Pinger,
I read your post about Columbia College Chicago and you are right.
I say this because I just finished my undergrad there and the experience was priceless. It's a true hands-on film school, lots of networking with midwest filmmakers, access to film festivals, and even lots of competition (that if you like competition)
During my search for Grad schools, I found out that no film school has as much access to equipment and facilities as Columbia student does. I could be wrong.
It is true about the undergrad kids wanting to work on grad projects. Particularly, I feel like grad's film has more maturity in terms of subject than undergrad films. As a matter of fact, my closest friends are Grad students, who interviewed you?
Cinematography? One of the best in the nation for undergrads!!! If you don't believe me, just talk to the AFI cinematography department, and ask them how many Columbia students they accept yearly fresh off school.
I am foreigner and I have been living in Chicago for 6 years, and after touring across the States, I don't see any other place/city as convenient as Chicago for me. Not as expensive as LA or NY and the quality of the neighborhoods are much better, and just like NY, you don't truly need a car. I even own an apartment here and I don't what I am going to do with it if I am accepted to one of those programs in LA and NY. looking to rent?
The only problem with Columbia (and this depends the type of filmmaking you are interested in) is that it is more of an Indie film school type, there is no much contact with LA or NY. Perhaps, the fact that it is the largest undergrad film program in the nation makes this school very competitive, which could also be a good thing if you like the pressure. Me? I loved the pressure. I think I need it to live...lol
All in all, Columbia is an underrated school, and the Grad program is worth going. The type of work I have seen coming out of the Grad department is fascinating.
Good luck!!!
