Admissions FAQ

There is far more information available on our web site than we would send you by mail. If you are unable to print the application, then contact us and we will send you an application form.

Phone for Film School Main Office: 888.644.7728

E-mail for Graduate Program Information: mfainfo@film.fsu.edu

E-mail for Undergraduate Program Information: bfainfo@film.fsu.edu

Many of our students find that doing an internship following completion of our program is an excellent way to locate a position. Our alumni are an excellent resource in helping graduates determine where to locate an internship or job. In fact, we have a Mentorship Program that assigns a successful alumni mentor to every current student. The weekly Warren Report, an in-house newsletter, frequently lists announcements of entry-level positions. The Warren Report is available as an RSS feed to all via the Film School online social network. Since the film industry is extremely fast-paced, it is often difficult to locate either an internship or a job until you are actually in the city where you want to work. The majority of our graduates are working in film within a few months of graduation.

Both the BFA and MFA programs have a rigorous lock-step curriculum following a pre-set series of required classes which does not usually provide an opportunity for film students to intern during the program’s course of study. However, many students enroll for an additional semester and complete an internship prior to graduating from Florida State University. It is also possible to complete the degree requirements for a film degree and do a not-for-credit internship after graduation.

Generally speaking, auditing classes is prohibited. We do however offer an information session and tour for prospective undergraduate applicants.

Due to the heavy production and academic work load at The Film School it is not plausible to review a submitted resume for potential application. More importantly, the application process is not solely based on the contents of a resume. Our Admissions Committee look at the total applicant: grades, test scores, experience, creative background, evidence of ability to collaborate, drive and passion for filmmaking. They spend the majority of the Spring Semester each year reviewing and ranking applicants to select those who will be invited to interview for admission based on the totality of the application materials. If you are eligible for admission to Florida State University and are interested in the Film School, we urge you to submit an application.

Though we are concerned with admitting a diversified class that includes a mix of gender, race, and nationality, there are no gender quotas involved in the decision process. The final selection process involved is comparative in nature. It attempts to select from the competing candidates those individuals whom the faculty believe show the greatest promise for a lifetime career in the film and video arts and industries, with regard to goals, talent, prior experience and training, initiative, energy, commitment, tenacity and a capability for professional team work.

The State of Florida does not impose a quota system on its universities. Those admitted for matriculation are done so based on their eligibility and capacity to meet university admissions standards.

Most undergraduates live in dorms on campus, at least during the first year. Information about dorm availability can be obtained from the Housing Office. Graduate students frequently live in off campus university offered graduate housing such as Alumni Village or they choose to live off campus in private apartments The on campus graduate dormitory has not proved to be a satisfactory residence for our graduate students.

Though it is not required, a car can be a great asset, even to those who live in dorms. There are many shoots in off-campus locations, and the public transportation system in Tallahassee is minimal.

About 15 minutes driving time.

Financial aid is available to all students who qualify. Information on financial aid is available at http://www.ais.fsu.edu/finaid

A limited number of assistantships are available at the graduate program level. Presently, The Film School is not able to offer scholarships to our students from within the school itself. We encourage all of our students both graduate and undergraduate to investigate and apply for financial aid through The Office of Financial Aid at the university.

The Film School programs have a main focus on the production of theatrical narrative film. Though there are many similarities between episodic television production and narrative film production, there are several important differences. While the programs will develop and emphasize skills that can be utilized across many disciplines, the programs do not discuss the practical applications of those skills in the context of broadcast Television.

Most projects are shot in film, including the thesis project at both the BFA and MFA level. Students in both programs will also shoot at least one project in digital video. The preparation and implementation of the digital project, including the equipment, is designed to mirror that of film production.

We pay all production costs. The Film School was created by the Florida legislature with the intent to provide an equal education opportunity for all of its enrolled students regardless of personal financial means. Students are not permitted to use their own funds for production, with the exception of incidental expenditures for production of their own projects.

The Film School’s main focus is on the production of theatrical narrative film. Though there are some similarities between music video production and narrative film production, there are several important differences. While the programs will develop and emphasize skills that can be utilized across many disciplines, the programs do not address the practical applications of these skills in the specific context of music video production.

As a state funded school tuition tends to increase a bit each year. Check out the information at for current estimated fees.
(undergraduate) (graduate)

It is possible to earn an AA from a community college and then transfer to FSU. Please keep in mind that we only invite 5 transfers into our program each Fall. Also, each transfer that is invited into our program starts at the sophomore level, and attends the program for seven semesters.

The Film School has no department code since we are a college. Instead we use the institution code for FSU which is 5219.

The code for reporting your SAT scores to The FSU Film School is 005219. Make sure to include all numbers.