»How to Apply to Dodge College

Application details updated for 2026 cycle

The information on this page has been updated for the 2026 application cycle (those applying to spring or fall 2026). To gain access to your Creative Supplement, you must first submit your application to Chapman University via the Common App.

Follow these steps to apply to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University.

Step 1: Know your deadline

First, make sure you know your application deadline. That way you can apply on time.

Spring 2026

October 15, 2025 is the application deadline for first-year students and transfer students.

Note that transfer students cannot apply for a spring entry into BFA Film and Television Production or BFA Screen Acting. Transfer students must apply for a fall entry to these programs.

Fall 2026

November 1, 2025 is the application deadline for first-year students who are applying for:
- Early Action: Early Action is a way to apply to Chapman early. You will receive your decision earlier than if you were to apply for Regular Decision.
- Early Decision: Early Decision is a way to apply to Chapman early. You will receive your decision earlier than if you were to apply for Regular Decision. Early Decision is binding. That means that if you are admitted, you must withdraw all other applications and attend Chapman.
- Film and Television Production (priority deadline)*
- Screen Acting (priority deadline)*
- Writing for Film and Television (priority deadline)*
January 15, 2026 is the Regular Decision deadline for all programs.
February 15, 2026 is the application deadline for transfer students.

* While we accept applications for Film and Television Production, Screen Acting and Writing for Film and Television up until the Regular Decision deadline, we recommend you apply by the priority deadline.

Step 2: Submit Your Common Application

Follow the Chapman application process to submit your Common Application.

You can’t move on to the next step until you have submitted your Common Application. Try to submit your Common Application as soon as possible so that you have time for Step 3 (Submit your Creative Supplement). Also, note that:

We recommend you submit a letter of recommendation from someone that speaks to your creative talents and merits as a student. This letter should be submitted through the Common App (not Creative Supplement).
- This letter would be in addition to the letter of recommendation required by the Office of Admission, so you would be submitting two letters total.
When applying to Film and Television Production, you will need to select an area of study. You can learn more about the areas of study, and classes associated with each, on our Film and Television Production Catalog page.

Step 3: Submit your Creative Supplement

All Dodge College applicants must submit a Creative Supplement. Your Creative Supplement is a showcase of experience and work that you’ve done related to that major.

You will submit your Creative Supplement on your Application Status Page. You can only access your Application Status Page after you have submitted your Common Application, so be sure to submit your Common Application as soon as possible.
You only have to submit a Creative Supplement for your first-choice major. If you include a second-choice major on your application, you don’t have to submit a Creative Supplement for it.
There may be essay prompts in the Creative Supplement that are similar to prompts in the Common Application. In this case, please make your answer unique to the Creative Supplement and related to the program you are applying to.
Part of our evaluation is how well you follow the prompts. Please do your best to follow the directions, including not going over the time limit for videos.
If you are having issues uploading materials, check out our Creative Supplement upload tips.

The requirements for the Creative Supplement are different for each major. Choose your major to view requirements:

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1. 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.

2. 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.

The following recommendations are intended to be guidelines for admission into the program. 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 are interested in, you may submit a combination of samples from each of the three areas. If you do not have access to 3D and VFX software, you may submit a portfolio of 2D items while still indicating a preferred emphasis in 3D or VFX.

The use of AI-generated content of any kind will not be accepted for 2026 portfolio applications. applications.

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. Creative Resume

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

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.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

2. Major Requirement Essay

Prompt

In no more than two (2) pages, talk about an issue in the news that is 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? 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.

1. Creative Resume

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

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.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

2. 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 you are 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 that you will have to adjust your plan for. You determine the dilemma and explain how you planned accordingly. For example, two people that are vital to the event have had a falling out and refuse to work with each other (Please note, you must choose your own dilemma and cannot use the example provided).

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.

3. Self-Introduction Video

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

In this video, you will have a trusted family member or friend interview you. You must answer the following questions:

What film or television series had a profound impact on your decision to pursue producing?
In your own words, describe what a producer does and explain which aspect(s) of this path are most intriguing to you?
Outside of your immediate family members, who has had a major influence on your life and helped get you to where you are today?

Instructions

You must be facing the camera for the duration of the interview. Your interviewer does not need to be on camera. Please keep the video to no more than three (3) minutes in length.

1. Creative Resume

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

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.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

2. Major Requirement Essay

Prompt

In no more than 2 pages, write an analysis of a film released in 2025 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. Creative Resume

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

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.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

2. 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, orchestral pieces and sound effects encouraged).

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.

3. Writing Sample

Prompt

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.

If you select Directing as your emphasis, you must also submit the Capstone Essay below (both prompts must be submitted).

4. Capstone Essay (Directing Emphasis Only)

All Directing students are required to direct a capstone project. In no more than 200 words, submit a synopsis for a short film (10–15 minutes in length). Your story should be original—not adapted from existing material—and should reflect a clear narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and end. Keep in mind that your film will be produced with limited time and budget, so consider stories that are achievable within those constraints.

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

1. Creative Resume

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

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.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

2. 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. Creative Resume

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

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.

Creative Resume example:

Articles for the School Newspaper

Journalism I class, 2022

2. Major Requirement: Short Story

Prompt

In no more than two (2) pages, write a compelling scene — comedic or dramatic, any genre — 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

Do not use screenplay format. Please use short story format: typed, single-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides, with one-line breaks between paragraphs.