Official UCSD - Visual Arts 2010

[Oquendo]

I figure we ought to post more on these schools since others will want to know more info:

I would say UCSD is probably the most "production-oriented" past UCLA.

Check out the course list:

http://visarts.ucsd.edu/undergraduate/major/media

And facilities:

http://visarts.ucsd.edu/node/view/843

The program is more oriented toward:

-experimental
-independent filmmaking
-artsy folk

Also:

-there aren't as many creative writing classes
-you might have to stay an extra year with their "oxford" curriculum

As for UCSB, they have a brand new multi-million dollar film building built:

http://www.cftnm.ucsb.edu/Miss...gAndFacil/index.html

-300 seat theater
-Production Stage
-Decent Equipment
-Editing Labs

The problem is that there are very few people there that teach production courses.

Bottom Line: You can do production at either schools. It's just that you will most likely be doing them by yourself.

According to professors I've spoken to, no matter what, it appears our degrees will mean "getting coffee" for people; our reels will leave us "doing other people's laundry;" you guys catching my drift? Many people in the industry don't have degrees in film production or even degrees at all. We're all going to end up going for jobs as P.A.'s when we graduate.

So right now, I figure I want to enjoy life, experience things, find inspiration to write about, and network for the next couple of years. UCLA would have given me that tiny step in the door since they guarantee internships, but I'm feeling better now knowing film school isn't the only way these days...

 

[fakeplastic]

oquendo this information is really helpful thanks.
the oxford program is really turning me off.
and about just gathering stories while your an undergrad, i totally agree with you.
i may be leaning towards ucsb now.

 

[Oquendo]

Originally posted by fakeplastic:
oquendo this information is really helpful thanks.
the oxford program is really turning me off.
and about just gathering stories while your an undergrad, i totally agree with you.
i may be leaning towards ucsb now.

Your welcome, fake plastic! But I hope I am not swaying or putting down UCSD in any way. Both schools are excellent and the decision is ultimately up to you.

I don't like the Oxford system mainly because I will most likely be in huge debt after two years, and an extra year would not help; I admit, money plays a huge factor in education. But if those "extra" classes were on the house, I wouldn't mind taking them now because I love to learn.

And I've been to SD's campus and it is fabulous.

So before you make a decision, I'd recommend going to each campus first and see where you fit in educationally and socially.

Good luck.

PS:

If anyone else knows more information regarding these schools, please post it for everyone else to share!

 

[fakeplastic]

yea ok i get what your saying.
i will go visit both campuses sometime soon.
i've got a couple people i know that go to ucsd so thats a plus.

And also I was browsing around the college confidential website and saw your thread about not getting your ucsb package. That's weird because I was accepted pretty late on April 20th, and then got my package on the 23rd. Well I think its the package, it just has your hard copy of the acceptance letter and a two pamphlets about the schools, its pretty skinny.

Maybe you should call the school

 

[Oquendo]

Originally posted by fakeplastic:
And also I was browsing around the college confidential website and saw your thread about not getting your ucsb package. That's weird because I was accepted pretty late on April 20th, and then got my package on the 23rd. Well I think its the package, it just has your hard copy of the acceptance letter and a two pamphlets about the schools, its pretty skinny.

Maybe you should call the school

Awww....it's still nice to have though, lol...

You found me on CC - small world!

I'm gonna call right now. I was also able to register to "Gaucho-Admit Transfer Day" on the 21st of May. Plus the admit letter online hasn't changed, so I'm sure there won't be any mishaps like UCSD's 2009 blunder...

 

[fakeplastic]

i should sign up for that too.
what do you do on "gaucho-admit transfer day"?
are you giving your intent to go to the school?

 

[Oquendo]

http://www.admissions.ucsb.edu/openhouse.asp

Basically a tour day. We get a presentation, too. I'm gonna use my time there to check out their film building on the 21st. I'd register quick because May 7-14 were full when I tried.

However, I haven't given them my intent. To tell you the truth, I am still having huge trouble deciding on which school. Every school seems to have great advantages, as well as disadvantages. Seriously...

 

[fakeplastic]

do you have more info on the oxford program?
i cant seem to really find a lot about it.
i really dont want to stay another year.

 

[fakeplastic]

also what college did you get into at UCSD?
I got into ERC, which sucks because i hear its the hardest. I really didnt know much about the colleges and just kind of randomly chose with little research. I should of chose sixth because I hear thats where all the art majors go to.

 

[Oquendo]

Originally posted by fakeplastic:
also what college did you get into at UCSD?
I got into ERC, which sucks because i hear its the hardest. I really didnt know much about the colleges and just kind of randomly chose with little research.

I got into Sixth. Apparently, I just found out if you are IGETC certified, you will not need to do extra g.e.'s for Sixth college. For ERC, it says you must take 3 quarters of Making the Modern World. Check your counselor office for SD handouts.

I apologize for jumping the gun; now this is getting interesting because UCSD and UCSB are my top choices. CSULB is there also, but I really don't want to commute, but I also don't want to dorm...

 

[fakeplastic]

WTF THREE QUARTERS!!!!!
AHHHHH

thats so much. at least its not math. i bet i can learn something from these classes to help me towards writing.

yea but im really stuck between ucsd and ucsb.
i feel that for the film program wise its not going to make that much of a difference. my film teacher at my CC right now is always telling us that film school wont really do anything for you but it will give you connections and these people will be the people you work with in the future.

UCSB seems so crazy to me, especially since im not a party animal and housing seems hard to find because im not living in the dorms nor do i really want to live in IV.

