Considering LAFS Please help...

[ashleyR]

Hi,

So i'm currently going to a community college here in san antonio majoring in radio, television, and film. The thing is the program is mainly focused on radio and television with about two film classes.

I am seriously considering going out to LAFS to get my AS degree in film. I've already talked to an admissions rep, and she was very helpful with all the questions i had. The school seems very legit! though it is very expensive! I'm not sure if financial aid will cover all the costs. i did a little research online and some reviews are bad, but then some are good.

If i find out the school isn't too good then hopefully after my two years at a the community college, i'll end up at UT AUSTIN!

I need help as to which choice is the best...


Thanks.

 

[hman13]

I would say UT-Austin is the better option and that is knowing nothing about LAFS, sorry. That is simply because you will get a Bachelor's Degree from Austin and Austin is considered a very good school.

I cant tell you if LAFS is good or not, but I can tell you that Austin is good, and you should shoot for that.

 

[ashleyR]

Hey thanks, but i was thinking...what if i didnt get accepted into the UT Austin RTF program, i read that it's rather hard to get into...

also, what would make my application to UT look good? i know a good GPA and a good essay, but what about clubs, and organizations? i just recently transferred to sac so i dont know of any of the organizations there...if there are film clubs and like that would it look good on my application? PLEASE HELP. I'd really love to get an acceptance letter! im barely 25 hours in at my community college...but i know it's always good to plan ahead...

Thanks!

 

[leary.shane]

Originally posted by ashleyR:
Hey thanks, but i was thinking...what if i didnt get accepted into the UT Austin RTF program, i read that it's rather hard to get into...

also, what would make my application to UT look good? i know a good GPA and a good essay, but what about clubs, and organizations? i just recently transferred to sac so i dont know of any of the organizations there...if there are film clubs and like that would it look good on my application? PLEASE HELP. I'd really love to get an acceptance letter! im barely 25 hours in at my community college...but i know it's always good to plan ahead...

Thanks!

It's still worth applying. Don't sell yourself short.

For a good application, I can't give you an exact formula. But I do, think you need to show them what you can do. Start writing short scripts and if you can, film them. If you can't get a hold of a camera and can draw, storyboard your script. It looks a lot better than clubs.

Also, start getting some experience by helping out others with their films or volunteer your time with a local production company. Tell them you're willing to work for free and if you bust your ass, they'll probably hire you on to help them with more shoots. That's what I did and I began working freelance as a PA for various production companies in St. Louis.

 

[ashleyR]

THANK YOU! That is some really good advice as to what i should do! I already have a camera handy, but no good editing software, but i know at my school they have all the pro tools. And, yeah ill find a production company to bust my ass at!!

Thank you who replied, it's been very helpful...

I'd still like to know more about LAFS though...no one seems to talk about it much! Maybe i should take that as a hint that it's not such a good school...LOL.

 

[Ard23]

My impression of LAFS, just from word of mouth, is that its a trade school, not a bad place to learn certain crafts like assistant camera, gripping and gaffing, sound recording, etc. but not a serious place for cultivating creative artists. This might be unfair, but is the impression nonetheless.

Also, the problem with going to a place who takes everyone who can pay is there is no filtering process. I'm sure there are a bunch of smart, talented, creative and motivated people at LAFS. But you will most likely also find the exact opposite, as anyone can go.

UT-Austin sounds like a good option. But if you're willing to come to LA, why not apply to USC, UCLA, Chapman, etc.? Any of those would be a better option than LAFS in my opinion, and you will come out with a Bachelors.