Hello. I've read a lot of the advice found in this and other threads. I was wondering if anyone could comment on particular challenges that might face an older person applying to USC's MFA Writing program (and succeeding in the program and gaining employment afterwards). I studied film in undergrad and worked on various projects independently after that. But, for the most part, I have worked in another field while trying to write on the side. I've been out for about a decade and still have a desire to pursue a career in screenwriting or television writing. Any advice,insight or warnings you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

There are people who are older than 40 in the program. I don`t think it matters at all. As for experience, it`s the same thing, I had zero experience, one of my classmates just showed up on Daily Show.

Just do your best and let the chips fall where they may.

Lvn, thanks for the insight into the class make-up and the encouragement. I would have responded sooner, but I have been preparing application materials and taking the GRE. I guess I am gathering those chips, and I'll see where they fall!

I can't speak to the USC Program, but at 41, I headed back to college to pursue a MFA in Film/Cinema Production at Ohio University. I really enjoy the film community at the school and the ability to really concentrate on the craft. The biggest challenge for me has been the lack of sleep. Graduate classes tend to go later into the evening, there are papers to write and the social interactions tend to skew towards the later hours of the evening/night/early morning.

Across the campus, I've had a few interactions with the graduate students in the playwriting program in the Theater Department. They are writing and presenting literally non-stop... weekly assignments for scenes (that are presented on Friday nights by the undergrad Theater students "with scripts") and they are always cranking out full scripts of various lengths. The ability to concentrate on the craft in an academic environment (with constant feedback) is a huge draw to head back to school... at any age.

And don't limit your applications to one school. There are a lot of great programs and instructors all over the place.

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JacksonFilms,