Graduate Applications

So you’re thinking about applying for a Masters’ degree? Very generally applications will ask you for:

• Your personal information
• Your CV & Employment history
• Personal Statement
• Your answer to very specific career, course and future questions
• Your university transcript (HEAR/Gradintelligence)
• Two references
• Funding options/intentions
• Relevant test scores i.e. GRE
• Visa information (international students only)
• A processing fee (get ready to hand over £60 for your rejection)
• And if successful, an interview (most likely over the phone or video chat)

This post is intended as a supplement to the video I made on my YouTube. You can find it below or here.

I applied to Cambridge for their MPhil Management and to London Film School for their MA Filmmaking. I also started applications for University College London and Imperial College London, both for Management.

Also if you want the mother of all buzz phrases, it’s “holistic learning experience”.

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As promised I have decided to share my Cambridge application. I applied to their MPhil in Management. I am sharing this as to show you an example of the information they require from you. Please note this was an unsuccessful application, and yes, every personal statement ever written is wanky, mine is no exception. I have redacted all sensitive personal information.

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The questions Imperial College London asked for their application were very intense. No wonder I never finished it.

• List your target organisation(s) and role (200 characters) 
• What expertise/product will your business deliver, or what problem is your business going to solve? (800 characters)
• List your target organisation(s) and role (200 characters) 
• How big is the market for the goods/expertise you plan to sell and what is the current competition? (800 characters)
• How do you plan to finance the business? (800 characters)
• What gaps in your skillset will you need to develop to prepare for this career? (800 characters)
• If you are not successful in your first choice career goal, which sector will you pursue alternative opportunities within? (200 characters)
• List your second choice organisation(s) and role (200 characters)

Like if they don’t make you break out into a cold sweat well then you made of the right kinda stuff. I’ll say it again: specific & intense.

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Now along a completely different vein I applied to Film School. This is a successful application. They wanted:

• Your personal information
• A personal statment
• A CV
• Two references
• Your qualifications and university transcript
• Original 3 minute scripts
• 1-3 short films (examples of your work)
• Photography portfolio (optional)
• If successful you will be invited for a Skype interview. My top tip for your interview is to look give your interviewer a quick google, have a very good think about the last film you watched and the films you want to make. Be confident and HAVE A QUESTION TO ASK THEM. This is a list of questions asked during a Colombia Film School interview, start thinking: everything they could possibly ask you.

My Personal Statement

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My sample film submissions

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I hope this gives you all some insight into the information you are required to supply and the statements you need to write. Best of luck!

EA x