We answer all the common questions regarding graduate admissions here for you, but if you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact our Dodge College Admission Office at (714) 997-6996.
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Do I have to complete all of the writing assignments?
You must complete all parts of the application for your respective program in order to be considered for admission.
Do I have to submit a GRE score?
The GRE is no longer required in order to apply to Dodge College.
How can I check on my application status?
Applicants can check their status anytime at https://go.chapman.edu/status.
How can I increase my chances of being accepted?
Fill out the application in full and make sure to get it in by the December 1 deadline. The most important thing to keep in mind while filling out the application is to tell us who you are. Your application is a perfect process to be able to show us how you tell stories. Also, we value candidates who are well-rounded. So if you’ve never taken a film course, see if you can sign up for one. If your grades are low, try to boost them. If you’ve never worked on a set, try to volunteer. If your entire life revolves around film, show us something unique about you.
How can I tour the facilities?
Department tours are by appointment only. Please visit our website to sign up for a virtual or in-person tour and info session with our Admissions Team.
How long does the review process take?
Decisions will be released by the end of April.
How many students do you normally accept?
The number of students we accept varies per program. We accept roughly 20-50% of applicants depending on the program. The directing and producing programs are traditionally the most competitive.
What is the page-length requirement for the Short or Feature Screenplay?
Screenwriting applicants are required to submit 20-30 pages of your best creative or dramatic writing. This could be the first act or other section of a feature screenplay (with context), a screenplay for a short film, all or part of an episodic script, a web series, a one-act play or an excerpt from a full-length play, a short story or an excerpt from a novel.
What additional requirements are there for international students?
For a step-by-step guide on how to apply as an international student, please visit our Graduate Admission page How to Apply as an International Student
What is the required TOEFL, IELTS, PTEA or CAE score for an International Student?
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of:
-TOEFL: 102 (iBT)
-IELTS: 7.5
-PTEA: 76
-CAE: Level C1
Can students who only have an undergraduate background in film apply?
No. We take students from all walks of life and with Bachelor’s degrees in many subjects. We are just looking for creative individuals that are strong storytellers and are going to bring something unique to our program.
Can I send in samples of my work with my application?
Certain emphases are required to submit sample work. Please refer to the application for a list of emphases and their requirements. For those emphases that do not require samples, we ask that you use the Creative Portfolio list as a “resume” to show us the type of work you’ve been a part of. Upon review of your application, you may be notified to provide a sample of work from that list.
Can I transfer credits from another graduate program?
Dodge College does not accept transfer credits for any of our graduate courses or programs. If admitted, students will need to complete all course requirements at Chapman University.
How can I obtain a fellowship?
Dodge College offers fellowships to a select number of students each year. These fellowships are awarded based on the talent shown in the application materials submitted; there is no separate application process for fellowship consideration. Preference for fellowships is given to students who apply by the December 1st deadline. If you are awarded a fellowship, you will likely be notified at the time of admission. Some fellowships are awarded after the time of admission, and notification will come directly from Dodge College.