Chapman vs. NYU

[zapzorak56]

Hi everybody. I'm a high school senior from the pacific northwest trying to decide between two film schools. I was accepted to both Chapman University and New York University, and I'm having a touch time deciding between the two. Any help or advice I could get would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

NYU

 

[armen]

If you can visit either one, I suggest you do. It all depends on what's right for you and by doing your research; you can get a better idea of which school that would be.

I have visited Chapman and I absolutely love it. Overall, I think it would be a better fit for me than NYU. They have an amazing building with great equipment and so much more.

Good luck and congratulations on getting in.

 

[Winterreverie]

B. A. *rolls her eyes* seriously did Chapman reject you? Or did someone personally reject you who then went here? You are the most negative person I know about a school you've never went to or seen work from. That just screams personal vendetta. Why do you troll Chapman boards? Seriously, you haven't even STARTED film school yet and you are dying to make enemies from the other schools. Good Job!

zapzorak56
I think first you should ask yourself questions about the areas and the programs and the whole decision process will be simpler:

Do you feel more comfortable on the East or West Coast?
City or Suburb?
Small Campus or large -- not just the film school, but the whole campus?
What are you looking to specialize in?
Are you looking for and independent or industry outlook?


Once you answer those questions you'll have a pretty good idea where to go.

Also, check out the latest Film School Confidential, and LOAFS (Library of Annotated Film schools).

Both are great schools to come out of. Elite. You can't really go wrong so long as you consider what aspects of a program will make you happy and choose from there. Remember, this is a personal decision and what's right for someone else may not be right for you. Good luck on your decision.

PS. Sorry about the outburst-- But I'm so tired of that dude above.

 

[zapzorak56]

Hey, no problem about the rant.

I'm a production major in both, but I'm really looking to specialize in writing. Do you think that gives one of the schools an edge?

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Winter,

First off, I graduated from a top film school for undergrad. Secondly, the films that I have seen that have come out of Chapman are horrible, amateurish, and lack any kind of dimension what-so-ever. And if you knew anything about me, you would know I am quite the opposite of negative, I'm an extremely positive person.

zapzorak56 asked a question, and I gave him MY answer. MY answer was not directed at you, so do yourself a favor and stop trying to put in your two senses where it's not needed.

zapzorak56, to answer your question in detail, if you go to NYU you will have access to a city that will inspire you, meet people from all walks of life, and be able to come up with stories that you wouldn't even think of if you were stuck in the O.C.

On the other hand, if you prefer warm weather, access to LA whenever you want, then look into Chapman.

 

[seventhshade]

Bandar

I thought when you wrote in one post that you spoke too soon about Chapman and didn't realize that the school was great, that you were being serious. I can now see that it's not the case. Have you ever been to the campus? What films did you see, because I've seen some amazing work there and the facilities are light years beyond what AFI has --I've toured both schools. I have been accepted at both schools and have investigated both thoroughly. There are pros and cons to both but don't write Chapman off, man. It is a great school.

 

[WicketBF2]

Having lived in So Cal for 26 years, I have to say that Orange County is an awesome place to be and Chapman is absolutely beautiful, especially since the new facilities opened. But I would tend to agree regarding some of the films. As far as the more recent work that I've seen goes, Mamitas was fantastic and everything else is mediocre to brutal.

 

[Winterreverie]

Did you see The Show Must Go On or Making a Killing? Both of those are brilliant concept pieces-- not at all typical or standard fare for such an industry school. I'm not sure where you can see them other than at Chapman or in festivals. They're recent, so they're not on the dvd. If you get a chance to look at either of those, let me know what you think.

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Seventhshade,

I have toured Chapman, the school itself is great. Excellent equipment, great facilities, etc... and yes, it is LIGHT YEARS away from AFI in terms of resources.

But it is not the equipment, facilities, etc that make a school what it is. It's the work of the students and the talent that you will find there. The talent that I saw there was just horrible and lacked any artistic merit what so ever. Compare that with NYU, Columbia or AFI, where automatically you will notice the talent of the filmmakers.

