LMU Film School Applications 2018

[SavSolo]

I'm curious about this one and how school's are measuring cost. For instance, a school that costs $60,000 but is a 2 year program could conceivably be the same price as a school that's a 3 year program at $40,000. Do you know anything about how that works? If a school is a 2 year program, does that mean you pay for 2 years, whereas one would pay for 3 years at a 3 year school? Or is the 3 year school just a drawn out version of the 2 year school but one still pays for 2 years of the tuition price?

When I asked about the cost I was sent this: "The cost of tuition for 2016-2017 was $1116 per hour. And the degree is 53 hours over three years." So adding that up, the grand total for three years would come out to $59,148.

 

[snoopdog]

While visiting LMU I heard that the grad school was moving into a new building starting January 2019. If you've ever visited the school, this would likely be a major upgrade as the current facility is rather small and crowded. Does anyone know anything more about this?

This is interesting to hear. I did read somewhere they were opening additional studio facilities in

I also applied to USC, UCLA, Emerson, and Chapman.
I went to there information session and the campus is beautiful. It's 16 minutes away from where I'm living in the fall. Upon speaking on the phone with the director I am an LGBT writer so I was a bit turned off by LMU for being a religious school. But she reassured me of how liberal they were and took a lot of time to explain to me that I could create any content I want there and that it's a safe place for LGBT and also pointed me in the direction of their LGBT center. I also grew up Catholic but fell away from my religion when I came out as gay so I think that it would be a chance for me personally to reconnect with my religion if I wanted the chance to. I also love that they focus on getting you that finished portfolio to go out and be prepared for the real world. The director spoke more to me about this on the phone and told me a lot of the other schools I applied to will send me off to graduate with a lot of first drafts but not a complete portfolio. Which I thought was very interesting and is something I will look into and take into consideration if accepted elsewhere. Also, they are known for getting their students internships and mentors that are right for you, and they have that first pitch series. That's what drew me towards them initially I also kind of like that it is a three-year program as compared to other programs that are two years. I think it's more time to learn and gain experience. Two years can go by SO fast. I'm taking another tour of the school hopefully next week and might sit in on a class. Hopefully, I'll get a good vibe from it all.

Those are some great points. Thank you for sharing that. That helps me create a better view on LMU as well. Have you heard back from any of the other schools yet?
One thing that draws me to LMU as well is the free of speech vibe I got from them. Due to the type of students that have gone there as well as their description on their website. It seems like they take pride in the diversity their student body on all levels of humanity and also polishing the unique voice of each student, letting them find what makes them who they are and develop them from that point. That's something I was very drawn to.
If you get a chance to sit in on a class at LMU, I would love to hear your experience afterwards!

 

[snoopdog]

Does anyone know when the deadline to accept or deny admission is? In a past thread, I thought I saw that April 1st is when the initial deposit is due.

I received my official letter two days ago. It stated a $500 deposit is due by April 10 to secure the spot. If you receive your official letter later than I did, maybe the deadline to accept/deny admission moves up as well. But this gives you an idea at least!

 

[xLorenzoM]

Looks like its between LMU & Chapman. Gonna spend the next two weeks doing research like crazy.

 

[xLorenzoM]

To everyone that got into LMU, do you what your housing situation is going to be?

 

[xLorenzoM]

Hey, so is anyone confirming their attendance to LMU? Maybe, we can get a fb going.

 

[Chris W]

Hey, so is anyone confirming their attendance to LMU? Maybe, we can get a fb going.

I'm surprised people are still using FB after the s***storm with Cambridge analytica and Facebook mining and selling data.

I'd be happy to create a private forum for you guys on here if you want.

 

[Teddy]

Hey, so is anyone confirming their attendance to LMU? Maybe, we can get a fb going.

I'm still pursuing a wait list at AFI, but am going to do the deposit for LMU. It's a better fit for me than Chapman.

 

[xLorenzoM]

I'm still pursuing a wait list at AFI, but am going to do the deposit for LMU. It's a better fit for me than Chapman.

I feel you. Only thing that sucks is Chapman already shows awards based on cost of attendance. LMU says by May.

 

[Chris W]

FYI I created a new Social Group feature so you can now create your own PRIVATE forum and group for accepted and attending students (similar to a Facebook Group) right here on FilmSchool.org.

