OK, I got accepted to Emerson College and Boston University (both schools not offering need based/merit based award) for Filmmaking.
And a few hours ago I received a letter from NYU that I can opt in a waitlist but it says they would answer AFTER May 1, which is the deadline for the deposit for both Emerson and BU.
Now, I am fine with wasting 500 dollars - if I get accepted to NYU ultimately - but I dont know which school I should accept.
I have a feeling that Emerson is better filmmaking school than BU, but this might be me just biased by Hollywood Reporter. Objectively which school is better? Emerson or BU? Of course NYU is the top, but is it worth to throw 500 dollars away to get into NYU (if accepted)?
And what is the acceptance rate for NYU for waitlisted people? Like, if it is like 5%, I might be just giving up.
Emerson, close-knit small campus in the heart of the city. BU is huge in comparison and offers hundreds of majors in in the far western part of Boston, a trolley ride from downtown but almost its own “city” in a way. We found BU Com school to be too big and kind of cold. Both are good but there are lots of other factors to consider. Both are 60K/yr with housing and no aid. It’s a lot of wampum for a film degree. Lucky you.
Between BU and Emerson, I’d deposit at the cheapest for you.
Join the WL at NYU. Be aware that your admission probably rests on your re-demonstrating interest and updating your achievements, but will be greatly helped if your parents can afford to be nearly full pay (as you seem to be for BU and Emerson) so make sure to mention NYU is your first choice and your parents would be willing to cover all tuition costs (or all costs… whichever is true).
HOWEVER as you’re aware, an aspiring film-maker is unlikely to make more than 30,000 a year for quite a few years, so you should choose the cheapest school or the school you can best afford. DO NOT take more than the federal loans. If your parents can pay any college “out of pocket” due to lucky investments or high income or inheritance or whatevery, then you’re fine choosing whichever one you like best.
(For what it’s worth, I think Emerson has a slight edge over BU due to its LA contacts).
Emmerson
I’d pick Emerson in these circumstances. You’ll get a more hands-on, specialized education in your field of interest.
Thanks a lot for all these answers.