ask a Tisch Film/TV Freshman! :) (stats, app process, my experience, etc)

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<p>Hi everyone, I know it's college application season for a lot of you. I came back to this site to open this thread because I know this site helped me a lot when I was applying to colleges, so I would love to return the favor :) you are welcome to ask anything: the app process, my first semester experience, my stats, etc.</p>

<p>i heard many of you will be getting your decisions soon: my best wishes and good luck.</p>

<p>i also want to share a quick personal story, especially for those who are still in the application/deciding process:</p>

<p>for most of high school, i planned to apply to Stern. i never had a love for business but it seemed like a 'solid' field to go into - i changed my mind on January 1, 2012, New Years Day, the last day before NYU's application deadline. Now that my first semester here is done, i can say that Tisch was everything I ever wanted, everything that i dreamed of and more. i am really pursuing and doing what i love, for the first time in my life.</p>

<p>i applied to 11 colleges, all of them (except Tisch) your generic 'tier 1/midtier backup' colleges in which my major would be more or less undecided. Tisch was really the only one that I applied to because it embodied what I loved and really wanted to pursue as a life career/passion. I got 9 rejection/waitlist letters before I got Tisch's acceptance letter - the 11th letter was also a waitlist(ultimately ended up withdrawing).</p>

<p>so, i guess my message here is: please take that leap of faith to follow your heart and pursue your dreams. don't let anything or anyone hold you back, and don't ever lose hope.</p>

<h2>now for the questions - fire away! :)</h2>

<p>i also notice there are quite a few other threads similar to mine - feel free to ask me the same questions, i may be able to offer a different perspective :)</p>

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<p>Sorry I’ve posted this in a couple forums but I don’t know who to ask. I just had a quick financial aid question. First, on my financial aid statement it says there are loan options but they aren’t clickable. Are those mine or no? How do I get them? </p>

<p>Also I got a hefty $26,000 scholarship to tisch a year. I was completely surprised by this. My grades aren’t even close to te averages so I wouldn’t get any merit based scholarships. Is this scholarship based on need or my talent in my tisch dramatic writing portfolio? I would like to relieve it was my talent but I am just curious. </p>

<p>But mostly I want to know about those loans that aren’t clickable. Are they mine? My parents don’t seem to think so. Just want to clear it up because with those loans more than all of my need would be met. </p>

<p>I am still surprised I got in. My gpa is a 3.24 and sat is 1830. Did tisch really like me that much?</p>

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<p>Ok so I am curious, what did you send in as part of your portfolio? Did you have a film that you sent in or was it something else? I’m hoping to go to Tisch film/tv :)</p>

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<p>How competitive is it to get into the film program at Tisch? Around how many students are there accepted out of how many who apply? How do you feel about the your classmates in film? Are they really experienced and have done a lot of film before or are they inexperienced but very creative? What type of internship programs are offered? What skills do you guys learn (editing, directing, sound, etc.) Are you happy with the level of equipment and facilities?</p>

<p>Sorry for all the questions, but I’m just curious as to the opinion of a student actually in the program!</p>

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<p>(Hi, I’m back) Did you have a lot of film experience before going to Tisch? We’re you nervous at all? Are the people there (students, professors) welcoming and friendly or are they a bit pretentious? Thanks!</p>

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<p>my apologies for the late reply, i got caught up with the holidays and haven’t checked this thread since</p>

<p>26K scholarship is quite substantial, congratulations on that and your acceptance :slight_smile: fin aid at nyu is dependent on your need, your merit, and your talent(ie. applying to tisch). Admission to tisch requires good performance in both academics AND your talent(in your case, writing) - a superior ability in one may overshadow the lack in the other, although the real case is obviously not so simple - they factor in your essays, extracurricular, and recommendations - these may serve more significance than one might think.</p>

<p>the loans are indeed yours, you should be able to accept or deny the loans by the checkboxes in your fin aid summary on albert (are you given access to albert yet?), as well as specify the amount from each loan you want to take.</p>

