Q: What are you looking for in an applicant?
A: The very first thing our admissions committee will look at are your essays, both video (when applicable) and written, for the supplemental application. We firmly believe the ability tell a good story is the foundation of all our majors within Dodge College. Is it original, creative, understandable, realistic, intellectual, analytical? Do the written essays demonstrate good writing skills while also adding an element of critical thinking and analysis. Do the video essays still convey a meaniful message? It’s important to scratch below the surface.

After essays, we look at your academic profile consisting of your GPA and SAT scores, your letters of recommendation, and your creative resume trying to develop a sense of who you are in and outside of the classroom.

Q: What about work or portfolio pieces? Can I send that in for someone to review?
A: Please do not send us any pieces of your work or any kind of portfolio before or during the Admissions process no matter how fantastic you think it is. It does say on the supplemental application that we may ask for something listed on your creative resume, but understand that this should not be used as an indicator to your stance in the admissions process. We can accept students without ever having seen any of their work.

Q: Can I schedule an interview?
A: We do not set up personal interviews with students. We believe as it is impossible to interview all prospective students, doing this would be an unfair advantage given to a small group in the pool. If we need to get in contact with you for any additional information, we will call you.

Q: So let me get this straight. My essays are weighed more than any experience I may have related to my major?
A: Correct! This is precisely why it is not required to have any prior experience related to your field before applying. Again, we are looking for strong storytellers.

Q: How important are SAT and GPA scores? What are the averages within Dodge?
A: Grades are the second thing we look at in the Admissions process, so they are important. You need to be competitive on an academic level. For freshman students, this means a GPA around 3.8 and SATs about an 1880 as these are the averages of our incoming classes. Chapman University Admissions Department will do a re-calculation on your GPA taking only your sophomore and junior year in high school and giving you credit for eight honors courses (so, yes, it is a weighted GPA).

For transfer students, we look at your college GPA comprised of all the colleges you have attended; however, if you have been in college for less than one year (less than 30 credits), we also want to see your high school transcripts. The average transfer GPA is 3.4 and SATs of 1150 on the old test (the one you probably took). We understand students may continue at a community college to improve their grades from high school, so asking for your high school transcripts may scare you. Understand that we will be looking for a comparative improvement from your high school transcript which will act in your favor.

Q: If I fall below your averages, should I still even apply?
A: Remember, these are just averages which mean we obviously took students that were below these numbers and we are also looking for an overall strong student. If you are drastically below average, we highly encourage you to go or continue at another college and work really hard to improve your grades there before applying to Chapman.

Q: How many students are you looking to accept in each major?
A: These numbers vary depending on the major. The fall numbers for freshman are:

Film production: 100
Film studies: 20
Digital arts: 20
Public relations and advertising: 30
Screenwriting: 30
Television and broadcast journalism: 30

For transfers in the fall:
Film production: 30
Film studies: 10
Digital arts: 15
Public relations and advertising: 20
Screenwriting: 20
Television and broadcast journalism: 20

These are just estimates and are not set in stone. Essentially film production has the greatest odds at 1/12 with all the other majors being about a 1/8.

Our spring semester numbers are never really set in stone and vary depending on the room in each program; however, we rarely admit film production majors in the spring, but instead highly encourage them to apply for the fall.

Q: Who will review my application?
A: As you are ultimately applying to both Chapman University and Dodge College, both parties review your application and make a decision jointly. We trade notes amongst each other, Dodge looking to see if the student will fit into their prospective major, and Chapman to see if they will fit into the University as a whole. This is a 4-year university where your degree will be from Chapman University. You are required to complete a full slate of general education requirements. As such, Chapman University has to want you as well.

Q: If on the off chance you don’t find me fantastic and I get denied, what should be my next steps if I really want to come to Chapman and Dodge College?
A: If you are not accepted, you can re-apply again when you feel ready. When we say “ready,” we mean that you decided to go to another college, taken rigorous classes (not just pottery and athletic classes), have kept up or improved your grades, and maybe gotten some more related experience under your belt.

Q: I definitely want to apply; I love Chapman. When are my deadlines and when will I hear from you?
A: For the fall of 2008, deadlines are as follows:

Early Action (non-binding) and Film Production: November 15
Freshman only; all freshman film production majors must apply by this deadline. All other majors are highly encouraged to use this deadline.

Regular Admission: January 15
Freshman only

Transfer Admission: March 1

For the spring of 2008, there is only one deadline for everyone: November 1.

Q: Is there anything else I should know? Any last piece of wisdom?
A: You would be surprised how many applicants can’t seem to follow directions. Please review the applications thoroughly and follow the instructions on page restrictions and formatting.

Don’t forget to fill out your Chapman University application as well; the two go hand-in-hand. They don’t need to be sent in together, but they both need to be in by the deadline. Address your applications and any required supporting documents to Chapman University Office of Admission; do not address to Dodge College.

Good luck!