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How to Write the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Essays

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Moriah Adeghe in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered

Part 1 of the required portfolio, part 2 of the required portfolio.

The Cinema Studies program at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) is a popular program. In this post, we discuss the two parts of the portfolio that applicants are required to submit. For more general information on how to write college application essays, check out our step-by-step guide to how to write your college essay .

Part one of the portfolio is a five- to 10-page essay on a film, director, or any other moving image-related topic that you choose.

This prompt gives the applicant a considerable amount of freedom, which can be challenging because it is easy for applicants to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of image-related topics that they would like to write about. Like most college application essays, the purpose of this essay is to gauge how an applicant thinks. Due to this, you want to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are passionate and able to think critically about your image-related topic of choice.

Choosing a Topic

Given the amount of liberty that you have to choose any image-related topic, you should make sure you are passionate, eager to write, and have something original or unique to say about whatever topic you choose. Be careful that your essay does not become a film review or a biography, as that is not what the admissions committee is asking for. 

In addition, make sure you do not write a research paper. Although your topic may require or inspire you to include research and opinions from other sources, these should be used to support your original ideas and analysis only. Above all, make sure you choose a topic through which your unique perspective, background, creativity, and analytical abilities can shine. 

Writing a Thesis

To produce a compelling essay, you need a strong, central, and multipronged thesis. After writing a compelling introduction, you will introduce your thesis. Each paragraph of your essay that follows will explore parts of this thesis in more depth and detail. 

For example, you could write an essay contrasting the portrayal of female and male political figures in The West Wing , House of Cards , Veep , and Parks and Recreation . Your thesis should make a claim or set of claims, such as female political figures are challenged or opposed more often by their staffers compared to male political figures. You might extrapolate beyond the universes of these television shows to then draw connections to and make conclusions about how the media portrays men and women in politics.

Being Original

Your main priority is to find something original to say about your image-related topic. If you are writing about a film, you need to offer your original ideas and analysis of the film—not the ideas of other critics or scholars. You could also write about a film project of your own, as long as you can write five or more pages worth of description, commentary, and analysis about it. This can be a great opportunity to give the admissions committee insight into your creative process and prior experience working in film.

Part two of the portfolio is a one-page statement that answers the following questions:

• Have you taken any cinema/media-related classes?
• What areas of cinema studies most interest you, such as film genres, directors, or theory? 
• What are your career aspirations, such as film journalism/criticism, film curating, or filmmaking?

From this essay, the admissions committee is hoping to understand the extent to which you have pursued your interest in film and media studies, your motivations for studying film and media, and the career that you are hoping to pursue. If you have not taken any formal classes in film or media, you should talk about how you have explored your interest informally, such as through watching various forms of media, making movies, and consuming content about the film and media industry, like books, journal articles, blogs, video essays, and podcasts. The Cinema Studies Department is seeking applicants for whom film is not just a pastime but also a passion that they actively pursue.

When identifying the areas within cinema studies that most interest you, name specific topics within these areas and explain why they interest you. You should also discuss your track record of exploring these topics, either on your own or in a more formal setting, and your aspirations at Tisch and beyond to be involved in these topics.

In regard to your career aspirations, be ambitious and specific. You need to show that you have put thought into your future goals and why your application to Tisch is aligned with them. If you dream of working with a particular production company or creating a certain docuseries, this is a great place to mention this.

Example: Horror Films

As an example, let’s consider an applicant with an intense enthusiasm for horror films. The applicant might start by sharing background about how they first fell in love with the horror genre after watching Night of the Living Dead as a fourth-grader. Then, the applicant could talk about how they have studied horror films by reading books like, Horror Film: A Critical Introduction , and taking classes at The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies in Brooklyn. To conclude, the applicant may write about how their goal is to someday become a film curator and instructor at The Miskatonic Institute so they can impart their love of the horror genre to other cinephiles.

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Published September 18, 2023

Your Guide to the NYU Supplemental Essay

Katie Hindman

Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

As part of this year’s first-year application , you’ll have the option to answer a new NYU supplemental essay question. This year, we’re asking something brand new:

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why (250 words).

• “We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.”  Judith Heumann, 2022 NYU Commencement Address
• “ I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship .” Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address
• “If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?” Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient
• “ You have the right to want things and to want things to change. ” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland,  2023 NYU Commencement Address
• “It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.” Taylor Swift, “Change,” Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker
• Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.

