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 Admissions

Application - All Applicants

Freshman Applicants and International Freshman Applicants

Transfer Applicants and International Transfer Applicants

Interview Dates - Freshman and Transfer Students

Graduate Film Applicants and International Graduate Applicants

Notification of Decision - All Applicants
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities - All Applicants
Final Steps - All Applicants

Application - All Applicants

To be granted an interview by the School of Filmmaking, applicants must submit the application for admission, application fee and supporting documentation no later than the application deadlines listed on this page.  Documentation includes:

  • Completed, sign application for admission.  Online application is available
  • Application Fee ($60 for US Citizens/Permanent Resident or $110 International Applicants).  Official Fee Waivers are accepted.  Credit card may be used with the online application.  Checks or money orders only for paper applications.  Official waivers are accepted.
  • Official high school transcript showing course work in which you are currently enrolled or official transcript for any college course work.  For applicants to Year One, a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 is expected. 
    • GED recipients should provide an official test score from the test center.
    • Home Schooled applicants must provide course titles and course descriptions for each year of home schooling, test used and evaluation of knowledge that the applicant has completed the equivalent of the UNC System minimum course requirements.  If the applicant has attended a traditional high school an official transcript from that school must be submitted. 
  • Official SAT/ACT score from the testing agency.

A minimum reporting SAT score of 540 for Critical Reading; 520 Math, and 530 Writing.  or a combined SAT score (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) of at least 1400, or an ACT minimum score of 22. 

  • Two recommendations.  Recommendation forms are provided at the end of the application.  Letters of recommendation are also accepted.  1 academic recommendation and 1 artistic recommendation are required.
  • Mandatory Documents
  • A Mandatory Information Form is provided with the application.  Complete, sign and give the form to your guidance counselor or college advisor to complete, sign and mail to the Office of Admissions.  If not enrolled in school/college at the current time the form should be completed by an employer, mentor, or instructor.
  • Provision of Social Security Number form is provided with the application. Sign and return.
  • Artistic Statement. A statement expressing your interests, goals and other information providing insight into your work.  Two page limit.

Application Information in Admissions

Freshman Applicants and International Freshman Applicants

Application and Supporting Documents

  • Completed application and application fee. $60 application fee if U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/$110 application fee for International Applicants
  • Mandatory Information Form
  • SAT or ACT scores (SAT scores of 530 Verbal and 520 Math, or a combined Verbal and Math SAT score of at least 1100 and/or an ACT minimum score of 22.)
  • Transcripts – sealed/certified or signed copies.  All applicants must meet the Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) as established by the University of North Carolina System for all campuses for admission and the 3.0 GPA as required by the School of Filmmaking.  See Undergraduate Programs.
  • Resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Files that do not have all the required documentation will not be considered for an interview.

College Freshman GPA/SAT/ACT Requirements

  • A minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
  • SAT scores of 530 Verbal and 520 Math, or a combined Verbal and Math SAT score of at least 1100 and/or a  ACT minimum score of 22.

FRESHMEN INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Animation and Production Design
Examples of work the portfolio might contain:

  • Photographs of productions
  • Drawings or paintings from art classes (not necessarily related to film)
  • Three dimensional work, models, sculpture
  • Production books
  • Production draftings
  • Scene, costume renderings and sketches
  • Visual examples showing highest level of achievement and training, graphic abilities and artistic vision
  • Sketchbooks, preliminary sketches (your process)
  • Any computer aided drafting examples of applicant’s work
  • Examples of designs rendered using Adobe Creative Suite Packages or other design software

Cinematography
Examples of work the portfolio might contain:

  • A DVD showing work shot on film or video
  • A portfolio of still photographs showing composition and framing skills

Directing, Picture Editing and Sound Design, Producing, and Screenwriting
Examples of work the portfolio might contain:

  • Creative writing, short stories, screenplays
  • A DVD of narrative film or video projects
  • Slide shows that tell a story
  • Still photographs
  • Shot lists, floor plans, overheads and/or storyboards of their film or video projects
  • Budgets for film or video projects created
  • Pamphlets of theatrical productions in which applicant worked in any capacity
  • Journals of film/video and/or theater productions in which applicant participated

