Todd Deery07:00:00 PMWelcome everyone. We will get started in a few minutesTodd Deery07:02:25 PMSome things to note: This is the very first chat we've done using UCF's new system. So bear with us if we incur any first night snafus.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:02:57 PMCool - I see You and Michelle have our names listed on the online faculty alreadyMichelle Senter07:03:24 PMYes! Hello everyone! In The second slide you should see a list of all the faculty members on this chatTodd Deery07:03:27 PMYes. Everyone *should* be able to see some slides and links to videos at the bottom of the screen.Todd Deery07:04:03 PMThis is your guide to who we all are. There are also several current students who have joined.Todd Deery07:04:17 PMCan current FIEA students let them know who you are?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:04:18 PMhello from a current studentTodd Deery07:04:36 PMand track would be good.Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student07:04:40 PMHello, I am a current student as well in the Production track.Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:04:43 PMproduction!Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:05:37 PMI can Answer any Art related Questions PeterJacqueline Bornstein07:06:11 PM@Brittany @Joshua are either of you doing tech design ? :OPeter Hanson07:06:26 PMFor the Art track, can applicants specialize in 2d art or is it both 3d or 2d that's required?Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student07:06:52 PM@Jacqueline Yes! My current concentration is on Tech Design.Todd Deery07:07:10 PMSo we're off. Please ask any questions that you want.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:07:15 PMAnd I'm Joshua's professor :)Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:07:42 PMI'm sitting in on the classes, but specializing in level design

Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:07:45 PMI teach in the programming track and I also teach the Fall semester for Tech Design.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:07:59 PMTricky Question - You really can't specialize in 2D as there are very few opportunities available, Artists can choose to specialize in 3D, Animation or Tech Art. But we do have many talented 2D artistsJacqueline Bornstein07:08:21 PMOOOOOO cool! and Hi Paul! I met you and Todd at UF for CDW and have since definitely decided on applying for production to do tech design, so thank you!!Amanda Swiger07:08:32 PMCan I submit my online application now or do I have to wait until I have all my letters of recommendation?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:08:33 PMGreat!Lingna Ge07:09:05 PMSo, what is the acceptance rate for last year? Also is there anything like one track harder to apply than the others?Todd Deery07:09:08 PMAlso, if you are unfamiliar with FIEA, watch the first video in this deck. it's a brief intro to the school.Todd Deery07:09:24 PMhey Jacqueline!Todd Deery07:09:41 PMMichelle said she saw you yesterday.Michelle Senter07:09:47 PMHi Amanda! You can submit you online application nowMichael Leavitt07:09:50 PMRegarding the Production portfolio project, specifically the Game Prototype option: how does that work, exactly? Can we just build a prototype and submit it by our PRD, or are we given narrower parameters and tighter deadlines?Jacqueline Bornstein07:09:50 PM^^are the acceptance rates known for tracks?Michelle Senter07:10:20 PMwe actually require 3 reference's contact information not actual letters so as long as you submit a PDF or word doc that lists your references contact info you are good to go!Shaan Joshi07:10:31 PMHey Todd & Paul! We met at UF's CDW event a few weeks back. Also, hey @Michelle, we talked on the phone re: GRE scores :)Peter Hanson07:10:32 PMSo would it be appropriate for someone who has a strong 2d background to apply for the 3d background?Jacqueline Bornstein07:10:33 PM

Yup yup! I was going to email Michelle right after this, hahaPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:10:49 PMHello Shaan.Todd Deery07:10:54 PMacceptance rates are lowest for production (we get the most apps there), highest for programming (smaller app numbers) and in the middle for art. Our overall acceptance rate is around 40 percent.Michelle Senter07:10:54 PMHi Shawn!Juan Diaz07:11:00 PMhi, I have a bachelors from The Art Institute in Media Arts & Animation. I'm looking at the Masters in Video Game Dev. But I believe is only nationally accredited and not nationally.Michelle Senter07:11:00 PMShaan*!Nadia Wilson07:11:37 PMHello, I graduated from undergrad USF in December with a degree in computer science and a minor in creative writing, While I am interested in the programming track I am also interested in narrative design in video games so I'm curious if there are any classes that focus on that or maybe if programming track is not for meAmanda Swiger07:11:39 PMOkay, is Google Drive okay to use? I saw that using zip files and multiple attachments wasn't the best thing to do, but supplying a link to the folder of applcation items on Google Drive was possiblePaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:11:50 PMHello Juan, FIEA is a SACS accredited program.Leehe Mahalal07:12:17 PMBy any chance, does anyone here focus on technical art?Todd Deery07:12:26 PMJuan, please contact admisisons and we can see if your degree is accredited.Juan Diaz07:12:29 PMsorry , I mean my bachelors is nationally accredited so Im not sure if I meet the requirements to enter the programJuan Diaz07:12:44 PMok thank youTodd Deery07:12:44 PMNadiaChris Roda- Art Faculty07:12:57 PMPeter, We accept artists from all sorts of backgrounds and especially from strong 2D and traditional backgrouns(painting, sculpting, etc.) In fact the more "Art" you have in your portfolio th better you'll be. However, we can only offer 3D, Animation or Tech Art as areas of Specialization.Michelle Senter07:13:02 PMGoogle drive is okay to use when submitting your portfolio pieces Amanda but for the list of references you are able to upload only a PDF or word doc on the Ucf grad studies application portal