No matter your initial reaction to this new question (perhaps “How or where do I start?!” or  “Hmm, nobody has answered this before…” or even “Woohoo! I get to be the first to take this on– no expectations!”), we want this question to give you a chance to shine.

Remember that there are real people (like me!) on the other side of the screen reading your application, and no matter what you write, we are grateful that you’re willing to share with us. 

We encourage you to approach the (optional!) NYU supplemental essay question with a sense of curiosity and excitement– because, after all, it’s all about YOU! 

HOW SHOULD YOU START?

Everyone’s writing process is distinct and personal. To begin, it might be helpful to jot down some ideas about what inspires you in each of these quotes. Even if one jumps out immediately, give some thought to them all! Is there a common theme that comes up in the ways you relate to each? Do they remind you of another quote that inspires you? Brainstorm in the way that works best for you, but give yourself a fair opportunity to consider your best answer.

Once you’ve chosen the quote you’ll reflect on, get all of your thoughts on paper. Sometimes the best writing comes from fragmented and unedited ideas, so try to stay away from judging your own writing before it’s time to edit.

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

While each of the selected quotes has a specific connection to NYU, we want your answer to be about YOU. We assume you’re excited about NYU because you’re choosing to apply, so there’s no need to use this as a way to tell us about your interest in the school. You also don’t need to give us a literary or academic analysis! We’re confident you’re developing these skills in school. Rather, this is our opportunity to read about what inspires you as an individual (because we’re inspired by these quotes, too)!

Finally, think about how your answer might enhance what you’ve already shared with us through the rest of your application. Remember, you only have 250 words to answer the NYU supplemental essay, so start big and then narrow your ideas down to their most succinct form. Pick an idea and get right to it.

THE BOTTOM LINE…

There is no right or wrong way to answer as long as your answer is genuine to you. 

Remember that this question is completely optional (we promise). If you decide that you don’t want to answer the question, you will not be penalized in the admissions process. 

All of us admissions counselors are wishing you the very best of luck as you complete your college applications. We are already looking forward to learning more about the unique and dynamic class of 2028!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how important is the sat essay section.

I've been focusing a lot on the main sections of the SAT, but I'm not sure how much weight the Essay section carries for college admissions. Should I spend more time preparing for it, or is it less important than I think?

The SAT Essay section is generally considered less important compared to the main sections (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) of the SAT. In recent admission cycles, many colleges and universities have made it clear that the SAT Essay is not a significant factor in their admissions decisions, and some schools have even dropped the essay requirement altogether.

That being said, it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the essay section and understand its format, as well as practice writing under timed conditions. This helps to develop your analytical and writing skills, which can be useful for other parts of your application, such as your personal statement or other essays.

However, it's crucial to prioritize your preparation for the main sections of the SAT over the essay section. Your Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores carry much more weight in the admissions process, and colleges tend to focus on those scores when making decisions about scholarships, honors programs, and other opportunities. So, while it's a good idea to spend some time preparing for the SAT Essay, make sure that you allocate enough time and resources to the main sections, as they hold greater significance in the admissions process.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Program Alums Chosen for 2024 Rhinebeck Writers Retreat

Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024

Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program alums were well-represented amongst those selected for the 2024 Rhinebeck Writers Retreat. The mission of Rhinebeck Writers Retreat is to provide a sanctuary for musical theatre writers to develop their musicals in the heart of the Hudson Valley, and to promote awareness for the creation of this uniquely American art form.

Projects selected for this year's Rhinebeck Writers Retreat include YOKO'S HUSBAND'S KILLER'S JAPANESE WIFE, GLORIA by Brandi Hoang Collier (Cycle 29), Clare Fuyuko Bierman and Erika Ji (Both Cycle 30); OFF SEASON, cowritten by Derek Gregor (Cycle 12); Lighthouse by Veronica Mansour and abs wilson (Both Cycle 32); and BLACK GIRL IN PARIS by Jacinth Greywoode and AriDy Nox (Both Cycle 27).

Rhinebeck Writers Retreat serves a crucial role for writers, in the long developmental process for their musicals. Each writing team is given a weeklong residency in a private home just outside of Rhinebeck, where they live together for one week and do nothing but write their new musical. 

For More Information, Click Here

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Guest Essay

The Supreme Court Has Already Botched the Trump Immunity Case

By Melissa Murray and Andrew Weissmann

Ms. Murray and Mr. Weissmann are co-authors of “The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents With Commentary.”

