»How to Apply to Dodge College

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Portfolio

Please note that a direct link to upload this requirement will appear on your application checklist once the Common App has been submitted.

Applicants will be asked to indicate their interest in one of the three areas of study: 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and Visual Effects. Admitted students are not required to commit to an emphasis until the Fall semester of their sophomore year. 

We encourage you to demonstrate relevant skills based in the area of study you are most interested in. If you are not certain which area of emphasis you're interested in, you may submit a combination of samples from each of the three areas.

The use of AI generated content of any kind will not be accepted for 2025 portfolio applications. Manipulation of existing popular animated content and lots of animated text and graphics is less suited to our program. 

Part 1

All applicants must submit 20 total jpeg/png examples of work. The breakdown is below:

• 2D Animation Recommendation:
  • 5 sample images with multiple drawings/quick sketches of people and animals that convey energy, movement, emotion, and personality through a few simple lines. Drawings should be done in a studio and in public settings. Suggested venues for gesture drawings are parks, zoos, beaches, restaurants, museums, and malls.
  • 10-12 images showing designs of original characters, environments, or props. Multiple drawings per page of the same design from different perspective angles. Characters should include dynamic poses that convey a range of emotions and body attitudes. Submissions may include sketchbook pages.
  • 3-5 storyboard or comic book panels with good composition, staging and clear storytelling. Versatility in drawing and design styles is a plus. 
• 3D Animation Recommendation:
  • 5 sample images with multiple drawings/quick sketches of people and animals that convey energy, movement, emotion, and personality through a few simple lines. Drawings should be done in a studio and in public settings. Suggested venues for gesture drawings are parks, zoos, beaches, restaurants, museums, and malls.
  • 15 Samples of 3D work using any 3D software packages that display fundamental proficiency in two or more of the following: modeling, rigging, prop design, lighting, set creation and 3D animation. 2D illustrations and concept design of characters and environments can also be included.
• Visual Effects Recommendation:
  • 5 samples of traditional artwork that emphasizes visual communication, staging, composition, lighting and color. 
  • A selection of 15 single frame samples of work, showing fundamental proficiency in any of the following: 3D techniques, modeling, rigging, prop design, lighting, set creation and 3D animation. You can also include still images that show manipulation of photographic content, digital illustration integrated with photoreal content. 2D illustrations and concept design of characters and environments can also be included.

Part 2 

All applicants must also submit a video submission (.mov and .mp4). The breakdown is below: 

• 2D Animation Recommendation:
  • Animation that demonstrates fundamentals of weight, physics, timing, and personality.
  • Animatics of storyboard samples, plus strong character posing and performance that conveys emotion and drives the story.
• 3D Animation and VFX Recommendation: Submit samples that include some or all of the following:
  • 3D or 2D animation that demonstrates fundamentals of weight, physics, timing, and personality.
  • 3D content or 2D content that demonstrates fundamental narrative and visual communication skills, editing, staging, and composition.
  • Examples that demonstrate integration of digital art and live action content including basic compositing skills such as masking, roto, matte painting, and camera tracking.
  • VFX simulations, 3D characters or creature animation using any 3D software packages.

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: Title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Major Requirement Essay

Prompt

In no more than 2 pages, talk about an issue in the news that’s important to you and why. Why is it important to the public at large? Are there aspects of the story that are getting too little attention in the media coverage?

Formatting

Your essay should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. Remember to title your essay.

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: Title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Major Requirement Essay

Prompt

In no more than 2 pages, please plan an event and include all the details that you would need to prepare for including, but not limited to, the budget, venue, marketing, specific guest list or types and how many, why are you doing this, food, entertainment, wardrobe direction, menu, speakers, performers, etc. While you have full creative control over what this event is, the more details you include and plan for, the better. And originality matters.

There must be two additional people on your team that you are in charge of coordinating. These two people can have any role or skillsets that you choose, and they must be included in your planning structure.

There must be at least one (1) dilemma that you face in your planning that you must plan accordingly for. You can choose one of the following examples or come up with your own dilemma that directly affects the planning of your event:

• Two people that are vital to the event have had a fall-out and will not work with each other.
• Your event requires food to be present but there are many different dietary restrictions and the budget cannot accommodate multiple different dishes to match these dietary needs.

Formatting

This essay should be typed in Times New Roman, 12 font, one-inch margins, single-spaced and no longer than two (2) pages in length. You may not use bullet points; this must be in essay format with full sentences. First person language is fine to utilize.

4. Autobiographical Video Essay

A direct link to upload this requirement will appear on your Application Status Page once the rest of the Creative Supplement has been submitted.