FRESHMAN CAPABILITIES:
In order for a student to be admitted to Year One in the School of Filmmaking, he/she must have the following capabilities:

  1. Observation Skills: a student must be able to acquire information presented through visual media in a classroom setting as well as on stage or location during production.
  2. Auditory Skills: a student must be able to clearly discriminate sounds in order to analyze the sound design of an existing work of film-art, to create his/her own film-sound design, and to analyze how sounds work with visual images.  Furthermore, in the interest of the safety of any individual working on set or stage, each student must be able to utilize senses and react appropriately in the face of a warning signal or threat of danger.
  3. Communication: a student must communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, and other professionals. He or she must express his or her ideas clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback. A student must be able to: convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of artistic ideas; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions. He or she must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written forms; he or she must be able to process and communicate information on the production’s status with accuracy in a timely manner to members of the production team. The appropriate communication may also rely on the student’s ability to make a correct judgment in seeking supervision and consultation in a timely manner.
  4. Motor Functions: a student must be able to actively participate in the set-up and preparation of all equipment during relevant class instruction, as well as during production.  This includes but is not limited to the ability to lift 35-50 pounds of weight over his/her head, the ability to climb a ladder, the ability to stand or kneel for extended periods of time, and the ability to use fine motor skills sufficient for the set-up of all equipment. 
  5. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: a student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize information in the classroom, on set, on location, or in the editing room.
  6. Behavioral and Social Attributes: a student must have a sense of professional ethics and integrity necessary to work in a collaborative environment.  He/she must have the emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. The student must be able and willing to examine and change his or her behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships. The student must possess attributes that include responsibility, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior in the performance of all his/her assigned duties in order to succeed in the program.

Transfer Applicants and International Transfer Applicants

Application and Supporting Documents

  • Completed application and application fee.
  • $60 application fee if U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/$110 application fee for International Applicants
  • Mandatory Information Form
  • SAT or ACT scores (minimum requirements listed below)
  • Transcripts – sealed/certified or signed copies.  All applicants must meet the Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) as established by the University of North Carolina System for all 17 campuses for admission.  See Undergraduate Programs.
  • Resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Files that do not have all the required documentation will not be considered for an interview.

TRANSFER INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Animation and Production Design
Examples of work the portfolio might contain:

  • Photographs of productions
  • Drawings or paintings from art classes (not necessarily related to film)
  • Three dimensional work, models, sculpture
  • Production books
  • Production draftings
  • Scene, costume renderings and sketches
  • Visual examples showing highest level of achievement and training, graphic abilities and artistic vision
  • Sketchbooks, preliminary sketches (your process)
  • Any computer aided drafting examples of applicant’s work
  • Examples of designs rendered using Adobe Creative Suite Packages or other design software

Cinematography
Examples of work the portfolio might contain:

  • A DVD showing work shot on film or video
  • A portfolio of still photographs showing composition and  framing skills

Directing, Picture Editing and Sound Design, Producing, and Screenwriting
Examples of work the portfolio might contain:

  • Creative writing, short stories, screenplays
  • A DVD of narrative film or video projects
  • Slide shows that tell a story
  • Still photographs
  • Shot lists, floor plans, overheads and/or storyboards of their film or video projects
  • Budges for film or video projects created
  • Pamphlets of theatrical productions in which applicant worked in any capacity
  • Journals of film/video and/or theater productions in which applicant participated

Year Two (Transfer)
Transfer students applying at the Year Two level must take a series of proficiency exams to determine possible placement into Year Two.  It is recommended that proficiency exams are taken prior to and/or on the same day as the campus interview.  Exams must be taken on campus, no exceptions.  Please allow 5 to 6 hours to complete examination.
 
Additionally, transfer students must also demonstrate the capabilities listed in the "Admission" section above.

Interview Dates for Freshman and Transfer Applicants
  • Interviews will be held on the University of North Carolina School of the Arts campus.
  • Check-in time is 8 am the day of the interview.
  • Interview times are assigned after check-in is complete.
  • Applicants can expect to spend the day on campus. 

