MFA ADMISSION POLICY

An ideal applicant for the New York Film Academy Master of Fine Arts programs must demonstrate a sincere passion for motion picture storytelling, the ability and desire to collaborate with other artists in a creative environment, and must submit a creative portfolio (Supporting Materials) that illustrate the applicant's ability to undertake graduate level study, accelerated level of talent and potential for success within the profession.

Qualified students have the option of completing course work at the New York Film Academy in New York City in a one-year non-degree program and requesting that their course work be accepted for advanced standing and start in the second year of the degree program at the Los Angeles campus. In order to do so, students must apply and be accepted to the degree program in Los Angeles. Please click here for conditions for the acceptance of credit and number of credits awarded.

Candidates for admission to the Master of Fine Arts programs must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a post-secondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education. No particular major or minor is required as a prerequisite for admission, but applicants with a strong background in storytelling, and/or the arts are preferred. While GPA will be taken into consideration, and is an important component of the admission's process, the strength of the candidate's creative portfolio is also a significant determining factor for admission. Special attention will be given to grades assigned in areas of study related to any aspects of storytelling arts such as the visual arts, creative writing, theater arts, fine arts, performing arts, and the humanities.

Applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Fine Arts Degree who have received a Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) from a foreign institution must submit a credentials comparison evaluation of all undergraduate work in order to verify their Bachelor's Degree equivalency. All transcripts and portfolio materials documenting prior collegiate experience (including credentials comparison evaluation, if applicable) will be evaluated by the Academy faculty and Admissions Committee.

APPLYING FOR ADMISSION

In addition to the current application form,
applicants must submit the following:

• Narrative Statement
• Resume
• Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS score), if native language is other than English (TOEFL Code: 6857)
• Supporting Materials (will not be returned; see below)
• Sealed Official Academic Transcripts from Prior Institution(s) sent directly from the issuing institution to the NYFA Registrar's Office
• Two Letters of Recommendation verifying the applicant's ability to undertake graduate study in the field successfully
• $50 Non-Refundable Application Fee (Check or money order only in US dollars made payable to NYFA.)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

Since all classes at the New York Film Academy are conducted in English, students must be able to communicate clearly in written and spoken English.

Applicants for whom English is not the first or native language should submit one of the following to verify English proficiency:

• An official transcript verifying completion of secondary education in which English is the primary language of communication
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 520 or higher (190 for computer-based test or 68 for internet-based test);
   IELTS 5.5, or the equivalent
• A report from a valid English Language School verifying completion of course level equivalent to a 520 Paper-based TOEFL Score.

In the case that the documentation is not available, their Admissions Counselor will use a phone interview as an opportunity to determine whether or not the applicant has the necessary English proficiency.

Interview

As part of the admissions process, MFA applicants may be required to have an interview by phone or in person with a New York Film Academy representative. The purpose of the interview is to identify the applicant's goals and prior experience. The ideal applicant has a passion for storytelling, creative expression, and artistic collaboration. The interview is also an opportunity to review the curriculum of the program with the applicant and to ensure that s/he fully understands the level of commitment required to successfully complete the degree.

Transcripts

Transcripts from prior academic institutions must be sealed official transcripts sent directly from the institution in question to the New York Film Academy's Registrar's Office. Transcripts, which have been opened, photocopied, or augmented in any way, will not be accepted as evidence of prior academic accomplishment. Prospective students who fail to provide the admissions committee with applicable sealed academic transcripts will be declined admission to the Academy.

Narrative Statement

The narrative statement shall be a mature and self-reflective essay (2-3 typed pages) detailing the applicant's reasons for pursuing a degree in the motion picture arts. The essay should take into account the individual's history, formative creative experiences, contemporary influences and inspirations, and personal artistic dreams.

Creative Portfolio/ Supporting Materials:

Applicants must submit one or two examples of original work that best demonstrate their talent and ability as creative individuals. All film/video submissions must be submitted on DVD or hyperlink where the submission can be viewed, regardless of image capture format (20 minutes maximum). Applicants may also submit supporting materials such as slides or photographs (10 maximum).

Creative samples are accepted in various stages of development, or as completed work. Examples of work can range from drawings, conceptual illustrations, storyboards, designs, photographs, three dimensional models, or digitally generated images. Students may choose to submit a typed screenplay or short story (10 page maximum).

While the creative portfolio is normally the primary determining factor for admission, the New York Film Academy understands that many applicants have attained applicable skills from various professional experiences in publishing, entertainment law, theater, online business ventures, architecture, etc. Often, with these applicants, it is the narrative statement and resume that reveal the most about an applicant's qualifications, and potential for success in the program, to the Admissions Committee. While the creative portfolio is normally the primary determining factor for admission, the New York Film Academy understands that many applicants have attained applicable skills from various professional experiences in publishing, entertainment law, theater, online business ventures, architecture, etc. Often, with these applicants, it is the narrative statement and resume that reveal the most about an applicant's qualifications, and potential for success in the program, to the Admissions Committee.

Credit Transfer Policy

It is the general policy of New York Film Academy Master of Fine Arts Degree Programs neither to accept transfer credits from other academic postsecondary institutions, nor to consider prior experiential learning for application toward any degree or non-degree course of study. Students desiring credit for previous academic work or training may submit a written request for such credit to the Registrar, along with any supporting documentation(e.g. transcripts or syllabi.). If credit is awarded, the length and/or requirements of the program will be adjusted appropriately, at the discretion of the Academic Dean in consultation with the Department Chair.

Furthermore, the New York Film Academy makes no representation whatsoever that credits earned in the Master of Fine Arts Degree Program or any non-degree program or workshop operated by the New York Film Academy will be accepted or applied toward the completion of any degree or certificate by any other postsecondary institution. The acceptance of transfer credits is always governed by the receiving school.

Basis for Declining Admission

A student will be declined admission to the Academy if the Admissions Committee determines that he or she does not meet the requirements of the Admissions Policy, or if no space is available in the Master of Fine Arts Degree Program. Students who do not speak English will also be declined admission, given that all instruction is conducted in English. Students who are unable to meet the financial obligations of the workshop one month prior to the start date will also be declined admission.

FINANCIAL AID AND GRANTS

For information on Financial Aid & Grants, please visit our website at www.nyfa.edu

GRADUATION COMMITTE & GRADUATION PROCESS

The Graduation Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the full body of work of each candidate prior to the awarding of the Master of Fine Arts. The Graduation Committee is appointed by the Director of Education and consists of the New York Film Academy Registrar, the Thesis Committee Chairperson, and several instructors specializing in a diverse range of fields of study applicable to the student's concentration. That committee ensures that each candidate has been adequately prepared for graduation, the standards of the Academy have been upheld, and that the awarding of a degree is warranted. The registrar ensures that the student has fulfilled all financial obligations to the school and academic requirements for the entire program. Student transcripts showing the awarding of the MFA degree will be withheld until the graduate meets all financial obligations.

GRADUATION requirements

In order to graduate, students must successfully complete every course of study with a passing grade and maintain a cumulative GPA of a "C" (2.0) or higher. Students must also adhere to the Academy's Attendance Policy and Code of Conduct. Additionally, students must successfully complete and submit all thesis requirements in a timely manner and receive a grade of "C" (2.0) or higher for their thesis production requirement.

Satisfactory completion of all semester credits is required for graduation from a New York Film Academy Master of Fine Art Degree Program. A paid fifth semester may be required to successfully complete semester credits for certain thesis options described in this book. These units satisfy semester contact hour requirements. As this is a post baccalaureate degree program, no general education units are required.