USC SCA Internal Transfers?

[happycat]

Hello! For any current/former SCA students, did you know people who changed majors from the other schools, particularly Dornsife? I see it is an option on their application page but they admit very small first-year cohorts so probably not as many transfers. I would think being at USC already gives an academic advantage, and maybe you can get a recommendation from an SCA professor. But since the application is portfolio-based, is it really more practical?

 

[scaldwellkerson]

Hello! For any current/former SCA students, did you know people who changed majors from the other schools, particularly Dornsife? I see it is an option on their application page but they admit very small first-year cohorts so probably not as many transfers. I would think being at USC already gives an academic advantage, and maybe you can get a recommendation from an SCA professor. But since the application is portfolio-based, is it really more practical?

Hi, you can be an internal transfer. I don't know if you're asking because you're trying to weigh out the odds of getting in as a transfer versus ____? But if you want your undergrad major to be film then I would just apply. You can also do a film minor. I will say from being a TA for the undergrads it's a really hard program to balance with your other coursework so it's something to consider if it's worth it going to film school in undergrad versus grad where your only focus is filmmaking. Also the application isn't portfolio based, SCA doesn't care as much for how much experience you have but more about your desire and passion for filmmaking. The personal statement is the biggest part of the SCA application because they want to know who you are and are there to teach you how to make films. Hope this helps.

 

[happycat]

That does help, thank you! I hadn't considered the course load, that is definitely something I'll have to think about if I want to pursue the full major. Do a lot of people in the undergrad film programs go on to grad school, or do they go right into the industry?
For context, I did apply to the film major, but did not get in (I think I misunderstood the personal statement so I'll make sure to focus more on that next time). I was admitted under a different major, so I will probably work toward a film minor. Is an application required for the minors or do you just have to take the classes?

 

[scaldwellkerson]

That does help, thank you! I hadn't considered the course load, that is definitely something I'll have to think about if I want to pursue the full major. Do a lot of people in the undergrad film programs go on to grad school, or do they go right into the industry?
For context, I did apply to the film major, but did not get in (I think I misunderstood the personal statement so I'll make sure to focus more on that next time). I was admitted under a different major, so I will probably work toward a film minor. Is an application required for the minors or do you just have to take the classes?

In reference to the grad school question, what I meant was if you decided to not transfer and do film in your undergrad, grad school is also an option.
I'm sure there's some sort of process to have a film minor I just don't know what it is. The course load is really important to consider especially by junior year when you have your semester of 310, it's a very time consuming course that isn't mapped out clearly as such but it takes a lot of your time so it's a lot to consider if you want to do film in undergrad.