The kids that I met and spoke with at Chapman only focused on the commercial side of filmmaking, aka slapstick comedy or melodramatic dramas. They didn't have unique visions at all, something you will find MUCH MORE of at Columbia, NYU or AFI.

I'm not asking people to agree with me. The truth hurts sometimes. But you wanted my opinion, and I gave you. Don't hold it against me if you don't agree with it. There are people out there that will find AFI, NYU or COLUMBIA to be horrible schools.

If you're happy at Chapman, then by all means, be happy at Chapman!

 

[tomsundies]

The only thing I would add to the discussion is you have to consider the people -- and by that I mean the students, not the faculty -- and the communities they're creating.

Winter, for example, is so enthusiastic about her school that she's willing to frequent these boards (even after she got into Chapman) and answer any and all questions she can re: her program.

Guys like Bandar*, on the other hand, are the reason I completely avoided film production as an undergrad. And it's something you might consider as you're researching programs.

Which personality is going to thrive in the film industry? I honestly couldn't tell you (though, I have an idea). But who would I rather spend two-three years of my life working with? To me, that's a no-brainer.

And armen had it absolutely right with:

It all depends on what's right for you

-Adair

*I've never met Bandar Albuliwi, that's just how he comes across (IMHO) on these boards.

 

[Cinematical]

In terms of purely the films school, Chapman is better. It has better equipment, better policies, and almost certainly equal professors. In terms of the actual university, NYU is light years ahead - it has better general academics, and you're in New York vs. the OC (which may or may not be a plus, depending on the individual).

The kind of creativity and excitement that I've seen coming from the school and increasingly talented students at Chapman are notable, as is the established network and reputation of NYU.

As stated, you really should visit both schools for a few days, as, in reality, neither one will give you a greater chance of "making it" - it's completely about which school you prefer.

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Adair,

Guys like me are the reason you avoided film school? Hate to break it to you, but you know absolutely nothing about me. If you did, you would know I go out of my way to help people on a frequent basis.

Again, don't be angry at me because you didn't get into the school of your choice. Just because Chapman gave you the time of day doesn't make it a better school than the others on this forum. If you want someone to hold your hand through film school, maybe you should attend Chapman and meet wonderful people like Winter. I'm sure you'll flourish.

Someone posted a question on a FORUM, I gave them my PERSONAL OPINION. What is the problem with that? Are you guys really that insecure that you can't handle other people's comments?

 

[Jayimess]

Wow, guys, chill out. There were never such battles last year, so this saddens me.

Bandar, I think you are rather aggressive in your "dissing" of Chapman. You are entitled to your opinion, but many of your previous posts have implied derision for the school and those who go there, though not as blatantly as your post above.

I believe that this bickering was borne out of an undergrad asking for advice, and you dashed off a quick NYU. You didn't offer the scathing explanation until confronted.

I could see where someone would be offended, and the original poster wouldn't benefit from such a post...you didn't explain why. How is that helpful?


For the record, I don't need hand holding, I didn't apply to Chapman, I got into every school I applied to...USC, UCLA, and AFI. This does not make me ANY BETTER than ANYONE on this site, and if anyone thinks so, they're sorely mistaken.

So I'm not angry at you, Bandar. I'm not angry at you because you went to a school I turned down, nor do I think I'm better than you because AFI gave me the time of day and I said "no thank you, Danielle, I'm going to USC."

And I know Winter...the girl rocks socks.


To the Z cat, who started this whole thing...

You have to really think about what you want to do, where you want to be, and where you hope to be in the long run. You couldn't have chosen two more different schools, so once you know what you're looking for, the answer should soon become evident.

 

[tomsundies]

Bandar, I really don't want to argue with you. Mainly because, as you say, we're talking 'personal opinions.' And because I really do hate to take this thread off-topic.

In fact, I'm only responding because I (like you I'm sure) don't wish to be mischaracterized: first, I have no doubt that you go out of your way to help people. I've seen you, on this board, offer people assistance in any number of ways -- including offering up your couch to those looking for housing.

