Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Submit a Portfolio or my GRE Scores?
What if I have a non-traditional portfolio?
Will you return my portfolio?
Do I need to take a subject or writing GRE?
Do I really have to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
Must I attend the ETC-Global full time?
Can I work while attending the ETC-Global?
What are you looking for in a letter of recommendation?
What exactly is a statement of purpose?
What kind of financial aid do you offer?
I'd like to visit. How do I get there?
New Student email checklist
Should I Submit a Portfolio or my GRE Scores?
Applicants must submit either a portfolio or GRE scores. In the early days of our program, we assumed that technologists would send us GRE scores, and artists would send us a portfolio. The good news is, the ETC-Global is now attracting such an interesting mix of applicants that it is no longer easy or necessary to categorize our applicants as being either a technologist or an artist; the boundaries are blurring. However, the bad news it that having this diversity of applicants complicates the application process.
You should send us anything that will help us evaluate you as a candidate, and that best represents your talent, abilities and potential. If that is in the form of a portfolio (and know that "portfolio" is loosely defined) or in the form of GRE scores, it doesn't matter and will not affect your standing as an applicant. We encourage you to send us both if you feel comfortable doing so.
What if I have a non-traditional portfolio?
If you submit a portfolio, note that it can be made up of examples of graphic arts, traditional artwork, music, writing, or any another creative medium. We are open to non-traditional portfolios types as well, such as a copy of a grant proposal or business plan, if that is what best represents the talent which you think makes you a candidate for the ETC-Global.
With the volume of applications we receive, it's not practical for us to entertain personal demonstrations or viewings. Candidates should keep in mind that we will be processing a large number of applications, so, for example, a 30 minute videotape is probably not as well-advised as a 3 minute videotape, just for practical purposes. Also, be sure to put your best work first on the reel.
Will you return my portfolio?
We would prefer that you send a portfolio that is "disposable." In other words, please do not send us original pieces of artwork or something which has value (either emotionally or monetarily). If you must send us something that you would like us to return, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your materials. Materials may be returned as late as the summer following your application. Every effort will be made to return the materials you submit for your portfolio, although with the sheer volume of applications we receive please know that we cannot make any promises.
Do I need to take a subject or writing GRE?
If you take the GRE test, note that we only request the general scores, and they should be sent to:
Institution code: 2074
Department code: 0402
Do I really have to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
For international students who earned their undergraduate degree at an English-speaking institution, the TOEFL requirement will be waived. For all other international students, the TOEFL/IELTS is required.
Institution code: 2074
Department code: 78
Must I attend the ETC-Global full time?
The ETC-Global is a a two year program, requiring enrollment in the equivalent of four full-time semesters. There is an optional summer internship. There is project work required each semester, and completion of the degree program cannot be attained in less than two years.
Can I work while attending the ETC-Global?
Due to the time commitment necessary to complete the program, we strongly discourage students from working outside the department, and we have a policy that expressly forbids more than 10 hours of work per week on outside jobs without the written permission of the directors.
What are you looking for in a letter of recommendation?
Recommendation letters should come from professors, project directors, employers -- anyone who can not only describe concrete examples of your talent and interesting things that you have done, but who also can speak to your passion, enthusiasm, critical-thinking and people-skills. Friends and peers should not be your letter writers; we are looking for people who can evaluate your previous work from a supervisory or instructional standpoint.
Remember that you should ask your recommenders for letters early and clearly give them a deadlilne. Often, the only thing keeping us from reviewing a student's file is their missing recommendations. Untilmately, you are responsible for making sure that your application is complete.
What exactly is a statement of purpose?
A statement of purpose is typically 2-3 single spaced pages and describes various aspects of what attracts you to Entertainment Technology and to the ETC-Global, what you hope to do after graduation, what you think you are good (and not so good) at, what you would like to learn. In general your statement should give the admissions committee a better feel for you as a person. You should take this statement very seriously; use it as an opportunity for self-reflection and focusing of your own vision for yourself, as well as a tool for our admissions process.
What kind of financial aid do you offer?
None. The ETC-Global does not offer any form of financial support for students. We cannot offer research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or tuition waivers of any kind. Most US students who attend our program receive loan-based assistance; therefore, you may want to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
I'd like to visit. How do I get there?
Please visit our Visiting the ETC page.
New student email checklist
click here for a list of the emails sent to the newly accepted ETC fall class
