Please help! I need help deciding which film school to go to.

[cactus]

Hello. My name is Jonathan and I'm from San Francisco, CA. I don't know which film school I should attend. I plan on transferring next year to UCLA. If I don't get accepted there (I have a 3.16 GPA), then I don't know what other film schools I should consider.

I've been thinking about these schools:

UCSC, SFSU, CSULB, SJSU, and Academy of Art University (not really considering this school, but I thought I'd throw it out there.) Which of these schools would you recommend for me as a production major.

Are there any other film schools in the state of California for production that you could recommend to me?

Thanks for your time!

 

[linsper23]

Hey Jonathan. Welcome to the forum. I'll give you some nice advice.

I've heard SFSU mostly focuses on either experimental or theory of film...I'm not sure which one exactly but I know it's one of the two. I'm unfamiliar with the rest except for UCLA....being in NY doesn't help. So let me tell you about UCLA...

UCLA is extremely competitive school to get into. I'm not gonna lie, a 3.16 GPA probably won't get you in unless you have awesome ECs, essays and recommendation. Try to bring that GPA up as hard as you can. I would suggest a minimum of 3.5 GPA. Remember, everyone is applying for a junior position in their film school...even the people in UCLA already. That's a lot of applications for merely 15 or 25 spaces...I forgot which number it is. So work your ass off and pray you get in. You still have a chance to improve. I would take some summer courses to get your GPA up and maybe get an internship on the side. Now onto other CA schools...

Schools I would recommend along with UCLA: Loyola Marymount University, Chapman University and USC.

The average GPA for transfer students in the LMU and Chapman film schools is a 3.4. USC's on the other hand is a big 3.7. I would highly suggest you apply to Chapman and LMU because you have more of a chance of acceptance there although Chapman only accepts 100 film production applicants. I know LMU is the easiest to get into and it's right in Los Angeles...perfect for a film major...same for USC. Chapman is 30 minutes away in Orange County but they deliver the best facilities out of all the film schools in the US with the huge Marion Knott Studios...36 editing suites, sound set, 500-seat theatre, it goes on and on. It was built just a few years ago and now Chapman along with USC and UCLA is in the top 5 film schools in America. Oh yeah, at Chapman and LMU, you own your films unlike USC and UCLA where if you make a profit off your student film, you don't get any of the money which is a big downer. Chapman even lets you borrow their equipment when you're done graduating. If you need a camera or something when you're 40 and you're broke, you can head back to Chapman to pick one up to borrow...it's awesome. I don't think the other schools let you do that and that's what is unique about Chapman. And do you want industry type school or independent-type? UCLA is indie while USC, LMU and Chapman is Hollywood type. Lastly, the best connections would probably be made at USC and maybe UCLA. USC has the biggest alumnis. All in all, it's your choice. If you have anymore questions, let me know and I'll try my best to help you out.

 

[cactus]

Thanks for your advice! I looked into Chapman University for a while. At first my parents told me that they didn't want me going to Chapman because of how expensive it would be there, and because of the fact that some of my credits won't transfer over to that school. But yes, I am now interested in going to Chapman University again. Any tips on getting in? Next to UCLA, this is my second choice school!

I haven't ever heard of LMU. I saw their web page and it looks nice. What makes them such a good choice for film school? Has anyone famous graduated from there? Can you tell me more about the school?

I'm not sure about going to USC. It's not only tough to get into, but it is the most expensive.

Any other film production schools that anyone could recommend for me? Linsper23, what school do you go to?

Thanks again for the help!

 

[linsper23]

Originally posted by cactus:
Thanks for your advice! I looked into Chapman University for a while. At first my parents told me that they didn't want me going to Chapman because of how expensive it would be there, and because of the fact that some of my credits won't transfer over to that school. But yes, I am now interested in going to Chapman University again. Any tips on getting in? Next to UCLA, this is my second choice school!

I haven't ever heard of LMU. I saw their web page and it looks nice. What makes them such a good choice for film school? Has anyone famous graduated from there? Can you tell me more about the school?

I'm not sure about going to USC. It's not only tough to get into, but it is the most expensive.

Any other film production schools that anyone could recommend for me? Linsper23, what school do you go to?

Thanks again for the help!

I'm actually in the same position as you. Right now I'm at a community college and I hope to transfer to either Chapman, USC or LMU in the Fall 2009 term. I've been researching the colleges a lot so I go by the brochures they send me and review sites/forums. My order of choices of Chapman, USC and then LMU.

As for Chapman, first things first...go to their website to get on their mailing list. They will send you useful information about the school. I received a transfer application for this year, general booklet and a booklet specifically for transfers so far along with a couple of letters. This way, you will get helpful information. Also on their website, look for a blog the admissions people have. You can ask them any question you want and they will most likely get back to you. You need a Google account though.

Okay second, I highly recommend you visit the school. A tour is important in knowing if that environment matches your personality. Plus, they ask you on the application if you have visited and who helped you out. The only reason I can see why they put that question there is to see if you're really interested or maybe they're just curious...I believe it's the former.

