Deadlines

Rutgers University Application

All external applicants (never attended Rutgers before) must complete and submit the Rutgers University Application or apply to Rutgers University on the Common Application. For instructions and additional requirements please click on the following link: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply

Required University App Credentials

• FIRST YEAR: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/first-year-applicants
• TRANSFER: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/transfer-applicants
• INTERNATIONAL: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/international-applicants

Optional University App Credentials

• SAT (code 2765)
• ACT (code 2592)

Mason Gross Talent Assessment

Requirements

• $20 Talent Assessment fee
• Filmmaking questionnaire
• University admissions essay
• Filmmaker and/or artist inspiration Statement
• Portfolio

A unique link and a temporary pin to complete the Talent Assessment will be emailed to you upon submission of your Rutgers application or Common App.

Filmmaking Questionnaire

A series of short-answer questions about your interest and background in film.

University Admissions Essay

Submit the same essay you used on your Rutgers University application as a part of your Mason Gross Supplemental Application. Current Rutgers students or re-enrollment applicants, please write a personal statement that explains what specific filmmaking goals you hope to achieve by enrolling in our program, and how do you plan to achieve those goals?

Filmmaker and/or Artist Inspiration

In 300-600 words, please choose one of the following prompts to answer:

• Discuss a filmmaker you admire. Describe aspects of this filmmaker’s work that have inspired/impacted you.
• Describe/discuss a scene or formal cinematic element from a film or narrative television show that has impacted you. How has this scene influenced the kind of filmmaker you aspire to be? How does it relate to your personal approach to filmmaking?
• Tell us about your aspirations as an emerging filmmaker. Describe the subjects, themes, possible methodology (nonfiction, documentary, narrative fiction, etc.) you are interested in exploring in your cinematic work. Do not tell us about career ambitions (i.e., “I’d like to become a producer for HBO”). Rather, keep the statement focused on the work you’d like to create that might get you to that place in your career.

Portfolio Requirements

Option 1: Short Film

Applicant may submit up to two short films that can be a documentary, fiction and/or animation film. The total running time for both films combined cannot exceed 10 minutes. The film(s) must be a complete work; we strongly discourage submitting compilation reels. Videotaped stage readings and/or plays will not be accepted. Please make sure the video submission is playable.

Note: Applicants should specify their specific role in the making of the sample in the notes section of the portfolio submission.

Option 2: Artistic Portfolio

Please submit 10 examples of your artwork (produced within the last two years) that reflect your accomplishments and emphasize your strengths. This is an edited collection of your artwork intended to showcase your area of interest, modes of expression, and range of creativity. You may include a variety of media such as painting, observational drawing, photography, print, sculpture, or video work. Please be selective and show only your best work and avoid cartoon action figures, monsters, graffiti art, cute pets, portraits drawn from photographs, and images of vacations (in particular, sunsets), and flowers. We strongly encourage applicants to include descriptive captions for each image.

Option 3: Abbreviated Artistic Portfolio & Creative Writing Sample

Please submit five examples of your artwork, as outlined in Option 2, and one script or creative writing sample. The script or creative writing sample cannot be more than five pages or 600 words in length.