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<p>@abby1645
I did not have any experience in film prior to my schooling here at tisch; however, i was very invested and passionate in illustration and creative writing. i was interested in film because film is, imo, a manifestation and combination of both visual and written aspects - both aspects which i had many years of experience in and loved dearly. i really loved storytelling(which i hear is one of the most important qualities that tisch film/tv looks for) and creating.</p>

<p>i wrote the short story about myself that they required, and for the 4-choice part, i picked the art portfolio of 10 images to demonstrate my art ability. i considered doing the dramatic script but since they already had a good selection of my writing (from the essays, the short story, the resume, personal statement, etc), i wanted to show them my other skill: illustration. this is not to suggest that you try to showcase all your talents - but to showcase your top strengths. in my case, i pursued writing and art equally and since the application gave me the opportunity to present both of them in a very meanginful manner - i did so. do not think that you are pressured to submit a film - as it IS a film school - but rather, think to pick the best choice, the choice that demonstrates your real strength and passion. they will see it. i wish you the best of luck in your app! p.s. - you can read my reply to australianfilm in this next part of my reply for my clarification on this matter, if you like.</p>

<p>@australianfilm
i believe it is quite competitive, it varies department by department. when i researched the stats i couldn’t find any definite number, as i believe nyu does not release the exact numbers/percentage - however, i know we have ~250 students in my film/tv freshman class. i have heard the acceptance rate for film/tv for last year was 15-20%, but this is only a tentative number.</p>

<p>i really appreciate my classmates and have made many great friends so far this first semester. from what i’ve seen, nearly everyone in the program is here because they LOVE what they do, and they truly are here to learn and pursue their passions. it’s so inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by so many talented, creative people - each who have their own unique strengths and characters. imo the majority are not super experienced in film - there are of course some very technically superior and skilled people - but the majority excel at some aspect of film, not necessarily film itself: for example: scriptwriting, sound, post production, art, etc. we are all here to learn, and there is so much to learn. so far there’s been a great emphasis on your storytelling ability and the freshman classes are catered to establishing a strong foundation for that particular ability, in addition to introducing the technical and practical aspects of making a film. the film/tv class is divided into 2 divisions: sound, and visual. i was in the sound section my first semester, and a breakdown of my classes cover: sound(we produced several radio dramas and audio pieces over the semester); storytelling(basically like an introduction to scriptwriting and plotting); learning how to direct/work with actors. the visual semester offers an introduction to the camera or intro to animation(which i am taking :)). the equipment and facilities are top notch and there is a very organized scheduling/time slot system.</p>

<p>internship programs are usually for upperclassmen - juniors and seniors. you can visit this link for more info: [Internships:</a> Tisch School of the Arts at NYU](<a href=“Undergraduate Film & Television”>Undergraduate Film & Television)</p>

<p>@abby1645
please see my first reply to you for your first question
yes, i was quite nervous - but it was a nervous and excited feeling, the good kind of nervous if you will :wink: the professors are so welcoming and wonderful, they are all truly there to help you and teach you. the students, as i have stated in an above reply, are for the most part very creative, friendly, and collaborative kids. there are (inevitably, as with any community) some pretentious people but they honestly are not a problem at all - you will not worry about them as you will be surrounded by so many more open minded and creative people to befriend.</p>

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<p>This might not be related to your college particularly, but If you could answer my question it would be an ENORMOUS help…
I just want to know what being a film student is like, or what being in the film industry is like. Right now my biggest dilemma is that each time I try to choose a major, Film has always been on my mind- haunting me, whenever I go unto this site, or even drive past the theaters. But, and this is a huge BUT, I have no idea whatever what a future in the film induestry would be like- I’ve taken Media Arts at my high and middle school for 5 years but the teaching has often been a bare minimum and most of the other students are lazy and unmotivated at best, and the projects we produce are mediocre… I am terrified that I might choose to go into a major that isint right for me- I love being logical and using my mind, my brains- but in a way that is artistic almost- manipulating the angle and editing to achieve a specific mood is the most fun for me in that class- but I hate stupid illogical thinking - common sense cant be that hard after all? And to top it all, my parents want to see me in some stiffy high earning major like Law or Medicine.
Can you just tell me what is really good about being in film? I’m so sorry but I feel so lost!</p>