Todd Deery07:13:07 PMmany production classes focus on narrative design.Amanda Swiger07:13:19 PMGotchaTodd Deery07:13:27 PMso technical design may be an interest of yoursJacqueline Bornstein07:13:31 PMFor production, are we allowed to work with others for the portfolio and credit them? e.g. for models/art or help video recording?Todd Deery07:13:40 PMor you can always audit any classes at fiea for no extra charge.Peter Hanson07:13:43 PMI just started working on Zbrush earlier this year to have materiel appropriate for my portfolio.Shaan Joshi07:13:51 PMQuick question -- for the application, does it matter if some of our references are not related to the university we went to? Despite doing well in my core CS classes, a lot of those classes were large, non-intimate lectures, where the chances to get to know a professor were slim. Even if you talked to them outside of lecture, professors often had 300+ students to keep track of. I was selected (alongside a few other CS graduates -- I was the only current student) to participate in a coding bootcamp hosted by a local tech company in town. I wanted to use some of my teammates (who are now employees) and the employees who coordinated the event as references, but I wasn't sure if that would mesh well with what FIEA is looking for.Lingna Ge07:14:01 PMcan students take classes in other tracks?Shaan Joshi07:14:06 PM(I apologize for the wall of text)Todd Deery07:14:08 PMJacqueline, yes you can as long as it is clear who did what.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:14:19 PMIn fact I have two students specializing in Tech Art this cohort who want to be "concept artists". There are very few concept artist positions assailable in the industry but they see themselves as Concept artists who practice Tech Art.Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student07:14:31 PMLingna, yes you can audit any class even in another track. I have done so several times.Michael Leavitt07:14:49 PMDoes that also apply to third-party art/animation assets from a given engine's asset store?Todd Deery07:14:49 PMShaanMichelle Senter07:14:59 PMHi Shaan, yes those references would be good to use! We typically look for people who can attest to your work ethic and that doesn't necessarily have to only be professors at your university

Todd Deery07:15:03 PMprofessional references (non academic) are perfectly finie.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:15:07 PMZBrush work is fantastic, Would love to see it in your portfolio!Todd Deery07:15:15 PMJust don't give us three references from friends or family :)Peter Hanson07:15:16 PMI can do both 3d and 2d assets. I believe this is the best route for me to take.Lingna Ge07:15:31 PMThanks, I realized that has just been answered right after I press enter lolPeter Hanson07:15:44 PMAny preference on how I should tailor my portfolio?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:15:48 PMLigna, you can also do that to any extent you want. Just sit in, or if you'd like to do the homework most of the professors will give you feedbackTodd Deery07:16:01 PMLigna, yes you can. You can sit in on any classes you can fit into your schedule.Amanda Swiger07:16:03 PMAre we allowed to have just one reference as a personal relationship? I've got two academic ones and one personal oneMichelle Senter07:16:49 PMYes one personal reference is okay AmandaAmanda Swiger07:16:54 PMAwesomeShaan Joshi07:17:04 PM@Michelle @Todd - thanks, good to know. I plan to get at least one reference from UF, but I will definitely be looking outside UF for the other 2. Thanks for clarifying!Belanna Marconi07:17:21 PMSo if we audit a class, does that go through any kind of official channel, or do we just sit in on the class?Michelle Senter07:17:23 PMYou are welcome Shaan!Todd Deery07:17:33 PMLeehe do you have tech art question? Chris Roda can def answer it.Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:17:47 PMBelanna you can just sit inMichelle Senter07:17:50 PMNo official channel or paperwork or extra money to audit a class Belanna! Just speak to the professor

Todd Deery07:17:54 PM@shaan, cool. Sounds like a good mix.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:17:55 PMSure, Show off as much "good" art as you can Traditional or Digital. Please try to have realistic expectations of what what you'd like to do once you graduate. Being a concept artist out of school is crazy difficult. However, a strong 3D, animation or Tech Art background will always help your 2D skills.Belanna Marconi07:18:25 PM@Michelle @Brittany Thank you!Leehe Mahalal07:18:25 PMI am currently an undergrad computer science major considering whether to pursue the programming or technical art track, I'd kind of like to know differences there are between the two curriculums?Lingna Ge07:18:34 PMI'm kind of confused on whether a resume/personal statement is needed, cause at the beginning of admission page it says don't upload resume/PS to UCF, send them by mail, then it doesn't say anywhere else whether we need them or notTodd Deery07:18:48 PMEveryone, also note that we just updated our admission videos. They are linked below and you can find them on our site. Definitely watch them as you apply.Nadia Wilson07:18:57 PMThanks for the answer Todd!Todd Deery07:19:16 PM@paul can you take Leehe question?Neri St.Charles07:19:17 PMSo regarding the fellowships that are offered,Michael Leavitt07:20:11 PM@Production folks: could I get a bit more detail on how the Game Prototype portfolio option works? Are there any specific parameters or requirements—anything I should be shooting for? Is there any kind of limited timeframe, or should I just shoot to have it done before my Portfolio Review Date?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:20:17 PMHello Leehe, the Programming track is considerably different than the Technical Art track. Here is an overview of the programming track https://fiea.ucf.edu/curriculum/programming/Peter Hanson07:20:30 PMI'd like to pursue a career at ID software in Texas after i'm done with school. Has any graduates made it to that company?Michelle Senter07:20:37 PM@Lingna a resume or personal statement is not required however if you would like to include it you can email them directly to us in admissions!Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:20:41 PMOverall, Programming is a deep-dive in C++ in the context of game development.Neri St.Charles07:20:41 PM

