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 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.

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 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 other creative medium. We are open to non-traditional portfolios 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 good candidate for the ETC.

Do I need to take the subject or writing GRE Test?

If you take the GRE test, note that we require the general scores, and they should be sent to:

Institution Code: 2074

Do I really have to take the TOEFL/IELTS?

For international students who earn their entire undergraduate degree (minimum 4 years) at a college/university in the United States, the language test requirement may be waived. For all other international students, the TOEFL/IELTS is required.

Please Note: If you spend any less than 4 years (for example studying abroad in a different country) studying in the United States for your Bachelor’s Degree, we will NOT be able to waive the language test.

Insititution Code: 2074

TOEFL total score 92

• Listening Subscore 23
• Reading Subscore 23
• Speaking Subscore 23
• Writing Subscore 23

Minimum IELTS score 7.5

Please provide the following information to the test centers when requesting IELTS scores be sent to the ETC

• Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center
• Address:  5000 Forbes Avenue, PTC Building, Pittsburgh, PA

Must I attend the ETC full time?

The ETC is 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 the completion of the degree program cannot be attained in less than two years.

Can I work while attending the ETC?

Due to the time commitment necessary to complete the program, we strongly discourage students from working outside the department.

What are you looking for in a letter of recommendation?

Recommendation letters should come from professors, project directors, employers, anyone who can describe examples of your talent and interesting things you have done, in addition to being able to 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 deadline.

What exactly is the statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose is typically 2-3 pages and describes various aspects of what attracts you to Entertainment Technology and to the ETC, 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 on your own vision for yourself, as well as a tool for our admission process.

What kind of financial aid do you offer?

The ETC offers a limited number of merit scholarships. All students who apply to the ETC will automatically be considered for these scholarships through the application process.  Scholarships will be granted for one year of study and may be renewed for the second year based on academic performance.

 How can I visit?

Please schedule an appointment with Rebecca Lombardi (rl3j@andrew.cmu.edu) Visiting the ETC page.