<p>Again- really, really sorry for ranting on you- I just haven’t been able to talk to anyone about this…</p>

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<p>To be honest swan, deciding to major in film for me was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. I’m still only a senior but I was accepted into tisch for dramatic writing so I’m not claimng to know all of life’s answers. But the only thing I had trouble with was deciding what area in film I should major in. It’s been years since I considered any other major and even then I always knew film was going to e my choice. It was always in the back of my mind for the most part. The thing about film is that you really need to have a passion for it in order for it to work. My family suggested I get some kind of back up or do a double major but i know that if I have a safety I will most likely end up falling on it. So I’m going full speed ahead because I know this is what I want to do with the rest of my life even if it doesn’t make me rich. I will still be happy. </p>

<p>So now you have to ask yourself how bad do you want it? If you are willing to throw all your ideas away of becoming a doctor or lawyer in order to pursue this 100% then I say go for it! But if there’s doubt in your mind it will grow. This industry is very challenging so what little doubt you have no could chase you out of film in the future. </p>

<p>Sorry if that sounded like it scared you. I would highly recommend film school to you if it’s right for you but it’s not right for everyone. Heck! It might not be right for me! But i love it to much to not give it a chance. </p>

<p>I think your gut will know which way to go. Listen to it.</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for replying!
And thanks for being honest- maybe I need a decent scare to save myself? I dont even know… I’m just scared that the environment would overwhelm any dreams I have about film, because anyone I’ve ever worked with before in this area has been lazy, procrastinating, ignorant and worst of all, just RUDE- which makes me wonder if others will be this judgmental to women in this area… I hope that maybe I’ve just been unlucky (year after year I see awful people just join our Media arts class and give us a bad reputation), and this isint the norm?
So… If were to go to film school (if I do go to that major), should I declare right away (is that mandatory), and how much of a disadvantage will I have if I’ve never had a teacher teach me anything about film, and just by your experience, how motivated are the people there?
Im sorry if I sound whiny or childish- my high school experience hasn’t been much fun…</p>

<p>And Congrats on your acceptance! I think its amazing that you know what you want- if only i had the same confidence…</p>

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<p>Is this media arts class actually a film class? And is it just an easy a class in your school or highly regarded? In my film class I had such a hard time finding people I work well with. The people I had were exactly the same as you described. Our editor always did it last minute. Our director didn’t want to take action and no one wanted I work on a project that wasn’t their idea. People sometimes don’t work we’ll together. It’s not something you dwell on its something you move on from. Personally I like working with women better. That’s why I ended up working on the group I’m with now. It’s much better. And yes almost all film schools require you to declare it when you apply. Mostly because you have a portfolio but not all require one.
College is the time to learn about film. The knowledge you should have now is the knowledge of your creative ability. Going to film school, you won’t be taught creativity. It’s not something you teach. What you learn in film school is the industry, production skills, history of film makers shots camera angles and editing and sound and all of that stuff. Obviously there’s much more to it than that but you need to have creativity in order to make it all work.
It’s not an easy decision but if its the right one you’ll know it.</p>

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<p>Actually… Its more of a joke than a class- students reference our class to describe something badly made. But its a bit more encouraging to know that things are different than high school and I’m not the only one suffering. </p>

<p>I guess its up to me if I’m ready to commit to a film school/major… Nerve wrecking… Is there a chance that I could announce Film a bit into college? Or are the doors closed for most schools?
^Sorry for being such a bother! this will be my last question…</p>

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<p>I’m still in High school. Isn’t I say that? I thought I sai remember I still don’t know from experience it’s just what I’ve heard. But you’d have to look at each college. I’m not sure but I know for the higher tier film schools you do.</p>

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<p>@nswan0427</p>

<p>hi,</p>

<p>idreamofscreen provided a good insight - i will add my own as a current film student who almost applied to stern(business).</p>

<p>i understand your dilemma in the way that for a long time i was unsure of what i wanted to do in college. i really like writing and drawing and the arts in general, but i also recognized the reality of going into the artfield professionally. it IS hard, i sometimes joke, “of all careers, why do i love the ones that have some of the biggest troubles making a living” ;)</p>