As I understand it, the tech track has one that's all to itself, the art track has two to itself, and the production track shares broad director fellowship with all three tracks. Given that I'd imagine it's the hardest to qualify for. Can anyone expand upon what sorts of things are looked for to earn a fellowship and what sorts of amounts they result in?Peter Hanson07:20:46 PMeither Character art or 2d conceptChris Roda- Art Faculty07:21:08 PMThanks for asking Leehe! I love CS majors as I was originally one a really long time ago! CS majors make great Technical Artists. But TAs are Artists first who create art Technically. The level of Terrchnicallity is up to the artist.Andy Luong07:21:10 PMWhat are some of the more technical skills that tech artists will take away?Todd Deery07:21:45 PMNeriShaan Joshi07:21:46 PM@Paul -- for coding portfolios, if we worked on a project that others contributed to, should we just send along snippets of stuff we solely worked on, or should we send the whole working project?Jennifer Kotick07:22:35 PM@Brittany Do you chose a specialization within production once you get into that track? I saw that you said that you specialize in level design.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:22:42 PMTech Art focusses on Seven Areas. Tech Art Math, Python Programming, Rigging, Tool Design, Shader Writing, Visual EffectsTodd Deery07:22:48 PMRegarding fellowships. Fellowships are merit based, and awarded after you are accepted. The amounts are based on the student and our budgets for the year and number of apps. Ranges vary each year but go from $1k to 10k usually.Jessica Nguyen07:22:59 PMHello, my name is Jessica and I am currently an undergrad computer science and engineering major interested in the programming track. What kind of coding portfolios are you guys looking for? Does it has to be code for a game?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:22:59 PM@Jennifer-- hi again, first of all :)Peter Hanson07:23:25 PMAsking for a friend, for the production track what do producers need to have in their portfolio?Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:23:28 PMTech Artists throw in a heavy duty dosage of leadership skills and art asset management as wellAndy Luong07:23:40 PMCan you tell me more about shader writing?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:23:42 PM@Jennifer every producer takes 6 weeks of tech design first, and then they can choose whether to stick with it or choose another specialization. and of course you can audit all the specialized tracks

Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:24:26 PMYou have to give an 'official' answer about a week after the first 6 weeks, but if you're conflicted you can continue to audit and do all the homework for other tracks and then switch to it by the end of the semesterChris Roda- Art Faculty07:24:35 PMShader writing is writing little programs, Written in HLSL or GLSL, that tell the renderer how to render in object materialsPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:25:00 PM@Peter, looking through our database, I don't see anyone current at ID, but I do recall students with positions at Zenimax (ID's parent). And we have students in over 140 commercial game studios, including of Epic and Bethesda (another ZeniMax studio).Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:25:10 PMHLSL and GLSL are a slightly simpler version of C++Todd Deery07:25:18 PMif anyone has not had a question answered, please repeat it.Michelle Senter07:25:22 PM@Paul Can you answer Jessica about coding samples for programming portfolio?Todd Deery07:25:25 PMdon't want to miss anyone.Michael Leavitt07:25:33 PM@Production folks: could I get a bit more detail on how the Game Prototype portfolio option works? Are there any specific parameters or requirements—anything I should be shooting for? Is there any kind of limited timeframe, or should I just shoot to have it done before my Portfolio Review Date?Todd Deery07:25:48 PM@michaelLeehe Mahalal07:25:48 PMThank you Paul and Chris for the response! I was also wondering, to Paul, since it seems C++ is the main focus of the programming track, would you say it is more favorable to show projects in Unreal Engine for our portfolio?Jennifer Kotick07:25:53 PM@Brittany Thanks!Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student07:26:01 PM@Peter, you'll complete one of the portfolio assignments and can also submit other works that you have worked on as well.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:26:21 PM@Shaan, it's often hard to pick our just your code in a larger project. One option is to produce a brief video with your code onscreen and you discussing what you did and why it's interesting.Todd Deery07:26:24 PMproduction portfolio consists of work you turn in (if you so choose) but we also give you a choice to do 1 of 5 assignments. and you have 2 weeks to do it.Todd Deery07:26:42 PM

