USC Critical Studies vs Chapman Production???

[Cine]

Originally posted by Winterreverie:
hardly. Like a 30-40 minute drive. Depends on what your looking for. LA the city or LA the concept. The concept includes Burbank, Culver City, Hollywood, Studio City. There are plenty of places in SO Cal to do film and only a few of them are actually in Los Angeles the city.

30-40 mins drive? That's great. BTW, is there any beaches in OC? Don't think I am dumb ass, I just don't know so much about Orange (my Geography teacher sucks)

 

[Winterreverie]

The thing about CA is that everything is a 30-40 minute drive: Mountians, Beaches, Cities, Suburbs, Amusement Parks, Race tracks, Museums, etc.

Thats kind of our draw.

 

[mmrempen]

Newport beach is 20 minutes away from Chapman! I'm living the OC!

...for better or worse...

 

[Cine]

Originally posted by mmrempen:
Newport beach is 20 minutes away from Chapman! I'm living the OC!

...for better or worse...

Do you like living in OC? I am just curious about it, because I want to apply to Chapman University.

 

[mmrempen]

Do I like living in the OC...

Let's put it this way. Chapman is built so that you never have to leave campus. For a film student, that suits me fine. Unless I'm going out on location on a film set, I prefer to stay at Chapman. The OC is dirty, traffic-infested, smoggy, not to mention shallow and generally rude, as far as the population goes.

But I wouldn't let this bother you. I don't really have to deal with the OC natives. Chapman is diverse enough - all my friends are from out-of-state. Plus, the weather's always great! I'm just happy to be at the best film school in the country. That said, come graduation, happiness will be the OC in my rear view mirror.

 

[Cinematical]

OK. SO....

Day before yesterday I had finally come to a decision. I was going to USC. I felt that, even in CS, I'd still get a great education in film (which I could round out with many production electives and/or internships and could help on other student films). I would still be able to direct using my own equipment, and I wouldn't be bothered by the school. Plus, many industry people have told me that it really IS all about the connections, and that I should attend USC.

I then also found out that USC is actually givning me $5000 more in scholarships (as well as a $3500 loan) than I had originally expected, which would put it at nearly the same price as Chapman. So that was the clincher.

Or so I thought.

YESTERDAY, I got a notice from Chapman notifying me that in addition to my original scholarship ($20,000) they would be adding an additional $15,000 for National Merit. The rest of the $7500 left to attend (including all fees) would be offered in loans, if desired.

USC will cost (not including loans as financial aid) $24000 a year. Chapman will cost $7500.

Great. So I'm back to square 1.

And no, I shouldn't be complaining. I know that I'm being wracked with a choice that's more of a privilege. I'm just honestly terrified of making the wrong decision, and yet know at the same time that regardless of what decision I make I'll make the best of it and it will help me reach my goal.

BAH to confusion!!!

And that's my rant.

Oh, to the other kid who was wondering about USC Critical Studies vs production, just look back through here. And also, from what I've heard, Critical Studies is still one hell of a program.

 

[JPP]

I am a film student at USC and I just wanted to say that the Critical Studies and Production programs are the same thing. If you want to learn technical skills, fine do production, but that's something you can learn in internships. With critical studies, you learn cultural studies, business and film theory from top-notch professors-something you can't get anywhere else (not to mention the highest paid and most known cinema professor is a Critical Studies professor). As Critical Studies and Production are just two tracks of the same major, students receive the same exact opportunities.

Also, getting into USC is a very big deal, regardless of your major. It is a world-class institution known all over the world and is well on it's way to attaining ivy league status. No disrespect to other schools, but USC is the clear choice.

Almost every single movie or TV program made has at least one USC alumni in a key position. The Shrine Auditorium (where the Cinema graduation ceremony was held until this year) is right across the street from campus. Everyone in Hollywood knows the USC reputation. In addition to film, USC is known for its top athletic program, school spirit, social life and alumni network. It is overall a great place to be.