UCSD from everything that i've read sound sooo dead. But ill see. And i'm not worried too much but i dont want triton eye...hahaha.

For csulb i got waitlisted which is really weird because im transferring from LBCC which makes me a priority student. But i didnt want to go there so im not holding any grudges.

 

[Cptn. Amurikuh]

oquendo did u take down bezerkeley!?
I did, feels good, but almost not worth the added stress to deciding betweeen their and sb

 

[vivaitalia]

alright. i gotta weigh in here cuz UCSD might potentially be where everyone ends up. haha

This is what I've heard about life there, from both my brother and several friends that have gone (or still go) there:

The quality of life is very good. The housing is supposedly incredible (some with beach views) and the campus is in one of the most beautiful areas of San Diego. They are supposed to offer a ton of good amenities to students on campus and downtown San Diego is only a 10 minute drive away. They are supposed to offer a lot of social activities, just not as focused around frat parties and binge drinking. Apparently there are frats there though if you want to pledge.

I've heard bad stuff about most courses being humongous and professors being inaccessible, with most interaction with graduate TA's. As I understand it, this does not apply to their Visual Arts- Media major which is more filled with hands-on intimate classes.

I've heard that the campus is a bit too big and not so walkable. Most people need a bike to get around a lot easier. And lastly, I've heard that everything is always brand new and cutting edge there. That is what the school focuses on and they are successful at that. I've heard that the academics are not nearly as hard as everyone claims, but that it really requires strong self-motivation because the classes are so large and a lot depends on the individual teaching himself/herself.

I don't know too much else, but I'm sure I'll learn about it on their transfer day. Anyone else going?

 

[fakeplastic]

vivaitalia i dont want to be rude but i thought you were going to UCLA?

 

[fakeplastic]

also i wish i applied to cal instead of ucsc.
i just never knew what my chances of getting in were. and now that i got into ucsb, ucsc and ucsd i wish i had applied to cal, although i prolly wouldnt have gone there. just for feeling good if i would have got in.

 

[vivaitalia]

Originally posted by fakeplastic:
vivaitalia i dont want to be rude but i thought you were going to UCLA?

haha- no...i just was too embarrassed to write that I got rejected after I found out a week ago.

on an unrelated note, I did get accepted into UCI, UCSD, and Cal....and UCLA (but for my alternate major).
I have no idea which one to go to, and I'm having trouble seeing all the requirements that I'll need to fulfill at each, because now my mind is on making it as easy of a process as possible that will allow me to take as many electives as possible. lol

what are you guys thinking?

 

[Oquendo]

Originally posted by Cptn. Amurikuh:
oquendo did u take down bezerkeley!?
I did, feels good, but almost not worth the added stress to deciding betweeen their and sb

Damn...dude...this is comical. I have a 4.0 GPA and I got rejected from Berkeley and UCLA(understandably), but the reactions ranging from surprise and pity from people is mildly amusing...For CAL, I seriously don't know what I did wrong. I suspect my application essay was more "production"-oriented than theory based...but that's all. I am not too sad, since LA was my first choice.

 

[fakeplastic]

because now my mind is on making it as easy of a process as possible that will allow me to take as many electives as possible. lol

I know what you mean, i really dont want to take any more GE's. But at the same time i've learned a lot from some classes that help me with writing. especially anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Creative Writing helps too but thats a given. Also the fact that i'm taking all of these classes this semester, I can find so many connections between each one its like taking the same class with small alterations.
But I still dont want to really take any more GE's to be honest. I know they could help but im lazy and stubborn.
Whats the alternate major you got into UCLA as?

 

[Oquendo]

UCSD from everything that i've read sound sooo dead. But ill see. And i'm not worried too much but i dont want triton eye...hahaha.

Here's the thing. I think the people that complain about UCSD being socially dead and full of ugly people have a extremely different criterion for self-entertainment. My friend was explaining to me that:

If your idea of fun is drinking until you cannot even remember your name or where you were born...then yes, UCSD is not the school for you.

If your idea of fun is engaging and partaking in extemporaneous trysts, then yes, UCSD is definitely not for you.

But if your idea of fun is hanging out with some friends, grabbing a couple drinks, and meeting interesting people in small groups, then UCSD is the place to be.

I'm not a huge party guy as I sometimes feel awkward in situations like that. Therefore, social life at either school won't affect me as much since I figure the majority of people I would be talking to are people within my department or have interest in the same arts as me.

I think what UCSB offers IS the "college" experience. But I think a college experience should encompass a well-rounded education as opposed to parties and such, which is why I am definitely considering SD. On the other hand, UCSB's burgeoning film department intrigues me as well as all the new renovations.

http://www.studentfilms.com/ev...25108485/m/698108485

New curriculum, coming?

 

[vivaitalia]

Originally posted by Oquendo:

But if your idea of fun is hanging out with some friends, grabbing a couple drinks, and meeting interesting people in small groups, then UCSD is the place to be.

This perfectly sums up everything my bro told me about UCSD and what my friends told me. They all were incredibly social while they were there. Its just not huge epic parties. Instead, its more intimate and people are always going out the pubs together and hanging out.

Oh..I was actually working the Newport Beach Film Festival and I was talking to a few kids who live up at UCSB, though one was currently going to SB community college. They were talking about the film program at SB but were badmouthing the equipment and professors that were there. I didn't get too into it to get a better picture and I don't know how trustworthy they are. But...thought I'd let you know.