we will send you details on the assignment when you say you are ready adn then the clock starts.Michelle Senter07:27:30 PM@Jessica for the programming portfolio it could be code in a game but it doesn't have to be. It could be from a class project or a personal project as well and Paul may be able to elaborate morePaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:27:44 PM@Jessica, the code in your portfolio does not need to be a game. It can be, or it can be something you are particularly proud of -- something challenging and interesting. Avoid C# and Unity in your portfolio. Focus on C/C++.Michelle Senter07:28:02 PMThanks Paul!Lingna Ge07:28:05 PMThanks for the previous answers! I'm also wondering in the production portfolio, can we turn in some other design work that is not really game related? (like a movie script I wrote for a friend). Also how much does it affect if only the required assignment is turned in but no other previous work in the portfolio?Neri St.Charles07:28:06 PM@Todd so I understand that they're merit based but are there any more specific sorts of criteria that tends to help the general director fellowship or is it really just excelling at the same things that earn admission?Peter Hanson07:28:20 PMNow for @Chris, how high are the portfolio expectations for the art track for 3d modeling? I just started Zbrush and Maya back in March and have been making great progress. My drawings are my strong suite but my 3d models are coming along.Jessica Nguyen07:28:21 PM@Michelle and Paul, thank you for the answers!Todd Deery07:28:23 PMAlso watch step 4 video in here.Jacqueline Bornstein07:28:57 PMSo I'm a little unclear about the production portfolio being timed, because you don't necessarily have to start the work from scratch in the 2 weeks, right? So should I be trying to finish an assignment beforehand, then get the email instructions and tweak/adjust my work to fit the details during the 2 weeks?Shaan Joshi07:29:01 PM@Paul - thanks for the response. How exactly do we submit our code? Also, we talked about me submitting video files/recorded footage of an UE4 project I'm working on -- any requirements for the footage? (codec, etc.)Todd Deery07:29:15 PMNeri, you will fill out a form that asks you to elaborate on career goals and what you will want to do at fiea. that kind of things. so having a good life and fiea plan helps.Neri St.Charles07:29:29 PMThanks so much!Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:29:31 PM

@Andy, (**Shameless plug**) I wrote a book on shader programming. Real-Time 3D Rendering with DirectX and HLSL: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Time-Rendering-DirectX-HLSL-Programming-ebook/dp/B00K3NR6OCChris Roda- Art Faculty07:30:12 PM@Peter, we expect artists to have either a strong traditional art background or a strong Digital Background. Most folks fall somewhere in between.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:30:15 PMI teach shader programming in semester 3 of the programming track, and often have students do their "mini thesis" on a graphics topic.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:30:51 PMBTW? I use Paul's book in the Shader Writing portion of Tech Art Curriculum :)Amanda Swiger07:30:59 PMHow does the producer portfolio look if it only has the assignment and no other works in it?Peter Hanson07:31:03 PMThanks for the clarification Chris. Since I'm applying for 3d assets, should I incorporate some of my drawings in my FIEA portfolio?Todd Deery07:31:13 PM@amandaTodd Deery07:31:54 PMit's ok if you don't turn in other assignments. But don't forget to let us know if you have been involved in any game or leadership clubs/positions, if you volunteer at igda or acm or that kind of thing.Nadia Wilson07:32:21 PMIf I am interested in both the programming and production track is there a way I can apply for both with the same application?Michael Leavitt07:32:34 PMRelated to @Jacqueline's question: how specific are the requirements, generally speaking? Are we assigned a genre, or are we given specific elements or mechanics to implement, with the genre left up to us?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:32:36 PM@Shaan, you can submit your code digitally. A DropBox or GoogleDrive link, or a link to a repository on GitHub, for example. For videos, MP4 -- best is to upload to YouTube with a private link that you share with us.Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:32:37 PMI think that would be fantastic. As said before we sometimes get students who are only traidtional artists and some come in, like from math, with very little art skills but with a burning desire to create art digitally. Our job in the first semester is to get everyone up to the same levelShaan Joshi07:32:45 PM@Paul I'm doing a GLSL project now -- glad to see it will come back to haunt me if I attend FIEA :PShaan Joshi07:32:54 PMAh, private YouTube video makes sense. Thanks.Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:32:58 PM

@Jacqueline, I imagine Michelle is going to answer this better, but you should do your portfolio piece in the two weeks given. A big thing you're going to be practicing in your first semester is rapid prototyping in two week periods-- I think the portfolio kind of plays into thatBelanna Marconi07:33:01 PMHow much code should be in a programming portfolio? And should we focus on C/C++, even if we dont have a lot of substantial project in it, or include some code in other languages?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:33:34 PM@Michael, genre is left to youPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:33:46 PM@Nadia, the portfolio requirements are different for each track.Michael Leavitt07:34:11 PM@Brittany Great. Thanks! :DAmanda Swiger07:34:26 PMI had lost connection a few minutes ago, so I don't think this went through. But if I want to use a loan or extend a loan I'm already using, would I list UCF downtown if FIEA isn't listed on it?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:34:27 PM@Nadia, I think one application would work, but you'd need to satisfy the portfolio requirements for both Production and Programming.Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:34:34 PMactually I'm going to stop answering admissions questions lol that might only be true for the portfolio piece I did in the year I did it....Michael Leavitt07:34:42 PMlol fairShaan Joshi07:35:38 PMSwitching tracks (no pun intended) -- how's housing look like in and around FIEA? My fiancee and I are trying to figure out how much more expensive it'll be vs. GainesvilleNadia Wilson07:35:47 PM@Paul Thanks I understand that would I send them as one portfolio or two separate onesMichelle Senter07:36:01 PM@Jacqueline and @Michael when you decide which portfolio assignment you are going to do for production and you request it, we give you a detailed document that has instructions but we don't limit you to a certain mechanic or genre. That is still up to you. You might have work you have done in the past that you can use as a part of an assignment or that might relate to an assignment but you really need the full instructions that you request from us in order to start the assignmentsPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:36:05 PM@Belanna, Yes you should focus on C/C++. That might me you need to port something you have in another language. The quantity of code is less important than the quality, but the work does need to be technically interesting/challenging.Todd Deery07:36:22 PM@shaanMichael Leavitt07:36:33 PM

