Global BA & BFA Program Application Requirements
Global BA: Franklin University Application Process
Students interested in applying to either the Global BA in International & Political Communication or the Global BA in Business of Creative Enterprises programs will need to apply through Franklin University Switzerland. Please reach out to the admission team at Emerson College or Franklin University Switzerland if you have any questions.
Global BFA: Film Art Essay
In addition to the Emerson Application or Common Application and Application Supplement required, applicants must submit a 300- to 500-word essay, as well as a creative sample.
Essay Topic
Through the unique structure of the Global BFA in Film Art, you will study at Paris College of Art in France and at Emerson College in the United States and in the Netherlands. Knowing this, how does the multinational aspect of this program connect with your previous life experience as well as your personal and creative career goals?
Upload this essay within the Admission Portal after submitting your Undergraduate application.
Creative Sample Requirements
Applicants to the Global BFA in Film Art major must submit one creative sample as a part of their application. Please select a project where you are a principal creative force, and please specify your role in a co-created project.
Creative samples can be uploaded in the Application Portal after the application has been submitted and should include ONE of the following:
- a film or video submission up to 5 minutes in length (up to 5 GBs per file), or
- a portfolio of 10 to 15 examples of creative production in any other media: photography (digital or analog); drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.
Written works (i.e. screenplays, scripts, poetry, short stories, etc.) do NOT satisfy the creative sample requirements for the Global BFA in Film Art.
To upload your creative sample, you will need to submit your Common Application with Emerson Supplement or Emerson Application, and application fee payment.
Please note that the Global BFA in Film Art major is not available to transfer applicants at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Emerson College and Paris College of Art looking for from a creative sample?
We look at creative samples to assess your current skill and potential. Your creative sample should showcase your creativity, feature meaningful content, demonstrate your artistic sense, and showcase your technical skills.
How much money should I spend in making the content for my creative sample?
We do not judge applicants based on their resources. We’ve accepted applicants who submit a film in which there is a single shot of someone talking to the camera, but also projects that included a cast of dozens.
If I choose to submit a film or video, what style do Emerson College and Paris College of Art want?
There is no formula for a sure-fire creative sample. It can be experimental, documentary, or narrative told through unusual techniques or style. We’ve seen everything from a documentary on colony collapse disorder to non-narrative animated shorts. It can be an anti-war video or film noir. It can use a 35mm camera, a camcorder, a cell phone, still photos, or a videogame’s 3-D graphics rendering engine. Anything goes.
Can I submit multiple film or audio clips for my creative sample?
For these options, submit only your best piece, if multiple projects are sent then only one will be reviewed by the admission committee. Additionally, please submit a single complete work as opposed to an excerpt or reel.
Do you have practical advice on putting together the creative sample?
Take the time to do quality control and review the whole submission in the Digital Portfolio. Is the compression rate right? Is the sound distorted? Are images using the entire frame? You put a great deal of effort into making your submission look and sound good on your screen—make sure we get the same experience.
Make your hook count. Make a good first impression by presenting your best work to your audience early on. Hundreds of people submit creative samples to Emerson College. Make yours stand out.
Get someone with a critical eye to look over your work. Can you set up your narrative more efficiently? Are you better off submitting your best 90 seconds of content rather than stretching it out to five minutes? Do not waste time. Editing is about more than just stitching together shots, sounds, or scenes; it’s also about creating a cohesive piece. Show that you know how to make hard decisions about your work. You do not have to use the full time allotment; it will not be held against you.
If your work is not in English, please either subtitle it or provide a written translation with your creative sample.