Prompt

Create a short video essay no longer than two (2) minutes in length. Tell us your story as if you were creating a project proposal and pitching it. In this video essay, you will answer all of these questions:

• What is your background?
• How did you discover your passion for producing?
• Outside of your immediate family members, who has had a major influence on your life and helped get you to where you are today?
• What movie(s) or television show(s) has/have had a profound impact on your decision to pursue Creative Producing?

Formatting

You may include other dialogue, sounds, images, video clips, etc. to help tell your story but you must include your own voice for the majority of the dialogue. You do not need to film yourself if you are uncomfortable, but there must be visual representations present in your video essay that relate to the content of it. We highly recommend your video essay be completely in English, but you may also supplement with on-screen text whenever necessary.

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: Title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Major Requirement Essay

Prompt

In no more than 2 pages, write an analysis of a film released in 2024 that strongly resonated with you. Focus on the film's execution and delivery of themes or messages, particularly how specific uses of the cinematic aesthetic (such as cinematography, editing, and sound) contributed to the overall impact.

Formatting

Your essay should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. Remember to title your essay.

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume 

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: Title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Visual Sample

A direct link to upload this requirement will appear on your Application Status page once the rest of the Creative Supplement has been submitted.

You are encouraged to use music and sound effects in your visual sample. Music may be copyrighted, but must be instrumental (no lyrics, only orchestral pieces and sound effects).

Prompt

Without using dialogue, voice over or music with lyrics, create a film that is under two minutes and is about a character making a difficult decision. Show that the character is pulled in two different directions at an emotional level, visualize their process of consideration and show that they make a decision.

Showcase your 1st choice emphasis interest in your visual sample. For example, if you selected Production Design, we would like to see your production design skills shown throughout your two-minute film.

Please follow this prompt as it is written. Not following the prompt (for example: including dialogue or exceeding 2 minutes) could affect how this part of your application is reviewed. Each applicant is required to be the sole creator of their film and all creative supplement requirements.

4. Writing Sample (Directing Emphasis only)

If you select Directing as your emphasis, you must also submit two short writing samples (both prompts below):

Prompt 1

In no more than 500 words, describe a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of yourself as a result of this experience.

Formatting: Your story should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

AND

Prompt 2

All Directing students are required to direct a capstone project. In no more than 200 words, provide a synopsis for an original story for a thesis film that would run approximately 10-15 minutes in length. It should be your original story and not adapted from material authored by someone else. Bear in mind your budget and shooting schedule will be limited.

Formatting: Your story should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: Title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Major Requirement Essay

Prompt

In no more than 2 pages, describe a public relations, advertising or film marketing campaign that was particularly successful in reaching its target audiences. Examine the overall goal or message of the campaign, how that message was delivered and whether the campaign was effective or not. Please cite supporting research or information that would support your conclusions.

Formatting

Your essay should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. Remember to title your essay.

You can find the Creative Supplement requirements and instructions on the How to Apply to the Department of Theatre page.

1. Dodge College Personal Statement

In 500 words or fewer, tell us what about your distinct experiences/background/values makes you a unique candidate for the program for which you are applying. Please focus on what makes you unique as a person beyond any direct experience you may have in your intended field of study. Use this prompt to talk about aspects of yourself that are not already covered in other parts of your application.

2. Creative Resume 

Provide a resume highlighting 5-7 pieces of your best creative projects (1 page maximum).

These projects should demonstrate your ability to convey a story or message through creative, artistic or technical talents. As we are only asking for a limited number of projects, include more recent items and projects in which you were the driving force or had a leadership role. These can include class assignments, projects from jobs or internships, or your personal hobbies and freelance work.

Your resume should not contain the projects themselves. It is simply a written description of your projects.

Use this format to structure your resume:

Title: title of the project (length of project if applicable)

Reason for creating/Date of creation: You may write “freelance” if it was something you did on your own.

Description of item: An in-depth description of the piece, the inspiration or objective, and your specific role in its creation. Also list any awards or special recognition you may have received for the piece.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

I wrote several feature articles on various topics from the constant flooding of the men’s bathroom to vandalism on campus. I also did a film review for every issue. I helped with the layout of the paper as well as selecting the final photographs.

3. Major Requirement: Short Story

Prompt

In no more than 2 pages, write a short comedic or dramatic scene based on the prompt below:

Two people who are close experience a sudden calamity that changes their relationship.

Focus on developing and defining characters, building on the story and creating captivating dialogue. Do not use formal screenplay format. We are looking for strength in your storytelling ability.

Formatting

Your story should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. Remember to title your story.