• Deadlines

    Fall Application Priority Deadline: November 15, 2023
    Portfolio Submission Priority Deadline: November 22, 2023

    Fall Application General Deadline: January 1, 2024
    Portfolio Submission General Deadline: January 7, 2024

    Early Action: Not Available
    Spring: Not Available

    All applicants must first apply (using Common App or the SUNY App)

Portfolio

Applicants must submit the portfolio online through their admissions portal. There is a $30 portfolio submission fee. Applicants should upload media files as outlined below. 

Because of time constraints in reviewing a large number of portfolios, it is best to send only your best work.

For additional information about the Film BFA program, visit the School of Film & Media Studies.

The portfolio must consist of the following:

  • An essay explaining your prior experience making art and why you wish to come to Purchase College, be admitted to the Film Conservatory, and anything else you wish to highlight about yourself as an applicant and prospective filmmaker.​
  • Up to ten samples of any substantial artwork (films, videos, screenplays or other creative writing, photography, sculpture, painting, music, etc.) that shows a serious commitment to making art. If you submit a film or video, please also submit a statement describing your SPECIFIC role (writer, director, actor, camera, etc.) in the production of it.
    • The total running time of any video or film submissions combined should be 20 minutes or less, regardless of the number of individual projects
    • At least one of the portfolio submissions should be an example of creative writing (short story, poetry, screenplay, etc.) no longer than ten pages.

DO NOT mail a portfolio to the Office of Admissions. Portfolios sent to Admissions will be discarded and the application may be withdrawn from consideration.

Note: For the review committee, the essay and portfolio are a critical aspect of the initial screening process. Your best intellectual and creative effort should be demonstrated in both of these materials. Your essay might include a description of yourself, a discussion of why you want to make films, and include any experience you’ve had that supports or prompts your choice.

Because of time constraints in reviewing a large number of portfolios, it is best to send only your best work.

Invitational Interview- In-Person Interviews 

Note: For the review committee, the essay, creative writing sample and portfolio are a critical aspect of the initial screening process. Your best intellectual and creative effort should be demonstrated in both of the materials. Your essay might include a description of yourself, a discussion of why you want to make films, and include any life experiences you’ve had that supports or prompts your choice.