Advice for USC film school?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a sophomore in high school, and it might be a little early to worry. I plan to go to film school in the future, with emphasis on either directing or cinematography. I have straight As, 4.0 un weighted GPA, 4.3 weighted. My PSAT score is 175, which is pretty bad, so I'm working hard to improve it. </p>

<p>I've been looking at the application requirements, and I'm very worried about the visual sample. I hear it's the most important, but I have no film experience whatsoever. I've got pages of ideas, storyboards, etc. But I have never actually filmed anything with a camera. This is mostly because I don't have many resources (actors, cameras, etc) or technical knowledge.</p>

<p>Aside from that, I do have a screenwriting tutor outside of school, but seeing as I plan to major in production, I don't know if that will help. Most of my "film experience" is pre-production stuff. I get the script written, storyboard everything, and I can't really go farther than that. I kind of live in development hell.</p>

<p>I also have a sister currently attending USC Roski, but she isn't a stellar student, so I don't know if that will hurt my chances. </p>

<p>I would really appreciate some advice on what to do at this point. I'm mostly worried about the visual sample. Is it possible for me to get in even though I don't have much hands on experience? Which part of the application is most important? What should I do to improve my chances?</p>

2

<p>Are you sure screenwriting isn’t for you?</p>

<p>I hope that you would go to USC without necessarily being for directing…</p>

3

<p>I’ve been screenwriting for a little over a year, but I find that I have a hard time working with words. Most of my storyboards and concepts have little to no dialogue, and I’m trying to improve on that.
Directing and cinematography are just some ideas I have in mind. I feel that I may be more of a visual person, but I’m open to anything. I just want to make films.
Do you have any advice?</p>