Anxious High School Senior Wants to Write/Direct Movies and TV Shows

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Title says it all. I'm starting the application process, and I'm very confused and very worried. Here is some background:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.4 unweighted
ACT: 29
SAT: 1950
EC: Band for 3 years. Speech team. A couple volunteer things here and there. Nothing outstanding, unfortunately.
I missed a lot of school my sophomore and junior year due to chronic migraines, but I've gotten much better thanks to the Mayo Clinic and can now function without problem.</p>

<p>I know what I want to do for the rest of my life. I love to make stories, so naturally I want to pursue a career and film and TV. My top choice is NYU for either F&TV or Dramatic Writing. I have my safety schools, and I'm also looking at Sarah Lawrence and other small liberal arts colleges in the northeast. I'll probably apply to USC, even though it's beyond ridiculous to get into. Are there other schools I should consider, like Chapman or Loyola Marymount? I'm pretty unfamiliar with their quality and selectivity. </p>

<p>Another thing I am considering is just going to a regular school, getting a degree in English or whatever, and then going to film school? Or just moving to NYC or LA and trying to make it? Thoughts?</p>

<p>Basically, I just need help. What do I do? I'm so worried that I won't get into NYU because of its selectivity and because my numbers/EC's are poor and I have no idea if my portfolio will be good enough.</p>

<p>Responses are GREATLY appreciated.
Matt</p>

2

<p>What can your family afford and what is your home state?</p>

3

<p>My family will probably end up contributing about 20-25k. I live in Minnesota</p>

4

<p>Wright State in OH has a good Motion Picture major and has had success getting graduates to the pros. It costs $27K/year</p>

5

<p>Look for schools with good creative writing programs that have screenwriting courses. </p>

6

<p>Florida State, UNC-Wilmington, and Temple also have strong Film departments. Columbia College Chicago can be an academic safety. I don’t know how much aid you’re likely to receive from them, but they are definitely less expensive than Tisch or USC, and they have a surprisingly strong Film program. </p>

7

<p>Seconding Florida State. Along with the film school they offer the Torchlight program, which is an education in the business aspect of filmmaking.</p>

8

<p>The ultimate list is always this one:
<a href=“Best Film Schools 2014: Top 25 U.S. Schools – The Hollywood Reporter”>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/top-25-film-schools-united-721649&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Some interesting and unconventional picks. Something for everybody.</p>