And about Orange County, I live here and it's not dirty. It's one of the safest and wealthiest counties in the nation.

 

[Film_Jock]

USC an ivy league? ROFL???

 

[Cine]

Originally posted by mmrempen:
Do I like living in the OC...

Let's put it this way. Chapman is built so that you never have to leave campus. For a film student, that suits me fine. Unless I'm going out on location on a film set, I prefer to stay at Chapman. The OC is dirty, traffic-infested, smoggy, not to mention shallow and generally rude, as far as the population goes.

But I wouldn't let this bother you. I don't really have to deal with the OC natives. Chapman is diverse enough - all my friends are from out-of-state. Plus, the weather's always great! I'm just happy to be at the best film school in the country. That said, come graduation, happiness will be the OC in my rear view mirror.

Wow, that's exactly what I needed (I mean your short review of OC). From what I have already read (not only in your post) it really looked like people weren't so positive the location. But I think and I hope you're right, Chapman is one of the best film schools

 

[Cinematical]

So you never have to leave chapman.... But what if you want to? What would you say to the review given earlier (referring to Chapman proper as like a Hollister ad).

And, like it has been said, can't I get the experience I would need and would otherwise get from production just by interning or jumping on other people's films (at USC)?

Actually, what about Chapman. What about the film school? What makes it a great school (as some of you have argued, the best)? SPECIFICALLY, why?

 

[mmrempen]

"What if you want to [leave Chapman]?"

Well, you can. Orange is 20 minutes from everywhere. Traffic is better in Orange than most places, because it's such a "small town" type place.

"What would you say to the Hollister review?"

Yeah, but again, read my above post:
"Chapman is diverse enough - all my friends are from out-of-state."

It's what you make of it.

"can't I get the experience I would need and would otherwise get from production just by interning or jumping on other people's films (at USC)?"

I'm not sure what you're asking. I don't go to USC, so I don't know what opportunities they have, but at Chapman, you get experience from day 1.

"Actually, what about Chapman. What about the film school? What makes it a great school (as some of you have argued, the best)? SPECIFICALLY, why?"

Read my Chapman plug. It outlines all my personal reasons for loving Chapman.

 

[Cinematical]

I think I've decided on USC. Here's why:

While Chapman is great, the film school is great, but I prefer USC for the whole "undergraduate experience" thing. While that isn't necessarily going to help me in my goal, it is an important aspect.

I also think USC is going to allow me more options after I graduate. If I want I can add extra production electives to my CS degree, take internships, crew on other people's films, and make my own, then try working my way up the industry ladder when I get out. Or I could double majore with a business degree (in Cinema-Television, no less), and work my way from there. OR I can attempt to get in to a Production graduate program afterwards (which would not be possible if I went to Chapman). Chapman's film school is amazing, and I think I eventually want to go there, but for grad school.

So that's my current decision. Of course, I've been known to change my mind.

 

[mmrempen]

Well, I'm sure that whatever decision you make you'll be happy with. You're thinking about it a hell of a lot harder that I did, and that's a great thing.

Best of luck, wherever you end up!

 

[Cinematical]

Thanks to everyone who's commented on this thread. I'm very grateful for the time and help you've all given.

Here's to hoping I don't change my mind. Seriously. Haha...

 

[Cinematical]

Wow...I can't believe this was all going on a year ago. Man, how hard this decision was - I'm still so grateful I found this site (seriously, people, appreciate the community here ”” it can save your sanity).

I find it ironic, then, that I might be facing another of these decisions in the future.

Sorry to revive this thread...it just brings back a lot of memories.

 

[Cinematical]

Just wanted to update this thread.

As of July 20th, I am now in the Production track at USC. It took me applying 3 times, a short stint on a wait list, and half a dozen new essays, but I got into the program I always wanted.

Moral of the story: if you really want something, and you don't get it, try again; and if that doesn't work, try again. And so on.