Anyone Have Any Questions About Chapman?

<p>I just finished my first semester and I'm willing to answer any questions people might have. I promise I'll answer them 100% honestly.</p>

<p>This website helped me a lot when I was applying so I want to give back. I'll check back as often as I can to respond to any questions you may have.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Chinaski, I see you got into the school of Film and Television -- congratulations!</p>

<p>As it is extremely competitive, what do you think it was about your application that got you in? In particulare, what do you think the admissions committee is looking for in potential filmmakers?</p>

<p>Well obviously I didn't make the decision so I can't say for sure, but I can let you know some conclusions I've made from what others have told me.</p>

<p>Make sure your intro video tells a story. I do know some people who got in with the 'this is the stuff I do' videos, but the students that seem to stick out in my intro classes all seem to have told a story with their first videos. Let the short describe you as you. The admissions people know you play basketball, and sing in choir and play piano. The rule of thumb I used when applying to all my colleges was use your essays to show the counselors you are a human being. Show them your soft side, talk about a crazy memory with friends that has affected you, things like that. I personally did my video on a ceremony I attended commemorating my uncle's death in the Vietnam War and how it made me realize he lived his entire life and accomplished a ton in 20 years and in 18, I felt like I had accomplished nothing. I think my video was the deciding factor because although my grades were maybe a little above average compared to the norm, I told a story with my film that showed me for me. After all, aren't us film students in school to become storytellers?</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>I have been accepted to LMU but have also applied to Chapman. Do you know when they start sending out the acceptance letters. I am interested in screenwriting. What makes Chapman a "must go to" school?</p>

<p>I got into LMU before Christmas last year, but didn't hear back from Chapman til quite awhile afterward. </p>

<p>As far as Chapman being a 'must go' school let me put it this way; the school does SO much to make you feel welcome into college life it's amazing. You will meet hundreds of people your first few days when the school has you participate in all kinds of ice-breaking activities allowing you to slowly break away from your parents and get into the swing of things. This is not only great for you, but takes a lot of strain off of parents who are sending their kids away to college. Academics are tough, but not cut throat so you don't have to worry about locking yourself in your room for 4 years. Even finals week is fun when the school provides FREE midnight breakfast, has a huge dance party, and then there's the undie run - tons of fun.</p>

<p>Basically, Chapman really is my home away from home. Big enough that you get the full college experience, but small enough to keep things personal. It was actually my 4th choice, but USC rejected me and UMiami and LMU gave me crappy aid so I ended up at Chapman and guess what, I couldn't be happier with the way things played out.</p>

<p>Edit: Regarding screenwriting, David Ward (writer of The Sting) and Tom Mankiewicz (writer of three James Bond movies) are just two of the many big name professors at the school. The film program is top notch.</p>

<p>Is there anything in particular you dislike about Chapman?</p>

<p>Now that I am a member of the Greek community on campus it is a bit of a bummer that we don't have a real Greek row. The school is trying to devote an entire dorm structure to Greeks, but I think we all see the problem with that. Social life isn't like it is at big schools, but I guess that is to be expected when it comes to smaller colleges.</p>

<p>Other than that the only things that bother me are small like limited cafeteria hours and a slight lack of diversity in the student population. Chapman kind of gets the reputation of being "13th grade" or only for rich kids, but I think it all depends on who you hang out with. Yes, there are spoiled kids and yes there is drama among students, but I'm pretty sure these 'problems' pop up on every college campus.</p>

<p>Other than these small things, Chapman is fantastic.</p>

<p>hi,</p>

<p>i've heard a lot about the flm programs and stuff, but what about other programs. i am thinking about majoring in business, how is the business major at chapman? how are the dorms? how religious are the kids? what would you do on a typical day and what do you do for fun? how are the teachers?</p>

<p>Pretty much every major at Chapman is pretty strong. Business is actually very well known from what I hear. I think the science department is the only area that is kind of lacking, but I know the school is making big strides to make it great including getting big name professors from other schools.</p>

<p>The dorms are more than acceptable. I am in a very spacious double and share a private bathroom with only 3 other students which isn't bad at all. Class of 2013 is going to get the amazing new dorms going up that supposedly will have its own cafeteria and rock climbing wall.</p>

<p>Kids are as religious as anywhere. Some follow religion some don't. There is ZERO pressure to follow a certain religion on campus. No mandatory classes or anything like that.</p>

<p>Teachers that I've had have all been great - especially in film. Use ratemyprofessors.com and try to get the professors with good ratings. I loved all my classes (except Spanish, but that's just because I'm over the world language thing).</p>

<p>As for my typical day, I had a lot of early classes this semester and pledged a fraternity so I was pretty busy. I'd wake up around 8:30, go to classes til around 12:30, get lunch, do some homework or watch a movie, then get ready for the night. The weekends start on Thursday nights and Sun-Wed nights I'd always find something to do. The school always seems to have a guest speaker, special performance, Greek event or something else going on. Greek life is HUGE on campus. It may not be the typical Greek scene like at big state schools, but I think you may feel a bit out of the loop if you're not Greek. I'm not saying you HAVE to be Greek, but in my opinion you'd be missing out on the college experience if you stay independent. </p>

