WHO SHOULD APPLY
Students from all accredited colleges and universities are welcomed to apply to our Semester Cinema film intensive. Many kinds of students—not just film and theater students—can benefit from our program. Yes, film and theater students develop new skills and are especially well-served—but so are students committed to theatre, visual arts, still photography, creative writing, and even history, literature and cultural studies.
This is because Semester Cinema cultivates essential skills in collaboration, critical thinking, joint decision-making, problem-solving, evidence-based inquiry, creative interpretation, contextual analysis, fair-mindedness, flexibility in the face of new information, risk-taking in the process of creative discovery and more.
One alumnus of our program emphasized this value in our program – writing to say how all that he experienced with us convinced him that he could successfully pursue a career in pediatric neurology.
Students and professionals create a tight-knit creative community while also cultivating practical skills and contacts which will help them advance. Many alumni, who gained their first production experience with us, are now working professionally as cinematographers, production designers, producers, directors, casting directors, editors, gaffers, costume designers, screenwriters and more.
Students interested in the following areas may be especially well suited in our program:
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Filmmaking
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Theatre (acting, directing, production management, makeup, costume and set design)
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Film Studies
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Production (film, television, theatre, radio)
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Visual Arts (production design, sets, props, scenic painting and graphic design)
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Photography (film stills)
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Documentary Filmmaking
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Creative Writing (story and script development)
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History and Cultural Studies (research for screenplays, locations, costumes and production design)
APPLICATION DEADLINES
We operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning we review and accept applicants as they apply and we may fill all of our spots before our submission deadline. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible!
DEADLINES
Early Admission: February 15th, 2025 (Decisions by March 1st, 2025)
Regular Admission: May 15th, 2025 (Decisions by June 1st, 2025)
Final Admission (pending availability): October 1st, 2025 (Decisions by November 1st, 2025)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Each school has their own deadlines related to studying abroad, and your school may have an earlier deadline than we do. Please be sure to check with the off-campus studies office at your home instituion about their deadlines for studying abroad.
Our application includes:
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basic identifying information
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an official or unofficial copy of your transcript
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a resume
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one faculty recommendation
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a few personal statement questions
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an optional creative submission
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a copy of your most recent financial aid award letter from your college (if you would like to apply for financial aid)