This is Part 2 of the series with advice on how to get into film school given by the many members of FilmSchool.org over the years. The forums have been around for over 17 years so there are a ton of people who have gone what you are going through right now and lived to tell about it.
USC and other film schools receive thousands of film school applications per year. How are you going to stand out? You need to show that you are unique and that you are (or can be) a good storyteller.... filmmaking after all is storytelling. Your writing samples and portfolio are your chance to show the admissions office that you have the storytelling chops that they are looking for.
2. Writing Samples and Portfolio advice
The following is some of the best advice on your writing samples and portfolios from over the years. If you've come across a gem of advice on the site on writing samples and portfolios that is NOT below, please send it to me and I'll be sure to include it.
Here is a thread with writing sample examples:
Critique My Application Material (And Share Yours Too, If Willing)
Hello everyone, Decided to make this a separate thread, rather than clog up the one I usually post in. As those who follow that forum might know, however, I am a two-time applier to USC's MFA in Screenwriting program -- last year I didn't get in and, though the jury is still somewhat out this...

The film school forums on FilmSchool.org have been around since 2002 so this is only a SMALL SAMPLE of the great advice given over the years. The Advance Search tool is your friend. Use it and love it.

Click here to read part 1 of the series. Click here for the next part... Edit. Revise. Cut.
If you've enjoyed this article please like it and share it with your friends. Again, if you've found another gem of advice on the forums that you'd love for me to include please let me know.