When I say "Guys like Bandar, on the other hand, are the reason I completely avoided film production as an undergrad," I was speaking more to your personality. Winter characterized it pretty well actually, her word I think was 'incendiary.'

Second, I am in no way, shape or form 'angry' at you, and I'm not quite sure what you meant by "because you didn't get into the school of your choice." Is your argument that because I was rejected by AFI and UCLA and waitlisted by CalArts and USC that I must somehow be enraged that I am not as talented as Bandar Albuliwi and therefore did not get into AFI and NYU?

You're silly But your comment only helps to feed my (possibly inaccurate, I admit) perceptions of your personality.

Again, I don't want to argue with you -- but if you want to keep talking about it, maybe we could take it PM? Or shoot me an e-mail: adair [AT} toms-undies.org?

Best of luck, Bandar. And I really and truly mean that with all sincerity.
-Adair

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Nobody was dissing Chapman. Somebody asked a question and I providing an answer based on my assumptions.

If it came off as me dissing the school than that was your interpretation of my post. I simply provided my personal opinion.

I'm done discussing this.

 

[BHall - UNC - USC]

A beautiful building does not a film school make, nor does its inventory of Panasonic HD Cameras.

Anyone who would really consider Chapman over NYU, has no concept of the intellectual necessity within quality filmmaking. I am sure Chapman is fine, but the caliber of your fellow students alone would be like night and day. If being near a nice beach is important, then Chapman, but no other aspect is even close.

I have a hard enough time having a serious conversation in Hollywood, much less Orange County. I am only reminded of the painful lesson of several seasons of "The Hills" etc. to realize one must avoid at all cost, Orange County.

Superficial is all I can say. Before you make up your mind, have a conversation about politics and/or literature with 4 seniors at each university. Nuff said.

You don't want to hear what I really think!

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

BHall,

I couldn't have said it any better.

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Adair,

No matter which film school you attend, you are most certainly going to find people with mixed personalities.

Again, you don't know me as a person, so don't judge my personality based on what you read on these forums. I would have no problem taking anybody out for coffee who goes to Chapman, given that they can have an intellectual conversation about real Cinema. Not Slapstick comedy and the typical Hollywood bull**** that comes with it.

Again, if you are looking to mingle with people with the same personality traits as yourself, you may very well find Chapman to be your type of school.

And to answer your question, I would love to continue this conversation in private via e-mail, rather than flood the boards with senseless arguments.

Best,

Bandar
bandaralbuliwi@hotmail.com

 

[Maseiya]

I second that everyone should chill out.

Bandar has become a very good friend of mine. I think I know him pretty well, better than a lot of you here. And he is the best kind of friend you can ask for--protective, and proud of you and your accomplishments. And he IS the incendiary type--because, yes, he's really protective of everything he loves, which includes AFI. (I love AFI too, btw. Does this make me a bad person? I hope not. I can see people are starting to imply that here.) I don't think being protective is a bad thing.

I understand what people mean when they say "incendiary" here, but I must point out that anyone who is rising to defend Chapman by trying to stomp on Bandar is just as incendiary as he is. Again, not a bad thing (to be protective I mean). A lot of people have this instinct to protect; protecting always comes with some snarling.

There have been some misunderstandings here... but we're beyond misunderstandings now. I don't see any other way for this to be resolved except for both Bandar and Winter to just drop it and... maybe ignore each other. I have to point out Winter's superstar status on studentfilms, and although it's well-deserved, I have to say that anyone who goes up against her will most likely be knocked down by anyone who frequents this forum. I wouldn't, I couldn't, in all honesty say that it'd ever be a fair fight. Same thing would be true if anyone ever insulted Jayimess.

This is not the place to compete. The place to compete is in our films, and our weapons should be our talent and hard work. Oh--and our honesty in conveying what we believe in. Yeah?

I think it would be a shame if people started seriously hating on each other here.

Hate works all kinds of ways.

Let's just stop it now?

Thanks--

Steph