Student Clubs

www.filmschool.org

Hope you enjoy it!

 

[Ram GM]

Hi I got into LMU's Production program too! Did any of you get a scholarship offer along with the admission letter?!

 

[snoopdog]

Hi I got into LMU's Production program too! Did any of you get a scholarship offer along with the admission letter?!

I applied separately to the SFTV scholarship, it took a while for me to hear back. Had to ask them a couple times but just received an answer two days ago. I applied as soon as I heard about my admission which was about 3-4 weeks ago. They don't offer any full tuition scholarships, if they offer you one it would probably be around a couple thousand. For the 2nd and 3rd year, you can apply again for this scholarship (so they scholarship would be only guaranteed for the first year). And the 2nd and 3rd year you are eligible to apply for a TA or GA position, however, again, it won't cover full tuition. But it will at least help in some way
Hope this helps!

 

[Ram GM]

I applied separately to the SFTV scholarship, it took a while for me to hear back. Had to ask them a couple times but just received an answer two days ago. I applied as soon as I heard about my admission which was about 3-4 weeks ago. They don't offer any full tuition scholarships, if they offer you one it would probably be around a couple thousand. For the 2nd and 3rd year, you can apply again for this scholarship (so they scholarship would be only guaranteed for the first year). And the 2nd and 3rd year you are eligible to apply for a TA or GA position, however, again, it won't cover full tuition. But it will at least help in some way
Hope this helps!

Hi man glad that you got in, I remember you being in a dilemma between LMU and Chapman. Sooo happy that you got in @snoopdog. And have you decided?

Did they finally give you any scholarship mate? Scholarship is a really really important part of my decision. Id love any tips on how to frame the SFTV scholarship application? Like should I frame it as purely merit-based or need-based or a mix of both?

 

[snoopdog]

Hi man glad that you got in, I remember you being in a dilemma between LMU and Chapman. Sooo happy that you got in @snoopdog. And have you decided?

Did they finally give you any scholarship mate? Scholarship is a really really important part of my decision. Id love any tips on how to frame the SFTV scholarship application? Like should I frame it as purely merit-based or need-based or a mix of both?

Thanks so much! Glad to hear you are in too!

Yes, well Chapman is just too expensive for me. Even though, I have a lot of faith in their program and really like the communication I've had so far with the faculty and students. They seem highly focused and invested in the program. The facilities are amazing too at Chapman. And I was accepted into the Directing Emphasise, which I really like their conservatory program style. At first, the only downside I could really find on Chapman was its location. However, talking to many current students and applicants on here, I sense that the location isn't as much of a negative aspect as I originally thought. I have applied for a defer at Chapman, in case LMU won't be an option financially either.. So right now, I am looking at all the finances...

When it comes to what school to pick, I really think all these programs are amazing, in their own way. I think the main thing is the opportunity to invest every single second of your day and life in making films, writing films, learning, experimenting, and being surrounded by like-minded people, that one day you might be working with in the industry. Just that time to really selfishly invest into yourself and your own development. And you can really get that at any school. You can even collaborate and meet with other film students once you're in LA. Eventually, it is all about how much you put into it. And I believe hard work and passion is contagious.

For SFTV's scholarship, I mainly focused on need-based. However, I never received an answer to the application. So when I had my phone call with Prof. Brancolini, I asked him about the application. He asked me on the phone to tell me a little bit about my financial situation. I later emailed him again, as scholarship is very important to my decision as well.
They are quite good about it, I feel. The money comes from the department, so they have limited amounts to divide. I think they try to divide their scholarship money somewhat evenly. What I was offered, is around 25-30% of the first year. They mentioned, if I am in good standings the first year, the same amount could be provided the 2nd and 3rd.
Since the first year is very intensive (the most credits), they recommend their students not to work during the first year. However, I think I will still be looking for an on-campus job as I do need money.
I'm still waiting on some scholarships from my home country, and will hear back in June about these. I'm working full-time right now as well, saving up money. And I'm looking at some loans.

I'm trying to decide whether to go in debt and take LMU's offer or have another year to work very hard, safe up money, apply again to some schools, and apply earlier to scholarships. I do not know what the right decision would be, but I think in the end you just simply have to make a choice and accept that's what you choose to do and give that a 100%.

