Hi,
My son has a passion for film and television, but I am afraid his GPA will keep him out of most of the top schools. He has about a 3.3 average as a high school JR. Can anyone recommend any decent schools with film production majors where a B student has a decent chance of admission?
Thanks everyone!
What state are you in? Any preferences for geography? What is the budget? A state school is going to be a lot less expensive. What is his SAT/ACT?
Does he have something to submit for a portfolio? That will make a difference in getting into a more selective film program, showing experience, talent, initiative, skill…
a lot of people like to be near LA because of the industry resources and connections although of course it isn’t the only place. I have a FOF who went to Ole Miss and made great connections.
Chapman might be a possibility, they take B students, but it is harder to get into the film school (Dodge) than Chapman in general, as it is considered quite tops
http://www.chapman.edu/dodge/programs/undergraduate/bfa-film-production.aspx
Loyola Marymount - LA
Strong program
Orange Coast Community College - has a production certificate that can be combined with an AA for transfer, has a good reputation.
Some of the Cal States
Also,
Ithaca
Drexel
Columbia College, Chicago
Thanks so much for the reply. We are on the east coast, but geography is not an issue. We will look at all the schools you mentioned. He does have a very good portfolio of short films and great ECs, so we are keeping our fingers crossed.
Would love to hear from any others who have gotten into film programs with grades in the B range.
State flagship schools are decent options for B students. They are usually cost effective alternatives to private schools, with lower admission standards for in-state residents.
You could also look at R I T in Rochester, and Alfred University just south of there.
One more option might be the University of Colorado, Boulder:
http://film.colorado.edu/ba/
SCAD has a very good film program. Also check out Temple University. That GPA is probably not good enough for RIT or Drexel.
SUNY Purchase is worth looking into as well. Admission will depend largely on portfolio since his grades would be fine.
Agree, SUNY Purchase GPA standards are in the upper 80s for the middle 50% of admitted 2014 freshman. However, their fine arts programs are very selective based on portfolios and auditions (for music, theater, etc. Not film, obv.). Tuition is $6,170 for in-state and $15,820 for out of state students.
Someone started a thread with the same question maybe 6 mos ago. Try to search is forum for it.
In california:
Cal state university northridge
Chapman
Loyola Marymount university
I think the Florida state schools such as ucf? And fsu?
RIT and Drexel will fit
Many of the arts school
There is a sticky on the top of this forum about all of the film schools.
Also a poster here wrote a book called lights camera application which is available on amazon
Cost an issue? Quality privates might admit with good reel but won,t have great aid without great grades.
DePaul.
There are over 100 “film schools” in the United States alone. So there are lots of options.
Plus, most film schools heavily weight the portfolio. Being a “B” student may make it a bit harder, but having a great portfolio makes the difference. Any school is in play if you’ve got a great portfolio.
SVA
Syracuse