@Michelle: excellent. Thank you!Regarding the additional work I can submit: I'm an alumnus of the Creative Writing MFA at UCF. If I'm interested in narrative as it applies to games, would it be appropriate/helpful to submit a writing sample—Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:36:40 PMI'd say one bedrooms around the area are around $1200 a monthMichael Leavitt07:36:50 PM—like, for example, a story?Michelle Senter07:36:55 PM@brittany you're good, thank you!Todd Deery07:36:57 PMHousing looks amazing. Go to https://fiea.ucf.edu/admissions/housing/Jessica Nguyen07:37:15 PM@Paul, so what kind of quality of C++ code would be consider good to put in our portfolio?Todd Deery07:37:17 PMand click through. housing floorplans and pricing are there.Jacqueline Bornstein07:37:18 PM@Brittany @Michelle, ok thank you!!Lingna Ge07:37:28 PMI have kind of a dumb question though, the FIEA program is 16 months long but most apartments I know only have a one year lease, is that gonna be a problem?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:37:50 PM@Michael, I think you and Rick Hall should chat. He is very interested in creative writing and is actively writing a YA novel.Michelle Senter07:37:51 PM@Ligna your last semester at FIEA you have the option of going on an internship and that doesn't necessarily have to be localPeter Hanson07:37:53 PM@Chris what kind of quality of work do you expect for a successful portfolio that is trying to get into the program?Lingna Ge07:38:09 PMOh! thanks, almost forgot about thatMichelle Senter07:38:12 PMSo sometimes students do a year lease and then they are able to move somewhere else for the last semester if they get an internship elsewherePaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:38:26 PM@Michael, and yes, I think that a writing sample would definitely be appropriate, given that goal.Michelle Senter07:38:26 PMotherwise the dorms that will be opening will be helpful for short term leases!Amanda Swiger07:38:30 PM

@Paul @Michael I'm interested in that too, if I can submit a narrative piece of writing in addition to the assignmentMichelle Senter07:38:45 PMYes @Michael you can include narrative pieces of writing in addition!Todd Deery07:38:49 PMLignaNadia Wilson07:38:50 PMSimilar to @Michael's question I also have a couple text adventure games that I made would it be appropriate to include that to my portfolio?Michelle Senter07:38:54 PMin addition* to portfolio assignmentMichael Leavitt07:38:57 PMAwesome. Thanks!Todd Deery07:39:16 PMMost apartments understand the fiea timeframe, and our new on campus housing will certainly have no problem wiht the 16 months.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:39:47 PM@Jessica, appropriate code would be something you developed as part of an 3rd-4th year course. Examples could include: data structures/algorithms, artificial intelligence, and graphics.Jacqueline Bornstein07:39:57 PMSo I'm interested in UX design and am in classes for it now, could I submit work from that for the production portfolio? ...what exactly is the limit with additional pieces?? hahaLingna Ge07:40:01 PMOK! thanks! that's niceJacqueline Bornstein07:41:02 PMThe UCF housing looks pretty but expensive :( would finding FIEA roomie friends for an apartment be about the same price?Amanda Swiger07:41:12 PMIf FIEA isn't an option on a loan, but UCF Downtown is, would I put UCF Downtown?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student07:41:34 PMa lot of us room with classmatesJessica Nguyen07:41:39 PM@Paul, would it be appropriate to submit code for a project from a class or should it be something from a personal project?Michelle Senter07:41:50 PM@Jacqueline it depends on the apartments but having FIEA roommates definitely cut living costsMichelle Senter07:42:12 PMonce you are accepted into the program we place you in a facebook group with other accepted students and you are able to discuss housing options thereRick Hall07:42:13 PM

hiShaan Joshi07:42:23 PM@Paul -- can you give an example at the level of complexity and "how interesting" past coding portfolios were? Are recreations of classic games (Tetris, for example) a suitable submission?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:42:24 PM@Jessica, either is fine, but always put your best foot forward. Don't submit something you aren't proud of or don't find technically interesting or challenging.Michelle Senter07:42:29 PM@Amanda which loan application are you referring to?Lingna Ge07:42:45 PMJust curious, what is the percentage of female students and international students? I fill in both of those minority groups so a little nervousJessica Nguyen07:42:48 PM@Paul, that makes sense. Thank you for answering!Amanda Swiger07:42:53 PMGive me just a momentJennifer Kotick07:43:00 PMI'm interested in the art and production tracks, how would I structure a portfolio to submit? Would I be able to add art examples along with my production portfolio work?Amanda Swiger07:43:30 PM@Michelle Stafford Great LakesPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:43:39 PM@Shaan, Yes, recreations of class games are good ideas. Even a game like Pong or Tetris, that might (from a gameplay perspective) be trivial, can have interesting technical challenges and software design challenges.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:44:28 PM@Shaan, I would not want to see such projects done in Unreal or Unity.Jessica Nguyen07:45:15 PM@Paul, just out of curiosity, why would you not like to see projects done in Unreal or Unity?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:45:18 PM@Shaan, unless you did something else, within those projects, that made them technically challenging. I want to see your code, and often times a game framework or engine does the heavy-lifting for you.Shaan Joshi07:45:25 PM@Paul -- awesome, I've been working on Tetris in c++ using SFML for graphics. I'm doing my senior design project in UE4, would video footage w/ narration of what I worked on sufficeShaan Joshi07:45:42 PM(I plan to mostly focus on C++ without any engine or framework)Jacqueline Bornstein07:45:44 PMSFML made me very sad LOLMichael Leavitt07:46:02 PM

