ACTING & FILM SCHOOL

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.

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. New York Film Academy faculty and the Admissions Committee are also responsible for reviewing all applications and ensuring, via direct interviews and other preenrollment portfolio assessment sessions with prospective students that the Academy does not admit students that are obviously unqualified or do not have a reasonable prospect of successfully completing the program of instruction.
In addition to the current application booklet, applicants must submit the following:
• Narrative Statement
• Resume
• TOEFL Scores or other means of verifying proficiency in English (if first language is not English)
• 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.)

TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)

All students for whom English is not a first or native language must submit one of the following to verify proficiency in the language:
• A certified written TOEFL score of 500 or higher.
• A computer-based TOEFL score of 173 or higher.
• An internet-based TOEFL score of 61 or higher
• A report from a designated English Language School verifying completion of equivalent level of a written TOEFL score of 500 or higher.
• An official transcript verifying completion of postsecondary education in which English is language of communication.
• Prospective students whose scores are below our requirements or who are unable to verify proficiency in the language will be declined admission.

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 VHS videotape or DVD, 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 of prop construction, etc. Photographs of set design and/or theater lighting design, three dimensional models, or digitally generated images can also be included if available. Students may choose to submit a typed screenplay (20 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.

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. Veterans and other eligible 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 Registrar’s discretion, and both the student and the Department of Veteran Affairs will be notified in writing.

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.

GRADUATION COMMITTE & GRADUATION PROCES

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 better. 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.

FINANACIAL AID AND GRANTS

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

Ownership Policy
All films created at the New York Film Academy are the property of the students who made them. The New York Film Academy reserves the right to make copies of students’ work to use for promotional purposes. Final films and copies of them must include the following credit: "Produced at the New York Film Academy"