses the GradCAS application system. The GradCAS support team is available to help with any technical problems within the application system. You can reach out to GradCAS directly when you are logged into AFI’s GradCAS application, via email at support@gradcas.myliaison.com or by phone at 857-304-2086.
Are scholarships and financial aid available at the AFI Conservatory?
The AFI Conservatory offers limited scholarship support to first year Fellows. AFI Scholarships are renewable in the second year for Fellows who remain in good academic and administrative standing with the Conservatory. For more information, please see the Scholarships page.
All applicants must develop a strong financial plan to support the costs of graduate study for the duration of their program. Applicants are encouraged to actively explore and research all funding options including those outside of the Conservatory. Applications for outside scholarships should be submitted in advance of any desired entry into the program. While outside scholarship application deadlines vary and are year-round, many of these scholarship opportunities can take up to one year to process so applicants are encouraged to apply for funding even before they are accepted to the AFI Conservatory. Please consult the Scholarships page for a list of outside scholarship opportunities.
Generally, Federal Direct student loans will make up the majority of a domestic Fellow’s aid eligibility at the AFI Conservatory. Typically, the Federal Direct Loan and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan have been the foundation of aid offered to graduate students. The Financial Aid page provides more information on these loans.
How do I apply for scholarships and financial aid at the AFI Conservatory? How do I know if I am eligible?
All applicants may apply for AFI scholarships. If you wish to apply for AFI Scholarships, you must submit the AFI Conservatory Scholarship Application. Please be careful to note the deadline date which is listed on the application and the Scholarships page. Scholarship applications are sent directly to the Financial Aid Office. The scholarship selection is determined by the AFI Conservatory Scholarship Committee.
Outside (non-AFI) scholarships are also available for graduate study. Applicants must research these opportunities individually. Deadlines to apply vary. Please see the Scholarships page for more information.
To be eligible for Federal Direct student loans, applicants must be either citizens or permanent residents of the United States and among other federal requirements, must not be in federal student loan default. The Financial Aid page provides more information on these loans.
What are the deadlines to apply for scholarships and financial aid and when will I hear if I am awarded anything?
Please check the AFI scholarship application for the AFI Scholarship application submission deadline. Domestic applicants should complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by early March. Applicants will be notified of their financial aid eligibility within one week following acceptance into the Conservatory
Does the AFI Conservatory accept international applicants and what is required?
Yes, the AFI Conservatory accepts international applicants. Almost half of our student body consists of international Fellows coming to the Conservatory from countries all over the world. There are a few extra admission requirements for international applicants that include an English Language Proficiency Test Score. The AFI Conservatory accepts TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores. Please refer to the admissions requirements on the international applicants page for more details. In addition, international applicants who attended a university outside of the United States must also submit an original university transcript that includes an official English Translation (if applicable). Please refer to the transcripts section of the admissions requirements page for more information. Upon acceptance, international candidates who attended a university outside of the United States will need to provide a Bachelor’s Equivalency Report. Please refer to the international applicants page for more information.
Are unofficial transcripts accepted for the application?
Yes, during the admissions process, the Admissions Office will accept unofficial transcripts. You will be asked to upload the unofficial transcripts in your GradCAS application in the academic history section. Unofficial transcripts should also include a grading legend, if applicable. For international applicants: all credentials and transcripts must include an official English translation (if applicable). Should you be offered acceptance, and decide to enroll at the AFI Conservatory, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if they are sent directly from your school to the AFI Conservatory, either digitally via an online transcript system or by mail in a sealed envelope.
I applied last year and was not accepted to the AFI Conservatory. Should I reapply?
Yes, we encourage you to apply again. It is strongly recommended that you reapply only if you have new work to submit and if your experience or submission materials have enhanced your qualifications.
I’ve heard conflicting information about Fellows transitioning into the second year. Is it true that AFI only allows a small fraction of its first-year students to continue to their second year?
At the end of the first year, all Fellows are provided with an “end-of-year” portfolio review, which provides an overall evaluation of the Fellow’s work during the first year. All Fellows are reviewed within their disciplines by the Discipline Head, and the faculty. Fellows are evaluated on the basis of the quality of the work completed during the reviewed period, attendance and participation in the program, collaboration, professional attitude and creative potential. As with other graduate-level programs, continuation is based on the faculty’s overall evaluation of progress and potential; a Fellow will be invited to continue in the MFA/Certificate program by decision of the faculty.
Does the AFI Conservatory have rolling admissions entry for Spring? Can I apply after the December deadline?
The AFI Conservatory only accepts applications for Fall enrollment.
Does the AFI Conservatory accept Veteran Administration’s benefits?
Yes, the AFI Conservatory welcomes Fellows who receive VA education benefits. Eligible service members are encouraged to visit the VA website at: http://www.gibill.va.gov or by phone at 888–442–4551 to learn more and to begin the application process. Fellows must apply for VA education benefits and also be admitted to the AFI Conservatory before Certification of Enrollment will be granted. After being admitted to the Conservatory, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) should be presented to the School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Office of the Registrar.
Depending upon the service member’s Chapter of eligibility, funds are dispersed either to the Fellow or directly to the AFI Conservatory (for service members with Chapter 33/Post–9/11 GI Bill ® , payments for tuition and fees are paid directly to the school. Benefits paid under most other Chapters are dispersed directly to the Fellow).
Fellows must remain in good standing to continue receiving VA education benefits. Unsatisfactory (failing) grades in courses required for degree completion, and/or disciplinary/dismissal actions rendered against the Fellow are reported to the VA and may result in loss of education benefits.
Please refer to the VA website for information about your eligibility under the following Chapters: Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill) Chapter 32, Chapter 33 (Post–9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 35, Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill–SR, and Chapter 1607. Currently, the AFI Conservatory does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program in connection with Chapter 33 benefits.
GI Bill ® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.May I visit the AFI Conservatory?
Yes, you are welcome to visit AFI’s campus. Please visit the Campus Tours page to see when campus tours are offered and to RSVP for a tour. The AFI Conservatory campus tours consist of an overview of our Master’s film school programs. Guests are granted access to view our facilities and better understand the six disciplines, and what each offers to prospective candidates who are interested in Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. You may e-mail the Admissions Office at CampusTours@AFI.com with any questions or special requests. Regular office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the academic year.
Does the AFI Conservatory have housing or coordinate housing?
The AFI Conservatory does not provide housing, but our Fellow Affairs Office provides various informational resources to help Fellows find housing. We provide information about living in Los Angeles, rental websites to consider, and neighborhoods that are close to campus. All incoming Fellows are also connected via different social platforms to start finding available apartments in Los Angeles.