@Paul: is that expectation specifically for Programming portfolios? Is it okay to use such an engine for Production?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:46:11 PM@Jessica, I recommend that you avoid Unity because it uses C# as the scripting language (which, BTW, is my favorite programming language).Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:46:44 PM@Jessica, I would not avoid Unreal -- Unreal is fine, but use C++ instead of Blueprints and do something technically challenging within the engine.Amanda Swiger07:46:51 PM@Michelle it's Stafford Great Lakes loanPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:47:20 PM@Shaan, Yes, video footage w/ narration on that project would be great!Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:47:44 PM@Michael, I was specifically referring to a Programming Portfolio.Shaan Joshi07:47:49 PMAwesome. I have a good idea of how my portfolio will look. Thanks for all the advicePaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:47:58 PM@Shaan, :)Michael Leavitt07:48:07 PMOkay, great. (^_^`)Nadia Wilson07:48:14 PMSimilar to Michael's previous question about his short stories I also have a couple text adventure games that I made would it be appropriate to include that to my portfolio?Todd Deery07:48:24 PMAn update: Rick Hall, our production faculty, is having some serious tech issues and cannot make it in tonight.Jacqueline Bornstein07:48:30 PMre: So I'm interested in UX design and am in classes for it now, could I submit work from that for the production portfolio? ...what exactly is the limit with additional pieces??Todd Deery07:48:37 PMHe is happy to chat with anyone over skype or email if needed.Michelle Senter07:48:39 PM@Amanda I would need to do a bit more looking into the loan application but for now it would seem Ucf downtown would be the best fit.Jessica Nguyen07:48:44 PM@Paul, ah okay. Thanks.Amanda Swiger07:48:52 PMOkay cool thanks @MichelleMichelle Senter07:48:57 PMYou can email me directly at Michelle.senter@ucf.edu Amanda and I will look into it more!

Jacqueline Bornstein07:49:05 PM@Todd I would LOVE to talk to Rick, please lolAmanda Swiger07:49:22 PM@Todd I'd like to talk with him as well!Todd Deery07:49:30 PM@jacqueline, please email Michelle and she can set you up.Todd Deery07:49:38 PMand amanda.Michelle Senter07:49:50 PMYes Jacqueline, I can put you in contact with Rick!Todd Deery07:51:07 PMI want to stress about housing that for the first time fiea students will be able to live on campus. In brand new housing.Shaan Joshi07:51:30 PM^that sounds awesome. Is the housing pet friendly?Jacqueline Bornstein07:51:42 PMLOLOL you guys were very excited about it when I talked to youTodd Deery07:51:48 PMso please check out that option as well. If you go to our fiea site, admissions, housing and then click on the link you will get all the info.Todd Deery07:52:07 PMyes we are !Todd Deery07:52:18 PMnot sure about pets. have to look on the site.Shaan Joshi07:52:32 PM^will do. Similarly, I'm assuming this on campus housing is students only?Todd Deery07:52:48 PMhttps://unionwest.ucf.edu/Todd Deery07:52:55 PMyes. shaanAmanda Swiger07:53:17 PMCan I chat with Rick as well?Jessica Nguyen07:53:34 PMMay I ask what the acceptance rate was again? Specifically for the programming track?Michelle Senter07:53:41 PM@Amanda yes, I can connect you. Just follow up with be via email :)Todd Deery07:53:44 PM

yes amanda.Michelle Senter07:53:49 PMme*Amanda Swiger07:53:51 PMOkay, just sent an emailMichelle Senter07:54:11 PMGreat!Shaan Joshi07:54:14 PMwhelp. off campus it is! :DNadia Wilson07:54:34 PMSimilar to Michael's previous question about his short stories I also have a couple text adventure games that I made would it be appropriate to include that to my portfolio? I'm also curious to if any of the current students have a job as well I currently work full-time as a software developer and I can work remotely but I was wondering if it will be manageable along with what seems to be an intense grad program?Todd Deery07:54:51 PMjessica, acceptance rate is about 40 percentTodd Deery07:55:14 PMif you are talented, you will get in. Please don't shy away from applying. It's competitive but you can get in.Michael Leavitt07:55:26 PM@Michelle, may I contact Rick, as well?Juan Diaz07:55:29 PMWhen will the facilities in the Downtown Campus open?Shaan Joshi07:55:54 PM@todd - to add onto the acceptance rate, can you detail what you guys place a big emphasis on, or what applicants who don't get in failed to show in their application?Shaan Joshi07:56:10 PM(or is it a limited number of spots kind of issue)Todd Deery07:56:26 PM@juanTodd Deery07:56:34 PMthey will be ready for next fall.Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student07:56:54 PMNadia, I can't speak about the portfolio but I do know that FIEA is a big commitment. Most say not to have a job while going to school because it can begin to pile up. That being said, I do currently have a part time job that I work on the weekends. I'm not sure full time work would fit into a busy schedule thoughPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:56:59 PM

