Chances??? >.<

[swilsey]

Hi all!

I am new to the community and was wondering if anyone could give me a rundown on chances of getting into schools. I have applied to USC, UCLA, SFSU, Chapman, Columbia, LMU and Ohio--all for the directing track. Columbia is the goal, but I'd like to know my chances and everyone on here appears to be a fantastic resource.

I will graduate from the University of Oregon with a degree in Political Science and Journalism: Electronic Media, as well as a film certificate. I know this is not a distinguished school, but I've worked hard. I double majored and have a 3.8 GPA. Beyond that I have worked on various short films, taken acting courses and immersed myself in film theory/aesthics. I also had an internship in Ghana, Africa this past summer, where I worked as a journalist for a local language radio station. I am currently a UO senator and involved with the multicultural center and the coalition against environmental racism.

Beyond all this I am gay. I don't know how schools respond to this, but I think it is significant. I have a different world view because of it and different stories to tell. In addition to this I have a very unique past that stands out in my personal essays. I'm a great writer/storyteller and, while film experience is limited, have worked on video projects throughout undergrad. How does everyone feel? What are my chances?

 

[Winterreverie]

So long as your statements of intent and portfolio pieces are strong, it sounds like you have a pretty decent shot.

 

[swilsey]

Thanks! Hearing that from someone else is a relief.

 

[Jayimess]

I didn't go to a prestigious undergraduate school either, and I was admitted with far worse grades and less activities to the first two schools you listed, and one other "top school."

Sounds like you were a well rounded student, and the Ghana thing shows some life experience.

Being gay...hmmm. I don't think it's a plus or a minus, and as a minority myself, I encourage you to focus on your talents rather than your demographics...I would hate to think I only got into programs because of my minority status or childhood of abuse, because I believe it's due to my talent and abilities.

Everyone thinks they have a unique past, and everyone thinks they see the world differently than others...it's the creative submissions that prove it.


Best of luck.

 

[Calliegrl03]

I'm a minority (Nigerian) female and I wrote about my love for Raj Kapoor, a prolific Indian director and his relationship with his audiences from the 1940's-1980's. Also, my film submission told the story of an African American girl who loves Bollywood and her *****y, vapid friends who make her life a living hell for it. The best way to add any interesting or diverse facts about yourself in your application(s) is to create them into stories.

 

[carter1975]

Originally posted by Winterreverie:
So long as your statements of intent and portfolio pieces are strong, it sounds like you have a pretty decent shot.

Like most folks here, I'm a little curious about chances of entry. I graduated NYU film school undergrad with a 3.7 GPA, worked as a journalist for a few years in Asia and Africa and am wondering if my previous film school experience counts against me.

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Carter,

Where are you applying?

 

[carter1975]

I've got an interview at AFI, but I also applied to USC, UCLA and University of Texas-Austin.

Thanks-

 

[carter1975]

Originally posted by Bandar Albuliwi:
Carter,

Where are you applying?

To their grad screenwriting programs.

Thanks.

 

[carter1975]

I'm just looking to gauge the chances of acceptance with a 3.7 GPA at NY for undergrad Film/TV. I applied to the grad screenwriting programs at USC, UCLA. AFI and University of Texas-Austin. Simply not sure if my undergrad helps or hinders me.

Any feedback would be great.

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Helps if you have an undergrad in film if you're applying to AFI. They like that, as well as any other film experience. Not sure about the other schools though.