<p>Hope that helps!</p>

<p>Edit: I also wanted to add that before college I had NO interest in being in a fraternity. I thought it was stupid and for tools, but once I got on campus I saw what it's all about at Chapman. Don't let stereotypes scare you and honestly, if being Greek is something you really don;t want to be part of there is still PLENTY for you to do. I get invites on facebook to go to parties, movie screenings, art exhibits and all kinds of things everyday. The social life will be what you make of it, but don't let that aspect determine your college choice because it's only a small aspect of your college years.</p>

<p>Hi Chinaski! Thanks for offereing to answer questions. I applied for early admission back in November and I am anxiously awaiting a response from Chapman sometime this month! Chapman is my first choice and I have interviewed (and are applying for) their Graphic design major. I have a kind of off topic question in regards to Chapman life.</p>

<p>I was born (literally) a Disney kid, my parents both worked there, and I am interested in entering the Disney College Internship Program. I know that they visit Chapman annualy, and I was wondering if you have heard anything about it from fellow students?</p>

<p>Unfortunately I have no idea about the Disney internship. To be honest I never even made it to Disney Land this semester (I know, I'm terrible).</p>

<p>I know a lot of students work at Disney and I also know other companies such as Universal visit to find interns. That's all I really know, sorry!</p>

<p>And if anyone is wondering why I'm responding so quickly, I'm in bed with the flu and seriously cannot read another book or watch another movie. This is more fun anyway ;)</p>

<p>Alright, cool. Thanks your very helpful! Any ideas where the business program ranks or anything?</p>

<p>Also, I guess this is just a general question for colleges, but I will ask you specifically since you mentioned taking Spanish.</p>

<p>Anyways, most school recquire 2 years, but reccommend 3 years of a foreign language. I'm currently a junior, and not taking Spanish this year because my teachers were horrible, so I am only taking 2. Is there some sort of foreign language requirement. Should I maybe just suffer through another year and take spanish 3 my senior year?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I am not sure on specifics with the business school. I think the entrepreneurship program is pretty highly ranked. </p>

<p>As for Spanish, if you're actually learning Spanish, not just getting a grade to have one, I suggest you take it. I took the easy way out in high school and took the easy Spanish classes and am now paying for it at Chapman. For some reason the world languages are really rough and you are required to take up to 201 which is basically fluent. You self-place yourself so i suggest you learn Spanish in high school and get 201 done with your first semester. I took 101 this semester and actually struggled a bit so I'm trying to work it out so I can take 201 at my local community college. Bottom line, take the language if you're going to learn in the class because it make things a lot less stressful in the long run.</p>

<p>How is the acting school, and is Chapman really known throughout the country?</p>

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

<p>I know a ton of kids in theater and even a few in the new screen acting program and they are really into it. I know it's a lot of work, but I think acting students have a huge advantage because there are multiple films being made on campus every single day. There is even a forum Chapman runs for students only where you can post head shots and resumes and film students can contact you when they need actors.</p>

<p>As for being known around the country it's off and on. I've found on the east coast some people have never heard of it and then some know it well. If you're going to stay in California then I wouldn't worry about it at all. When I applied I was worried about prestige and telling people I went to [insert popular school name here], but I soon realized that it's what you make of the school you go to. Companies in SoCal know Chapman has great film, acting, business programs etc. and when you get your internships you show them how much you've learned and since you're less than an hour from LA the world is at your fingertips.</p>

<p>Chinaski, when did you start working on your intro video for your application?</p>

<p>Would you say it is common for students in your program to have gone to a summer program in film? If so, any summer programs in particular?</p>

<p>Chinaski, can you give any insight into their PR/A program within their Dodge College? I applied for that major and should be hearing soon as to whether I am accepted or not.</p>

<p>My video file was made on November 14th of my senior year so I suppose I made the video around then. I remember I filmed and edited it the same week. I know some students who did summer programs and some who didn't. I didn't do any film related courses I just included all the shorts I did with my friends on my creative resume. Every student is different, but I don't think they expect you to do any specific summer film programs. </p>

<p>As for PR/Advertising, I am thinking about picking up a minor in that area and have found that my friends that are PR/Ad majors really enjoy it. You get a ton of advantages by having such an amazing film school because you can use the various resources offered from Chapman. Film, advertising, PR, broadcast journalism, etc. are all a lot more similar than many people think.</p>

<p>Is a car an absolute neccessity? What's it like in the neighborhood outside the campus?
Restaurants, movies, etc near by?</p>

<p>Butting in here--I'm also a freshman film student at Chapman (screenwriting.) I did a LOT of research during my college search and I'm pretty in the know with most major undergraduate film schools. I'd be happy to give you my opinions of the pros and cons of not only Chapman, but USC or NYU or even LMU or Ithaca. I just know I wish I had me as a resource during my admissions process, and things would have been a lot less stressful... :)</p>