I'm sorry to hear about AFI. I got my thin letter from them the other day, too. Though that wasn't much of a surprise as they never even interviewed me. I think you should be quite pleased with your results of the application process--interviews at all the schools you applied to, and thus far, admittances to two of the top film schools in the world.
I can't say that I have an unbiased preference for where you choose, as I am on NYU's waitlist. But I think you should choose the school you think will help you become the best filmmaker you can be. I have a friend who is a current third-year student at Columbia, and he loves his experience there. About the time I heard back from NYU that they wanted to interview me, we were talking about the differences between the two schools. He thinks that NYU is more technical and their program is larger and older, but he said he believes they accept more "ready-made storytellers" in that Columbia's focus is more on how to develop their filmmaker's storytelling capability, in analyzing shots in-depth, in really understanding film and filmmaking and how that medium translates life on film effectively. They're also great, apparently, at helping you write and develop scripts and to learn that muscle. For me, I know that would be the wrong choice to attend there in choosing between the two, but that's because my undergraduate degree was in creative writing, and I've spent a good portion of a year here in L.A. in a film class that does nothing but analyze shots and reshoot on an XL2 scenes from films in order to examine storytelling techniques. But that's my preference.
You should go where you think is best for you, of the two schools, is what I'm saying. I certainly envy you the choice you have to make right now, wish you the best, and hope to keep in touch with you and work with you no matter what choice you make.
i really am stuck between both schools and it seems i am debating between prestige and comfortability for me.
i really hope that you get off the waitlist, as i have heard of one other applicant rescind their offer of admission.
do you mind telling me why you like nyu, personally?
at first columbia was the last on my list of schools, but now that i have actually looked into it and spoken with eric mendelsohn, i really am optimistic about where their program is going.
I'd be happy to tell you why I like NYU. For starters, I still have a shot at getting in! Columbia, unfortunately, rejected me. I'd be ecstatic to attend their film program too.
To be honest, I'd have a tough time too deciding between the two if I were in your shoes. My friend who attends Columbia sings nothing but praise for the program. And one of the great things he says he's gotten out of it is network of friends and collaborators with which to continue making films together. He loves his classmates, his professors, his classes. As far as NYU, the environment seems more competitive than collaborative to me. Then again, the student who toured me around the facilities there loved it and seemed very nice.
Mostly, what I hear and what my friend confirmed, is that Columbia is more focused on making you the best storyteller you can be. That means heavy emphasis on script development, how to choose shots, etc. My impression is that Columbia is a fantastic school for writers and directors. NYU (supposedly) cares less about this, but they (supposedly) surpass Columbia in teaching you the technical side of filmmaking (here's how you use your lighting rig, etc.). For me, based off my undergraduate writing degree and the time I've spent in L.A. solely analyzing films and shots and reshooting films, I think I'd benefit more from NYU than Columbia. But should I be less confident of my ability to construct a great script and a great story, I'd choose Columbia in a heartbeat. I think that part is crucial in filmmaking--especially since beginning directors usually get their start by already being attached to a script, often one they've written themselves. (Or so my film teacher in L.A. tells me.)
In short, I wouldn't worry about prestige. You've been admitted to two highly prestigious schools, two of the "top five" film grad programs. At this point it's like choosing between Harvard and Yale, Princeton and Brown, apples and oranges, pancakes or waffles. Either one is going to look great for you, it's a matter of where you think you will develop most, because that's the real important part. What kind of artist are you going to be? What place will best foster that? What do you need as an artist at this stage in your life? When you get out of school, you'll want to be set up to make the best possible films you're capable of making.
Again, my best to you. When are these schools asking you to decide by?
I can't meet up with you tonight, but I could possibly meet Fri. during the day or Sunday after my acting class (usually gets out between 4 and 4:30). Let me know.
I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to write that very insightful post.
I feel really bad if I were to deny NYU, because as a child I always dreamt of making it to NYU and following in the footsteps of Scorsese, Ang Lee, and the recent M. Night. My perspectives have changed and film school for me is not about equipment or access to amazing facilities. To me it is all about understand how to tell a story. I have never had a formal film education before but if I want to be able to direct films, it will have to be by understanding how to actually tell stories in this medium and for me Columbia gives me this impression.
By all means, I am not a ready-made storyteller and thus far I am just an emulator of my influences with sparks of own preference. I would love my degree to say: "NYU MFA." But in truth, Columbia gives me such a positive vibe that is necessary for me to grow. NYU seems like there is such demand for excellent product that it may stunt my growth by constantly trying to be someone's vision of a filmmaker.
I have had a few friends that have had rave reviews of film schools at both schools, but ultimately, I think Columbia fits me right now.
I am glad you have been waitlisted, Mary, as I hope you will get the opportunity to go to your school of choice.
FL,
I change my AFI acceptation for your NYU...
Well, I guess is not possible. I love NYC as much as I am afraid of L.A., so I was really in the mood for NYU, but you know, they decide our future! jajaja
Are you in the waiting list of AFI? I haven't taken my decision yet (UCLA/AFI)
Just one question, why did you prefered AFI to NYU?
Adios!
no, i dont prefer afi to nyu. i like la because of its weather, but that is about it. like the film schools, i think the places you go is what you make of it.
i tend to hold nasty grudges against schools that reject me because it means a lot to me that they dont think im good enough for their school.
however in many ways, the same decisions we make about whether the school is good for us, the schools make the same decisions of whether you are good for them. "the right fit" is what they call it.
so when someone claims that a person is waitlisted at school A and admitted with a huge scholarship to school B, i get a little mad a frustrated because that means nothing.
some schools are meant for some people and not for others.
i wish you luck wherever it is.
andy
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