<p>My son has his heart set on attending the Dodge School of Film as a film production major next fall after a visit to campus this last March. His ACT composite score is 31, which is high per Chapman's stats, but his GPA is 3.1uw/3.5w, which is low per Chapman's statistics. I know the essay and video submission will probably carry significant weight, and his EC and LORs will be very good, but does his GPA pose a significant problem? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Although he has other schools on his list (at my insistence), he is really fixated on Dodge.</p>
<p>Hopefully, this link will work for you. It lists the statistics of students admitted for the current year. Based on what I’ve seen there, it sounds like your son is likely to be admitted if his video submission impresses them. That will be key to his admission. I do not think he would be in line for a scholarship though. I agree with you that he should apply to other film schools as back-ups.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/chapman-university/1071257-class-2015-early-action-decisions.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/chapman-university/1071257-class-2015-early-action-decisions.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks for responding powayparent. I have seen that thread (I’ve read through all the Chapman threads), and normally it would be very helpful, but most kids (including those listed in that thread) don’t have the gap between GPA and test scores that my son has, so it’s hard to compare him. </p>
<p>He’s not looking for scholarship $$ or financial aid, so that doesn’t present a problem. It sounds like everything will hinge on his video (not too much pressure, huh?). But that’s what I suspected.</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>Perhaps this might help answer your GPA question. Here is the link to the Dodge admission FAQ. [Admission</a> FAQ - Dodge College of Film and Media Arts](<a href=“http://ftv.chapman.edu/apply/undergraduate/admission_faq/]Admission”>http://ftv.chapman.edu/apply/undergraduate/admission_faq/)</p>
<p>“What are the average SAT and GPA scores for admitted students?
For fall of 2010, our average freshman GPA was 3.71 and average SAT was 1889. We highly value the academic aptitude of each applicant and weigh these academic measures into our evaluation of every file in addition to your other department application materials.”</p>
<p>I would recommend to put down a second choice major within Dodge in case he can’t get in for the production major if he really wants to attend the school. Film production is the hardest major to get in. Many of the programs in Dodge have similar course work so the student will learn the aspects of the business. Keep in mind that all the programs in Dodge are highly competitive, so apply for EA and wish for the best. You’ll never know, the only way to find out is to apply. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Just make sure his application is very well polished. I had a 3.3 GPA in high school and an ACT composite score of 27 but I worked very hard on my college application and was admitted to the Film Production Program. I do not believe he will have any problems with his grades, especially with an ACT score that high.</p>
<p>Did he show any improvement in his grades over his HS career. There is a lot of latitude given to a student who starts weak and ends strong.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the responses. He will be listing screenwriting as his second choice for a major. He has shown improvement since freshman year, but nothing spectacular. </p>
<p>Congratulations Wingmaker90 – and thanks for that advice – he’s already outlining his video submission and has started completing the application items.</p>
<p>Dear donnahead,</p>
<p>Thank you for your interest in Chapman University and Dodge College! Your son’s ACT score will definitely help convince Dodge of his intellectual prowess in lieu of his less than average GPA. Mind you, we do weigh in the admission process so hes not that far off. We suggest that your son focus on making sure his essay and video are refined and well-done for the admission process and he should have a fairly good shot.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
Office of Admission
Chapman University
(714) 997-6711</p>
<p>Thank you ChapmanU - that’s very encouraging. He’s already started on his film submission.</p>
<p>We attended the campus tour and info session over spring break in March, and he has been obsessed with it since. Please convey praise to your staff involved in these events - both professionals and students. It was a very informing day for us. The student at Dodge, which we also toured was a great help - if I remembered his name I would tell you, because he definitely deserves kudos. You’ve got a great recruitment staff.</p>
<p>Thank you for the kind words, donnahead. We’ll make sure to pass this on to the staff.</p>