GET TO KNOW THE OTHER CVPA STUDENTS
The Arts Learning Community (LC) is a unique residential opportunity for freshmxn who want to live with students majoring or are interested in the visual and performing arts.
Applying is a Two-Step Process
Applying to the Film and Video Studies major is a two-step process. Students must be admitted to George Mason University and also pass a Portfolio review to be admitted to the Film and Video Studies major.
*This process is competitive and not all applicants will be accepted.
How to Apply
Prospective students are encouraged to attend a George Mason Admissions event or or attend a Film and Video Studies open house event. We also offer virtual information sessions. Current George Mason students can make an appointment with our Academic Advisor to discuss the program.
Your George Mason Application will update with a Portfolio status after our faculty have reviewed your Portfolio and rendered a decision. When you receive a confirmation email from SlideRoom, you can consider your Portfolio submitted and received.
Notifications of Portfolio decisions are sent via email approximately one month after each application deadline.
Please reach out to the Film and Video Studies program with any questions or concerns during the application process.
Application Instructions
Step One
Incoming Freshmxn and Transfers:
Apply to George Mason through the Common Application, or directly through George Mason's online application. You do not need to wait for a response from Admissions before moving to Step Two.
Current George Mason students:
Skip Step One
Step Two
Submit a digital portfolio via SlideRoom that will be evaluated by our faculty. Your digital portfolio includes one short essay and samples of samples (described in detail below).
All portfolio materials must be uploaded via Slideroom – we do not accept materials over email. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.
Part 1:
Film and Video Studies at George Mason University is a community that fosters creativity, analysis, diverse perspectives, professional practice, and socially-conscious filmmaking.
Submit a 500-word essay that describes your interest in independently made film, television, digital and interactive media, etc., as well as your goals as an artist. You may refer to films, series, or other artworks that inspire you. Experience in filmmaking is not required, but if you have it, please talk about it. Please proofread your essay.
Part 2:
Submit 1) a sample or samples of your recent (past three years) creative work, and 2) a descriptive statement. These should demonstrate your original vision and reflect your artmaking and learning experiences, including collaborations with others.
- Sample(s):
Provide one or two links to videos or upload 1 to 6 still images. Your samples might be short videos, a demo reel, photography, website screenshots, animation, drawing, collage, graphic novel excerpts, comic book cells, poetry, or screenplays. Please limit written work to 500 words.
- Descriptive Statement (100 words):
Describe your samples and discuss why you’ve chosen to submit them. If your work is collaborative, identify your creative and technical roles. Credit copyrighted media for which you do not have the rights in the statement or in the credits for video work.
Portfolio Deadlines
Notifications of Portfolio decisions are sent via email approximately one month after each application deadline.
Incoming Freshmxn
- Early Action Fall: November 7
- Regular Fall: February 7
- Spring: October 1
Incoming Transfers
- Spring: October 1
- Fall: March 1
Current George Mason Students
- Change your major for Spring: October 1
- Change your major for Fall: March 1
Film at Mason students test out the equipment before their production.