@Jessica,I second Todd's advice. I strongly encourage you to apply without too much stress over the acceptance rate. I often hear that students are afraid to apply, because they don't feel prepared. Or because they aren't already game developers. Please don't let that fear stand in your way.Jessica Nguyen07:57:01 PMIs the acceptance for each track different? Or is it all included together? Like, if I apply for the programming track, would I be competing with students applying for the other tracks or just with student applying for the programming track?Michelle Senter07:57:08 PM@Michael yes just shoot me an email and I will connect you.Todd Deery07:57:15 PM@shaanMichael Leavitt07:57:49 PM@Michelle Great! Email inbound.Todd Deery07:57:51 PMthere isn't one thing per se. you basically have 3 things to help make your case. Portfolio. gre. gpa.Todd Deery07:58:03 PMaritsts don't have to have gre.Michelle Senter07:58:05 PM@Nadia yes you can include any games or essays/short stories you have created in your portfolio submission. Unfortunately since we are a very rigorous program most students do not have time for a jobTodd Deery07:58:30 PMyou need to have two of those be strong basically. And it also helps to show you are passionate and committed.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty07:58:35 PM@Shaan, we look at 3 things: your GPA (emphasis on in-major courses), GRE and portfolio. Have at least 2 of those be strong.Shaan Joshi07:58:46 PMCan do!Chris Roda- Art Faculty07:58:55 PMCorrect - Art staff does not look at GRE scores, just portfolio and applicationTodd Deery07:59:07 PMAs Josh said it's a big commitment so we like to see passonate, determined students.Jessica Nguyen07:59:16 PM@Todd and Paul, thank you for the encouragement. I was actually starting to get scare of applying lol.Jacqueline Bornstein07:59:44 PMWould any of the students on here be cool sharing what they did for their portfolio?? (particularly production :D)Todd Deery08:00:12 PMDon't be Jessica. And everyone. FIEA really looks for all types and we look for determined, passionate people who who show commitment and some talent.

Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student08:00:18 PMI wrote a game design document. Do you have questions about it or do you just want me to talk about it?Todd Deery08:00:33 PMbut you don't have to be a superstar to get in. We hope you will be one when you get out!Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student08:00:55 PMI did the Game Analysis and level design assignment for my portfolio. As well as submitted a few small games I had made.Peter Hanson08:01:19 PMAs an artist, do you have to takr the gre exam?Peter Hanson08:01:24 PMTake*Amanda Swiger08:01:25 PM@Todd, that makes me feel a little better hahaTodd Deery08:01:26 PM@peterTodd Deery08:01:40 PMYou do not have to take it before you can be evaluated for a prd.Jacqueline Bornstein08:01:49 PMjust talk about it I guess lol. Is it a full-fledged huge game design doc? What do you think made it great? If you were to do it again, what would you change?Todd Deery08:01:51 PMhowever, you will have to take it before you start classes to finish your file.Jacqueline Bornstein08:02:58 PMneato. I believe the design doc is required for all apps nowChris Roda- Art Faculty08:02:59 PM@Peter, the university wants all grad students to take the GRE. But art does not take it into considerationJacqueline Bornstein08:02:59 PM?Nadia Wilson08:03:28 PMThank you for the response Michelle and Joshua!Lingna Ge08:03:45 PMFor PRD, do we have to specifically say which one do we choose, or when a certain PRD is due, you guys will consider all the application contain required materials?Amanda Swiger08:03:51 PMJust in case, I can also email Rick afterwards if I have questions for production, right?Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student08:03:55 PM

I believe the requirement was 3-5 pages. Think of it as a business pitch, kinda. Include found art to support the tone and art style of the game. Talk about target audience, core mechanic, tone, theme, mechanical systems it will use, and the actual features. Don't drown it out with features, don't even worry about minutia like controls unless they're some cool peripheral control that is important to the gameTodd Deery08:04:38 PM@jacquelineMichelle Senter08:04:42 PM@Ligna you need to let us know which PRD you are choosing so we can follow up with you and help make sure we have received all your materials before the deadlineLingna Ge08:05:00 PMThanks! will doTodd Deery08:05:09 PMoen of the prod assignments is required but it can be your choice of what you do.Lingna Ge08:06:14 PMSince the spots are limited and the number of applicants varies each year, is the application kind of "earlier the better"?Todd Deery08:06:41 PMalso, it would help us greatly if everyone would fill out this form as they apply to ucf.Todd Deery08:06:43 PMhttps://fiea.ucf.edu/home/fiea-contact-form/Todd Deery08:06:53 PMIt's shortNadia Wilson08:07:10 PMAs far as financial aid goes for, are there any other scholarships or grants that students applying to FIEA should know about besides the fellowships?Todd Deery08:07:33 PMNo. we just got the new female technical one in conjunction with ea.Todd Deery08:07:55 PMbut otherwide, there are two types of loans u can get. Stafford and Grad Plus.Todd Deery08:08:16 PMhttps://fiea.ucf.edu/admissions/financial-aid/Belanna Marconi08:08:22 PM@Paul So this might seem a little random; but I am currently working on a small project in SystemC (a C++ library that is used as a hardware description language), would that be something that would be appropriate to include in a programming portfolio, or is it little too unrelated or irrelevant?Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty08:10:05 PM@Belanna, that sounds interesting. Doesn't matter that it isn't a game.Jacqueline Bornstein08:10:37 PM@Brittany, thank you for your answer!!Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student