And yes, Chapman is very expensive and you have to consider that. But, I've heard they give generous financial aid. It doesn't hurt to apply anyway to see how much you get. Oh yeah, helpful tips to get in hmmm...Have a decent video essay!!!! Look up on youtube Dodge College video essay or Chapman video essay and you will see examples of other people's work who got in. Just don't copy their ideas. Be creative! Chapman doesn't just look at GPA but your video essay, essays and ECs too. Your video essay should really show who you are...I have one last thing to say that my dad told me. If you do have a chance to tour the school, go talk to an admissions rep and try to get friendly with them...in other words, suck up. Ask them questions about the school, etc. They allow you to have interviews there so do that and talk to them personally. If you're a borderline case(seems like you are right now with 3.16GPA), one admissions rep can make the difference. Remember to ask for his email after you leave and keep in touch throughout the admissions process.

LMU is one of those not-well-known type of film schools that has a great program like Chapman's. Although it's not as good as Chapman, USC and UCLA, it still excels. The film program is their best major there. I don't know any alumni but I'm sure you can find some on their official website. They have one of the nicest campuses around. They have a "bluff" which is a hill that has a beautiful view of LA. Also, LMU is a catholic school...I don't know if that will bother you...I believe you do have to take one religion class. I'm Jewish and applying there so it doesn't matter to me. They don't push it down your throat. Lastly, it's 2 minutes away from LA which makes it great for getting internships in film. I know I said that in my last post but it is a big plus.

I think that's my biggest post yet. WOAH!

 

[Jayimess]

@USC, they don't keep all of the money that you make off of films made there...just half...it's a rarity that Chapman allows students the retention of their copyrights...it's pretty standard in film schools.

And Loyola is a VERY good film program.

 

[cactus]

yea, I took a tour in February. I really liked it! I'm kinda worried though. I don't have any extracurriculars since I've entered college. I have a boat load from high school though. Could I use those?

I loved the campus when I was there. It was my first school of choice for a very long time. My parents agreed that I could do the general ed down at Chapman, which is good I guess, considering I will feel bad that I'm spending so much on classes that could have been done at jr. college.

When I apply to UCLA, I will have between a 3.16 to a 3.2, depending on how my summer school goes. Because the private schools do the application process in spring, I might be able to bring up my GPA a whole point and a half or so if I'm lucky by the time I apply.

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[linsper23]

Originally posted by cactus:
yea, I took a tour in February. I really liked it! I'm kinda worried though. I don't have any extracurriculars since I've entered college. I have a boat load from high school though. Could I use those?

I loved the campus when I was there. It was my first school of choice for a very long time. My parents agreed that I could do the general ed down at Chapman, which is good I guess, considering I will feel bad that I'm spending so much on classes that could have been done at jr. college.

When I apply to UCLA, I will have between a 3.16 to a 3.2, depending on how my summer school goes. Because the private schools do the application process in spring, I might be able to bring up my GPA a whole point and a half or so if I'm lucky by the time I apply.

Thanks for all your help guys!

You can use ECs from high school. As long as it's high school and up, it counts. Put those on the application. And try to join clubs at the college you're at now. It will show you are a well rounded student.

I have never seen the campus. Hopefully, I'll get to see it before the decisions come out next year.

 

[cactus]

yea, I know I should. I just don't know which club at my campus I should join. On another note though, I know of a club in San Francisco that goes and watches classic movies at private theaters and then discusses them. Could I join that group and skip going to clubs at my college instead?

Here is their web page: http://www.chaseartfilm.com/

I used to go to this club a lot in 2004, but then I got a job and had to put it aside.

So yea, if I go back and join this club, will that count as an extracurricular, or should I do something else aside from film?

Thanks again for your help!

 

[linsper23]

Originally posted by cactus:
yea, I know I should. I just don't know which club at my campus I should join. On another note though, I know of a club in San Francisco that goes and watches classic movies at private theaters and then discusses them. Could I join that group and skip going to clubs at my college instead?

Here is their web page: http://www.chaseartfilm.com/

I used to go to this club a lot in 2004, but then I got a job and had to put it aside.

So yea, if I go back and join this club, will that count as an extracurricular, or should I do something else aside from film?

Thanks again for your help!

If you have time in your schedule, I would recommend you do the club in San Fran AND some clubs at your college. The more, the better! Try to have at least a couple of things under college ECs. Some applications will ask you specifically when you did the clubs (ex. 9th, 10th, college, etc.) and a blank for college shows you're lazy. So definitely do as much as you can so they forget about your borderline GPA.

And I noticed I made a mistake in my other post. Chapman actually accepts 30 transfer students for Film Production, not 100. My bad. However, they do allow you to have a second chance with putting a second choice major on the application. Say you don't get into your first choice, they will then look at your 2nd choice. Same for USC for major thing.

Another thing...if you do decide to apply to USC, put Critical Studies as your 2nd choice major. I hear it's very similar to Film Production and some of the requirements are even the same. 75 people are admitted, production at 50. And then there's this one class where you get to see movies that haven't been out yet and then the director comes to talk to the class about it(all film students can take). Finally, if award shows for some reason don't fill up seats, USC students get it while at the same time, you get to meet a bunch of famous people. I just found this stuff out today. I thought I'd share.

 

[cactus]

I found that my college has a film club. Should I join the film club at my college and the film club in san francisco, or should I avoid taking two film clubs?

 

[linsper23]

Originally posted by cactus:
I found that my college has a film club. Should I join the film club at my college and the film club in san francisco, or should I avoid taking two film clubs?

I would chose one. Instead of choosing a film club and another film club, I'd do the one in San Fran and a club at your college that's away from film...like another interest you may have. For example, you're interested in music. You would join the guitar club. It would feel repetitive if you had two clubs that are in the same area. Maybe pick a club in your school that does charity or community work....it shows you care about the environment and colleges seem to like it.