<p>my first semester at tisch has been WONDERFUL, i can’t stress how much i love it. i can only say this for tisch but i think film schools’ communities are completely different from the ones you encounter in high school and in the past - from my experience, the majority of people i met here love what they do, and collaboration is such an essential part of the learning and social experience. i won’t deny, there are bound to be some jokers, slackers, or pretentious people here but i think they’re the minority, and i haven’t had an issue with them - you will find a great group of friends and collaboration on film projects will be something to look forward to.</p>

<p>several times throughout the semester professors have stressed that ultimately, film is also a business, and one of the most cutthroat ones around. there will be ridiculous competition, professionalism is expected, and knowing the right people at the right time can be a turning point for your career. there are a lot of talented people and everyone is striving to be in the spotlight so you will have to work your butt off to shine. the effort-reward ratio may be very discouraging at times. imo you really have to LOVE what you do, whether that be film or something else - for film, i think the passion aspect is particularly important.</p>

<p>i personally had zero experience directly concerning film before tisch - but i loved illustrating and creative writing, and i thought film would be a very good fit for me - i am considering director, screenwriter, and/or art director for now.</p>

<p>i wouldn’t put too much thought on your high school bad experiences - film school is not high school. you will be with entirely different people and in a different community. applying to film school - you generally ‘declare your major’ when you apply - because you’re applying to film school. for example, for NYU there’s a bunch of schools -ie. CAS, Stern, Gallatin, - and of course, Tisch(various departments in tisch: film/tv, dramatic writing, acting, MT, etc). to apply to tisch film/tv, you must select that choice on commonapp and cater all your application materials to tisch film/tv. there is a portfolio requirement and others, as listed on the tisch website. generally speaking, you learn the basics of film your first few semesters, and then you get to specialize in what you what to do - ie. directing, screenwriting, animation, sound, etc.</p>

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<p>As you may well know, CAS students can choose to major Cinema Studies (Not Film/TV) in collaboration with Tisch. I’d like to ask you if there is any discord between Tisch students and CAS student with the same major. The only reason I applied to CAS but not Tisch was I couldn’t prepare my portfolio in time and I had to apply to NYU anyway (Hurricane Sandy played some role in this)</p>

<p>My second question is, with all due respect, how the hell are you paying for the highest tuition in the US? This is a serious question. I’d like to know how you got the FA packages you are on now and what those are.</p>

<p>Thank you and happy new year :)</p>

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<p>Me? I got a 26000 scholarship that’s how. I don’t know what the other parts like loans and stuff I got because they are very unclear about them. We’re still waiting to hear from FAFSA so well see then but thanks to that scholarship it won’t be hard to pay at all.</p>

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<p>@Andalousie</p>

<p>unfortunately i am not familiar with CAS students in the same major, so i can’t provide a personal insight. however, i don’t imagine there would be serious (if any) discord between tisch and cas students - why would there be? competition? there is inherently immense competition amongst tisch students themselves - and yet, from my experience we all generally get along very well. i don’t think this possibility of discord should be a concern and certainly not a deciding factor for you. you will have the opportunity to meet many people outside your major regardless :)</p>

<p>for the tuition, yes, it is hard. i did not receive much in aid at all (~8K/year, with only half of that being a scholarship, the rest are loans+work study). here i give all my appreciation and gratitude to my parents, who worked very hard for my education and were wise with finances. we are not particularly rich nor poor, but we fall into the range where we can pay enough for me to go to NYU without huge stress but as a result get little fin aid.</p>

<p>there are some beliefs out there that nyu fin aid is largely based on merit - this can be to your favor or not. it is true, however, that some students do get a lot of aid - like idreamofscreen. if payment is a concern to you, i still recommend applying to nyu, but don’t make it your only die-for choice. compare your fin aid among your acceptances wisely and ask yourself what is really worth it - do you REALLY want to go to this school even if they give you next to nothing in terms of fin aid? why? is this truly your dream school? etc.</p>