I also applied to UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting. This is a one year program. I should hear back soon about their admission decision.

How are you feeling about your process?

 

[Ram GM]

Glad that you have all your options carefully weighed in! And you are absolutely right, it all boils down to how passionate we really are about making films. I hope we work together someday!

I got into UTA, Emerson, Art Center, LMU and AFI(after interview) and waitlisted at BU and rejected without interview at USC and NYU.

Emerson and UTA didn't give me any scholarship and they're not in LA too, so ImI not considering them for the moment!

Art Center gave me a decent scholarship too, but they are more into commercials it seems and I'm more of a narrative filmmaker.

Right now I need to choose between LMU and AFI, but I haven't received a scholarship decision from both of em as of yet! And AFI is very costly without Scholarships man, but I hope they do give me a decent one. They are very encouraging and I really wanna go there, but it's a matter of money! Much like you I can't spend that much either. AFI has a conservatory approach too, much like Chapman, with emphasis on Directing.

The thing I am most concerned about is to find a sponsor within the one year OPT period after we graduate. A friend of mine said most Studios don't sponsor Visa's for international students and if nothing works out, our only option is an O1 Visa(Artist Visa), but one of our films need to qualify at a top tier film festival like Cannes or the student oscars....if that's the case Of definitely can't afford AFI without Scholarships!

And sry if I'm being naive, defer means u get the same offer the next year right?!

I am 24 mate and I think I'm too old already to be going to university, but that's just me...so I won't wait and reapply that's for sure...I would rather lose some networking opportunities than a whole year of my life, that I'd better be spending making movies and stuff...I would urge you to do the same if the job ur in right now isn't film or video related....if I were u I'd go with LMU gladly! I think LMU has very good Assistantships with stipends and also on-campus jobs...I think we can come away with a relatively smaller debt... let's hope for the best mate!

 

[snoopdog]

Glad that you have all your options carefully weighed in! And you are absolutely right, it all boils down to how passionate we really are about making films. I hope we work together someday!

I got into UTA, Emerson, Art Center, LMU and AFI(after interview) and waitlisted at BU and rejected without interview at USC and NYU.

Emerson and UTA didn't give me any scholarship and they're not in LA too, so ImI not considering them for the moment!

Art Center gave me a decent scholarship too, but they are more into commercials it seems and I'm more of a narrative filmmaker.

Right now I need to choose between LMU and AFI, but I haven't received a scholarship decision from both of em as of yet! And AFI is very costly without Scholarships man, but I hope they do give me a decent one. They are very encouraging and I really wanna go there, but it's a matter of money! Much like you I can't spend that much either. AFI has a conservatory approach too, much like Chapman, with emphasis on Directing.

The thing I am most concerned about is to find a sponsor within the one year OPT period after we graduate. A friend of mine said most Studios don't sponsor Visa's for international students and if nothing works out, our only option is an O1 Visa(Artist Visa), but one of our films need to qualify at a top tier film festival like Cannes or the student oscars....if that's the case Of definitely can't afford AFI without Scholarships!

And sry if I'm being naive, defer means u get the same offer the next year right?!

I am 24 mate and I think I'm too old already to be going to university, but that's just me...so I won't wait and reapply that's for sure...I would rather lose some networking opportunities than a whole year of my life, that I'd better be spending making movies and stuff...I would urge you to do the same if the job ur in right now isn't film or video related....if I were u I'd go with LMU gladly! I think LMU has very good Assistantships with stipends and also on-campus jobs...I think we can come away with a relatively smaller debt... let's hope for the best mate!

Wow congrats on all those acceptances!! That is awesome. Take a second through this entire process too to take in all what you've accomplished. It's easy to forget.
I think you are making some great points and made a good decision to break it down to LMU and AFI. For good reasons. I hope they are both able to get back to you soon with a scholarship decision. Does AFI give out good scholarships?
I've only been able to compare LMU's scholarship/financial aid opportunity to Chapman, and in that comparison, LMU does give their students good opportunities with the departmental scholarship and the GA/TA positions in your 2nd and 3rd year. The GA position would pay $18/h and the TA position would pay $12-15/hour.
At Chapman, there were on-campus job positions available for students as well, however they would pay $10-11/hour. As an international student, your working opportunities are already limited to on-campus and part-time (20h/week). So the extra money is definitely useful. Maybe this info will help you as well in your comparison to AFI.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one: LMU vs. AFI. You'll receive great opportunities at either school.