08:10:45 PMsure!Belanna Marconi08:10:53 PM@Paul, excellent, thank you for your answer!Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student08:11:09 PMalso, email rick and ask for some of his examplesPeter Hanson08:12:34 PMIs there any chance that i could send a sample of my portfolio for quick pointers and to see if im in the right direction? I would really appreciate it.Jacqueline Bornstein08:12:49 PMDo you have suggestions for looking elsewhere for scholarships aside from going ham on google??Todd Deery08:12:52 PMyes peter. send it to michelle and she can route it.Jacqueline Bornstein08:12:57 PM@Brittany, will do. Great idea, thanks lolTodd Deery08:13:24 PM@michelle, do we have a good grad scholarship link?Todd Deery08:13:33 PMI know I've seen one recently.Todd Deery08:13:41 PMthat we talked about.Jessica Nguyen08:14:01 PMThank you all so much for hosting this chat and answering our questions. It was very informative. I am going to leave now. I hope you all have a good rest of your night.Todd Deery08:14:14 PMbye JessicaTodd Deery08:14:17 PMGreat to meet you.Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty08:14:36 PM@Jessica, Thanks for chatting!Michelle Senter08:14:44 PMThere's a website called access to opportunities. Once you are accepted and receive your myucf login information you can go here and register https://finaid.ucf.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/Todd Deery08:15:04 PMthat's it.Michelle Senter08:15:18 PMthere is a general application that matches you with scholarship opportunities but they are updated constantly so definitely keep checking throughout your time at FIEAMichelle Senter

08:15:25 PMNew ones open each semester!Shaan Joshi08:16:00 PMThanks for the scholarship links. In my experience, scholarships/grants/free money is a little harder to come by for graduate degrees vs. undergraduate degrees, so these are a big help :)Jacqueline Bornstein08:16:55 PMThanks a bunch!Todd Deery08:18:01 PMWe have about 10 mins left if anyone has any last minute quesitons.Michelle Senter08:18:40 PMYou're welcome :)Brittany Young- Current FIEA Student08:21:42 PM@Jacqueline I had that same worry when I was applying and admissions peoples told me to apply anyway and here I amBelanna Marconi08:22:17 PMThank you all so much for your time and for answering all the questions! It was great to meet you all!Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty08:22:44 PM@Belanna Thank you! Great talking with you!Michelle Senter08:22:45 PMIt was great meeting you all too!Todd Deery08:22:46 PMtake care belannaPeter Hanson08:22:46 PMHow competitive is the getting in the art track?Lingna Ge08:22:47 PMYeah, thank you for all the patients, this activity is being really helpfulPaul Varcholik- Programming Faculty08:23:04 PMI'm headed out folks. Hope everyone has a good evening!Todd Deery08:23:13 PMsee u paul.Michelle Senter08:23:14 PMBye Paul, thank you!Michael Leavitt08:23:16 PMThank you all for your time! Have a good night!Shaan Joshi08:23:16 PMTake it easy Paul!Paul Varcholik- Programming Faculty08:23:19 PMPlease feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

Jacqueline Bornstein08:23:27 PMBye Paul! Thanks!Amanda Swiger08:23:57 PMIt was nice talking to everyone and I feel a little better about applying! Admittedly, I've been slowly getting discouraged, but this has helped some! Good night everyone!Chris Roda- Art Faculty08:24:00 PM@Peter, It's much easier in the early PRDs. A lot of artists tend to wait until the last minute thus we have to be a bit more selective in the later PRDsTodd Deery08:24:21 PM@amanda, don't be discouraged. You can do this.Peter Hanson08:24:23 PMApplying in AprilTodd Deery08:24:28 PMAnd earlier the better.Amanda Swiger08:24:32 PMShooting for the first PRDMichelle Senter08:24:34 PMAmanda definitely do not feel discouraged and feel free to reach out with any concerns to any of us!Todd Deery08:24:38 PMGreat!Todd Deery08:24:51 PMOk. Good night everyone.Amanda Swiger08:24:54 PMAlright, take it easy! Bye bye!Shaan Joshi08:25:10 PMI'll be aiming for the second PRD, hopefully that's OK. Have to retake the GRE since its been 5 years, and my scores expiredTodd Deery08:25:21 PMSure. Shaan.Todd Deery08:25:24 PMNP.Jacqueline Bornstein08:25:44 PMThank you guys!! Good night!Jennifer Kotick08:26:10 PMThanks for the helpful information everyone!Joshua Navarro- Current FIEA Student08:26:18 PMIt was great talking with everyone! Good luck to all of you on your portfolios and applications!Todd Deery

08:26:37 PMOk. I'm closing the door in 3Todd Deery08:26:43 PM2...Todd Deery08:26:52 PM1....Shaan Joshi08:26:56 PMBLASTOFF!Shaan Joshi08:26:58 PM:PBrittany Young- Current FIEA Student08:27:01 PMWAAAAAAITBrittany Young- Current FIEA Student08:27:05 PMbye :)Michelle Senter08:27:12 PMGood night guys! Thanks for chatting with us and please contact us directly with any additional questions!