INTERVIEW DATE                             APPLICATION DEADLINE
Saturday, January 8, 2011                 December 8, 2010
Saturday, January 15, 2011               December 8, 2010
Saturday, January 22, 2011               December 8, 2010
Saturday, January 29, 2011               December 8, 2010
Saturday, February 5, 2011                January 8, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011              January 8, 2011

Skype and Phone Interviews
  The School of Filmmaking will honor requests from applicants outside of the United States and to those who are experiencing hardship.  You must provide a current Skype address and/or phone number, including time zone information with the application.  Interview teams will make every effort to accommodate requests.

Exceptions will also be made for an applicant who is scheduled for a campus interview but due to inclement weather must cancel a flight or car drive to the campus. 

Additionally, the School of Filmmaking reserves the right to request a Skype or phone interview when the campus is threatened with inclement weather. 

Graduate Applicants and International Graduate Applicants

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

  • All interviews will be held on the University of North Carolina School of the Arts campus.
  • All applicants for the Film Music Composition program will check in at 9 am the day of the scheduled interview. Applications and supporting documentation must be received in the Office of Admissions by the stated deadline.
  • If an interview is granted, the Office of Admissions will notify the applicant in writing.
  • The written confirmation will contain the interview date and check-in time. 
  • The School of Filmmaking requires all applicants to interview.
  • Applicants who cannot make arrangements to interview in person may request consideration for a special interview. Contact the Office of Admissions for further information on how to make these arrangements.

Required Documentation

  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Official transcript with a seal or registrar’s signature from each college attended. Copies are unacceptable.  If currently enrolled in college, applicant must provide an official list. 
  • Applicants must submit 3 scores and cassette tapes or CDs of original compositions that represent different music genres.
  • A written statement describing career interests in film music composition and any prior experience in the field (maximum of two pages).
  • Mandatory Information Form

GRADUATE INTERVIEW DATES
•  All interviews will be held on the University of North Carolina School of the Arts campus.
•  All applicants for the Film Music Composition program will check in at 9 am the day of
    the scheduled interview.

Interview Date                                                                             Application Deadline
Wednesday, February  17, 2009                                              January 15, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010                                                       January 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010                                                          March 3, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010                                                        March 17, 2010

 

Notification of Decision
  • Decisions concerning admission are made only after all candidates have interviewed.
  • The Admissions Review Committee (the Office of Admissions, Undergraduate Academic Programs and Student Life) will review applicant files that are recommended for acceptance and make the final admission decision.
  • All required materials must be on file for the applicant to be reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee. No incomplete files will be reviewed.

 

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

The School of Filmmaking is committed to ensuring that otherwise qualified students with disabilities are given equal access through reasonable accommodations to its services, programs, activities, education and employment for students with disabilities. The School of Filmmaking works closely with Counseling and Disability Services in this process. Counseling and Disability Services is the contact point for students with permanent or temporary sensory, physical or psychological disabilities interested in requesting reasonable accommodations due to the effects of a disability.

Students who wish to request reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact Counseling and Disability Services to start the process for documenting their disability and determining eligibility for services prior to the start of the program. While this process can be started at any time, reasonable accommodations may not be implemented retroactively so being timely in requesting your accommodations is very important. NCSA does have policies regarding the type of documentation required in order to diagnose different disabilities and a process for requesting accommodations. To learn more about the process for establishing services through these offices please contact Counseling and Disability Services.

Students with disabilities are expected to perform all the essential functions of the program with or without reasonable accommodation. The School of Filmmaking will work with the student and Counseling and Disability Services to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations. While The School of Filmmaking will make every effort to work with our students with disabilities to accommodate their disability-related needs, it is important to note we are not required to provide requested accommodations that would fundamentally alter the essential functions or technical standards of the program.

 

Final Steps
  • For your records keep copies of the application and all materials mailed to the Office of Admissions. Items can get lost in the mail.
  • Always address materials to the following mailing address:
    Office of Admissions
    University of North Carolina School of the Arts
    1533 S. Main St.
    Winston-Salem, NC 27127
  • Materials mailed to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts only may be distributed to other departments and delay processing of your application.