AFI Conservatory: How to Apply for 2024, Acceptance Rate, and What to Expect as an AFI Fellow

In addition to holding a bachelor's degree in any discipline, the American Film Institute Conservatory requires all MFA applicants submit the following materials:

Online Application

AFI Applicants must apply via GradCAS online and pay $110.00 (non-refundable) per application.

Narrative statement

  1. Personal Story: Discuss the life experiences that made you who you are today and impacted you as a creator and a storyteller. State what kinds of stories you want to tell, how your life experiences shaped them, and why they matter. Go beyond your resume or CV and professional achievements.
  2. Intended Discipline: Explain why you are applying to a specific program. Discuss the creators, films, television shows, and other artistic mediums that inspire you in this field.
  3. Collaboration Experience: The AFI Conservatory is a highly collaborative film school. Explain how you have incorporated collaboration into your professional and artistic background.
  4. Long-Term Goals: Describe how the AFI Conservatory can help you achieve your long-term goals as a filmmaker and storyteller.

In light of widespread use of ChatGPT and other AI writing assistants: Applicants must disclose the use of any LLM Artificial Intelligence technology when writing their Narrative Statement. AI Technology disclosures should be included as a footnote and briefly explain how the AI tool was used in creating the Narrative Statement. Failure to include a disclosure may disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.

Include workshops and seminars, set experience, other professional industry experience, highest level of education achieved and degrees earned.

Two letters of recommendation

Applicants must supply two academic or artistic references. Recommenders will be emailed a link from the GrandCAS application portal. The AFI Conservatory does not accept hard copy letters of recommendation and personal recommendations from friends and family in a non-professional capacity. If applicants fail to provide both letters of recommendation before or on the application deadline date, they will be disqualified.

Unofficial transcripts

Each institution of higher education on the official application requires an unofficial transcript during the admissions process. Unofficial transcripts must list the courses taken and grades earned. (Note: the AFI Conservatory does not accept a diploma in lieu of transcripts.)

Institutions of higher education cannot be deleted or updated once the application has been submitted. All applicants must submit their unofficial transcripts before or on the application deadline. Admitted applicants must supply official transcripts sent from the school digitally or by post mail; applicants may also send a physical copy in a signed and sealed envelope.

Discipline-specific creative materials

Each discipline requires a portfolio (see "How to Apply to the 6 AFI Disciplines”). The portfolio is due by the application deadline.

Additional requirements for international AFI applicants ​

In addition to providing proof of funds for the first year at AFI, international applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language® (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System™ (IELTS), or the DuoLingo English Test.

International students must also submit an 1-20 application to get the F-1 student visa. (Note: Canadian applicants are exempt). Learn more about the 1-20 application and getting a TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo waiver.

Additionally, International applicants must supply unofficial transcripts with an official English translation (if applicable). If admitted, they must provide a Bachelor’s Equivalency Report.

Additional requirements for Certificate of Completion AFI applicants​

If you’re determined to go to AFI but don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, consider becoming an Associate Fellow in the film school’s Certificate of Completion program. Be prepared to demonstrate exemplary accomplishments in your chosen field and have at least four years of experience out of high school or a post-secondary international school.