I have been reading more about the Dramatic Writing program at Tisch, and I’m really interested in applying (in fall 2016- I’m a junior). I’m a little curious as to what they are looking for in the sample, though. I was thinking of submitting 2 dramatic scenes and a short story I wrote (won a Gold Key for it in Scholastic Writing Awards). Would that be sufficient? Does anyone know how competitive admissions are?
As for stats, I’ve only gotten one B (semester grade) thus far in HS with a heavy honors/AP course load. My SAT score is 2270, and I’ve taken my school’s creative writing/advanced theatre classes. I’m also a state/national competitor for original oratory in forensics, which involves writing for performance.
Do you think I’d have a chance? Is there anything I could do to improve my chances?
bump- really would like some help
You’re very well-qualified academically for Tisch as you’d be well above average. Since Tisch admissions is 50% academic and 50% talent, you’ll already have a head start.
The portfolio requirements for those applying for Fall of 2016 (you’d be applying for 2017) are here:
http://tisch.nyu.edu/dramatic-writing/ugddwportfolio
It most likely won’t change but it would be good to take a look at this Web page again during the summer. Make sure you follow exactly their instructions or your application will be deemed incomplete and you will more than likely be rejected without even being considered.
As for what you’re submitting, writing is very subjective, so submit what you feel most represents your strengths and presents yourself in the best way possible while following the guidelines. It’s hard to chance you because 1. I didn’t apply to Tisch and 2. I didn’t read your submissions. All I can say is that if your works have won awards and your grades are so superb, you will be well ahead many applicants. (Don’t send your submissions to anyone online or they may submit them somewhere else and claim them to be their own. )
Hey there! Awesome to see someone else on this forum interested in Dramatic Writing.
I was accepted on full scholarship to the program with a very solid portfolio (2 short screenplays and one excerpt from a feature) and a mediocre GPA (3.2 UW when I applied). Granted, I have a number of awards and recognitions that I think helped my case. But since your grades are good and your SAT scores exceed NYU averages, your essays and portfolio are going to be the basis of your admission decision. And ignore what the previous commenter told you-- dramatic writing is not subjective. The department is looking for writers who understand play and screenplay structure and the elements of visual storytelling. If you understand them you will stand a chance, and if you don’t, you’re out of luck. I’d be happy to talk with you in greater depth through private message, send the portfolio I included in my application your way and even read yours if you need help structuring it.
Best of luck and I look forward to seeing you on campus in 2017!
Junior in the program right now, i’ll give you my two cents.
Your academic stats are fantastic for Tisch, don’t even worry about that end. If you did better than that in the next year it probably wouldn’t make a difference, you’re already there – academically speaking.
Portfolio-wise: seriously follow the instructions. I know a great writer who submitted a complicated script that jumped back and forth in time and it was confusing and they didn’t get in. They didn’t have a clear “beginning, middle, and end” like they asked for in the guidelines.
Short stories are perfectly fine, myself and everyone else whose portfolio I’ve seen included a short story. Just know that there are no short story, poetry, prose classes in the department. That’s not what it’s for. I think the short stories probably help because they show another example that you do inherently or learnedly understand story structure (again with that beginning, middle, end).
Have your own voice. That’s important. They can tell if you don’t. And I think part of that has to come across in your statement of purpose (i like to think that played a big part in my acceptance). I know a dozen kids in the program who at first could hardly structure a screenplay or even use subject headings the right way. You kind of just… have to be a writer. If you know you’re a writer, they’ll know you’re a writer. And if you’re a right fit here you’ll get the offer (not like USC which turns down great natural born writers all the time… pretty sure you have to know someone there? who knows, i didn’t apply)
Not everyone who gets into the program is gifted necessarily. The admissions people take a gamble on you. Make it so they want to take a gamble on you. Whatever that means…
P.S. submitting works of theatre helps because the department tends to get plenty of tv writers and not enough playwrights!