I think, when it comes to your age, for a normal university, 24 might seem like "old". Though, I do believe when it comes to film school, older age might even be an advantage. Age normally comes with more life experience, and with life experience comes more material to choose from when it comes to creating stories. But of course I understand your point, if you have the opportunity to go ahead and start your film school, then you should!
You make a great point of wanting to just start already and not waste another year on things other than simply making movies etc. It's something easy to forget about what's really important here: making movies. With all the financial difficulties etc. It's easy to loose your focus and get caught up in finances. So it's good to be reminded of that!

And about the defer, yes, exactly, it means my admission moves on to next year. So instead of being accepted into Fall 2018, I would be accepted for Fall 2019, without re-applying.

And yes, it's definitely good to already look at the opportunities for staying in America after film school. It seems like the O-1 visa is indeed the way to go.
Like you said, you can also stay on an H-1b (sponsor work visa), but it's so extremely difficult. Mainly because to qualify for the visa, you will need to be offered a position that requires a university degree. However, in the film industry, most positions they do not necessarily require a university degree. Even when you go to film school, like you do not need a film school degree to make it in the film industry. Unlike professions like IT or law or in the medical sector. So on top of the difficulty of finding a sponsor within the studio system, you have that difficulty as well.

There is also the option to stay in the USA with the investor's visa (E-2 for example), but I guess that one is only for those who win the lottery. Requires you to invest a lot of money in an enterprise/business in the USA.

Things are not made very easy for us to remain in the USA. But I think if your focus is on making lots of movies, creating lots of ideas, and submitting it to lots of festivals in the top tier, then you are doing all you can. Life also requires some luck. But by creating lots of options and opportunities for yourself, you'll also greaten your own chances to receive the luck that is needed.

AFI is 2 year program right? LMU is 3 years, so it gives you an extra year of making those shorts/features to submit to festivals. However, AFI obviously has a great reputation and I believe one of the most intensive programs out of all the film schools. They have great connections and alumni. So, that's a plus as well.

Curious to hear what you will be choosing or are leaning towards! The future is exciting

 

[Izzy]

Hey, everyone! I've officially accepted my position for the 2018 Screenwriting Program at LMU! If anyone has any clue what their doing for housing/wants to chat, let me know! I've never been to LA and am really hoping to get as much info/know as many people as possible before I get there. Congrats to everyone!

 

[Ram GM]

Any International students?! I just paid the 500 dollar deposit thru flywire...but the customer rep says that the money will reach the univ only after 2-3 days...will this be an issue?! I wasn't even aware that it'll take 2-3 days for the flywire payment to process...no mention of it in any mails...do u think I shud contact the univ about this?!

 

[Ram GM]

Hi @snoopdog thanks for typing out a detailed response mate...I'm sry I didn't see it and respond before as I was travelling. I think you have a more mature perspective about grad school than myself....this is my first time applying and maybe that's the reason lol...but thanks for giving me some perspective ..I made the decision to attend LMU already but after reading ur response now it only seems more correct for me...AFI has very limited scholarships and assistantships in its second year as it is a very intensive course..... and like you said I get one more yr at LMU to make more films and try and apply for the O1 Visa....and the investor's visa is clearly out of the question for me haha.....maybe we'll make a really good film and get selected at any of the top-tier film fests...I really hope the best for both of us....like u said mate...the future is exciting! Hope the best for you! Did u decide on LMU?!

 

[SavSolo]

Hey, everyone! I've officially accepted my position for the 2018 Screenwriting Program at LMU! If anyone has any clue what their doing for housing/wants to chat, let me know! I've never been to LA and am really hoping to get as much info/know as many people as possible before I get there. Congrats to everyone!

Hey Izzy! I may need a girl to room with if you wanna chat? I was looking up student housing and the apartments seem very nice but then I realized for $1200ish you share a room in a two bedroom apt and I wouldn't want to do that unless I knew the person or I looked at all my other living options first. I also basically live in LA part time so if you have any questions I can answer those too! Congrats on your acceptance!