u/agdennathanael

I am curious if an MFA is worth it - funded or not funded.

Many of my favorite authors and memoirists had no formal education.

With the wealth of information online, I question the relevance of spending two years in a writing program presenting my writing to a cohort who, by default, know as little or less than myself about what’s “good” vs what’s “bad” writing.

Furthermore, authors like JK Rowling and the like would have most likely received critical feedback for otherwise fabulous writing. It’s all subjective in the end, anyway, right?

Why not just self-teach and hire an editor aligned with my writing to fine-tune rather than listen to a cohort’s opinion?

I'm considering Chapman Dodge for screenwriting and would love to hear from current students or alumni.

I heard that a lot of directing students prefer to write and shoot their own scripts, so screenwriting students sometimes struggle to get their work produced. I also heard that even your thesis screenplay isn't guaranteed to be produced. Is that accurate?

I completely understand why many directors would want to direct their own material, but how often do they choose scripts written by screenwriting students? Has this been a significant issue, or is it overblown?

Chapman is also a major financial investment, and I'd be taking on additional student loan debt. For those who have gone through the program, do you feel the opportunities and network justified the cost?

One last question: if I attend next year (2027), I'll be a 38 year old woman. Is that likely to make it harder to connect with classmates, or is there a good mix of ages in the MFA program?

Any other pros, cons, or things you wish you'd known before attending would be greatly appreciated.

I'm considering Chapman Dodge for screenwriting and would love to hear from current students or alumni.

I heard that a lot of directing students prefer to write and shoot their own scripts, so screenwriting students sometimes struggle to get their work produced. I also heard that even your thesis screenplay isn't guaranteed to be produced. Is that accurate?

I completely understand why many directors would want to direct their own material, but how often do they choose scripts written by screenwriting students? Has this been a significant issue, or is it overblown?

Chapman is also a major financial investment, and I'd be taking on additional student loan debt. For those who have gone through the program, do you feel the opportunities and network justified the cost?

One last question: if I attend next year (2027), I'll be a 38 year old woman. Is that likely to make it harder to connect with classmates, or is there a good mix of ages in the MFA program?

Any other pros, cons, or things you wish you'd known before attending would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, everyone.

I am a returning student, which means I am a little older than the typical student. I am moving from Los Angeles to Orange to earn my MFA in screenwriting at Chapman's Dodge College.

I wanted to live in Orange near the college, but I am having a hard time finding a place.

Is the Platinum Triangle a decent place to live?

I want safety for my wife and walkability.

Thanks in advance!