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear oral arguments in Donald Trump’s immunity-appeal case on Thursday may appear to advance the rule of law. After all, few, if anyone, think that a majority of the court will conclude that a former president is completely immune from federal criminal liability.

But the court’s decision to review the immunity case actually undermines core democratic values.

The Supreme Court often has an institutional interest in cases of presidential power. But the court’s insistence on putting its own stamp on this case — despite the widespread assumption that it will not change the application of immunity to this case and the sluggish pace chosen to hear it — means that it will have needlessly delayed legal accountability for no justifiable reason. Even if the Supreme Court eventually does affirm that no person, not even a president, is above the law and immune from criminal liability, its actions will not amount to a victory for the rule of law and may be corrosive to the democratic values for which the United States should be known.

That is because the court’s delay may have stripped citizens of the criminal justice system’s most effective mechanism for determining disputed facts: a trial before a judge and a jury, where the law and the facts can be weighed and resolved.

It is this forum — and the resolution it provides — that Mr. Trump seeks, at all costs, to avoid. It is not surprising that he loudly proclaims his innocence in the court of public opinion. What is surprising is that the nation’s highest court has interjected itself in a way that facilitates his efforts to avoid a legal reckoning.

Looking at the experience of other countries is instructive. In Brazil, the former president Jair Bolsonaro, after baselessly claiming fraud before an election, was successfully prosecuted in a court and barred from running for office for years. In France, the former president Jacques Chirac was successfully prosecuted for illegal diversion of public funds during his time as mayor of Paris. Likewise, Argentina, Italy, Japan and South Korea have relied on the courts to hold corrupt leaders to account for their misconduct.

Because the courts have been such crucial scaffolding for democracy, leaders with authoritarian impulses often seek to undermine judicial authority and defang the courts to advance their interests. As the national-security and governance writer Rachel Kleinfeld has pointed out : “democracies have been falling all over the world in recent years. The decline has largely occurred at the hands of elected leaders who use their popularity to ride roughshod over their countries’ institutions, destroying oversight by a thousand cuts.”

Consider India, Bolivia, Hungary and Venezuela, where the erosion of judicial independence of the courts has been accompanied by a rise in all-consuming power for an individual leader.

Within our constitutional system, the U.S. Supreme Court can still act effectively and quickly to preserve the judiciary’s role in a constitutional democracy. If the court is truly concerned about the rule of law and ensuring that these disputed facts are resolved in a trial, it could issue a ruling quickly after the oral argument.

It would then fall to the special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Chutkan to ensure that this case gets to a jury. Obviously, fidelity to due process and careful attention to the rights of the accused are critical. To get to a trial and avoid any further potential delay, Mr. Smith may decide to limit the government’s case to its bare essentials — what is often called the “slim to win” strategy. And Judge Chutkan has already warned Mr. Trump that his pretrial unruly statements with respect to witnesses and others may result in her moving up the start of the trial to protect the judicial process.

Before Election Day 2024, if at all possible, voters should know if the facts of a case establish that one of the candidates engaged in an elaborate election-interference scheme in 2020.

Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the Manhattan criminal trial, and the New York appellate courts offer an instructive model of fair and expeditious case management. In less than a week, Justice Merchan has seated a jury, and he and many appellate judges have quickly ruled on Mr. Trump’s efforts to thwart the start of the trial.

If the Supreme Court resolves the immunity question quickly, allowing the federal election interference case to proceed, Judge Chutkan’s case management likewise will be pivotal in dealing with the intricacies of jury selection in a high-profile case and effectively distinguishing between frivolous and meritorious defense arguments that would prolong the trial timeline. These options may seem like a long shot, but they are the ones that remain.

Courts are supposed to serve as a neutral forum for the determination of facts and the adjudication of law. And, as examples in other countries illustrate, they can be a crucial bulwark for the rule of law in precarious times.

Politics and law are often seen as separate institutions, but in fact they regularly interact within our constitutional system as checks and balances — unless, as is the case here, the court takes on an overbearing role.

The Supreme Court’s review of the immunity issue delays indefinitely a jury trial of Mr. Trump’s role in obstructing the peaceful transfer of power — and therefore risks transforming our nation into a Potemkin village of democracy that bears the surface trappings of legal institutions but without actual checks on the executive branch of government.

Melissa Murray and Andrew Weissmann teach at the N.Y.U. School of Law and are co-authors of “The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents With Commentary.” They are co-hosts, respectively, of the podcasts Strict Scrutiny and Prosecuting Donald Trump .

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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