<p>Hi there, I’m on the same boat as you. I an intl completing my education in England. I’m currently waiting for offers from Michigan, London and Hong Kong. What I really want to do however, is film production. Assuming I get into Michigan (please God) then I’ll be able to work my way towards it. I’ve been looking at a lot of things lately-I realised I didn’t know much about film production, hell I didn’t even know that what I wanted to do was called that till a couple of days ago. THe thing is I’m in a dilemma because although i realised that I don’t want to be stuck in a dead end job, even if it means wallstreet , I still want to have solid business degree alongside an education in film/cinema. I have been considering the prospect of transferring should I get into Michigan, to NYU and USC but the hefty fees (despite the fact that I can afford it) and what in my opinion is less than stellar business education (compared to Mich, Wharton, UCB) is holding me back from that direction. Ideally speaking, if USC’s business reputation precedes itself then I will be seriously looking into it’s BCA program, where one would be able to major in business with a concentration in cinematic arts. The thing is I have read a lot about USC’s business school and how it’s lacking compared to the top 10 and best suited for those who intend on remaining in California (due to the alumni and the name there). NYU for me, is a second because I view it as more of a prestige for acting/directing related majors. The lifestyle, costs, mannerisms of civilians there are also very different from somewhere like California. They have this thing called Gallatin which if you transfer into (and they take all aspects of your application equally into consideration), you’ll be able to decide your individual modules studied and graduate with a BA in Individualised study with concentration in ______. Despite it being ideal, I guess i was brought up in such a way that I’d look down on this route. NYU also offers a minor in EMT if I’m not wrong, or maybe it’s EMT with a minor in business. The thing is i dont want to sacrifice my business education, but at the same time I want to learn specifics about the film production basics and the industry, be in an area full of training/internship/opportunities (if possible, with the very best), graduate with a concrete/stellar and respectable degree. I’d like to think that my solid business education will prove useful when starting out/during times when perhaps my knowledge of the film world might still prove lacking. UC Berkeley was an earlier consideration to transfer to when my mind was still down the gutter, dreaming of a life of prestige and the likes (can you blame me for my asian upbringing?nhaha) but it’s now different since I took the time to reevaluate my life and what I truly would like to pursue. UCB however would be ideal in away that it’ll give me solid business grounding as well as having a major in film/cinematic studies. But being an international, I don’t know if I’d still be able to get the same opportunities as, say a graduate in USC. I don’t even know how long it takes to travel from there to socal. What i do know is that UCB’s business program is one of the top especially amongst recruiters in cal as well as NYU. If mich had a film/cinematic studies program then I wouldnt be in this rut… SHould I hear good news, I’d spend my first year at Mich with a comparative literature/english concentration as well as maybe math/econ etc before I transfer. When I was seriously considering USC, I thought that if I’m unsuccessful in business and bca, then I would double major in business and comp lit. I am also uncertain as to actual productions knowledge I’ll get from USC’s business bca…I dont think it’s part of this degree specifically. I do know however that NYU offers something like a production minor. Also don’t forget that you can transfer to USC as a sophmore or senior. If I find myself wanting to experience Umich’s business and comp lit a bit longer, I might leave transferring to 3rd year. So yeah…sorry for the rambling! I hope my post has been somewhat useful. Finally, somebody in the same boat! Also I dont think you need specific technical experience in film if your intent is to study film studies/ca and go into production…although looking for intern/assisstant positions at this time would be helpful. This summer I will try to use my older brother’s connections-if he has any to see if I can land myself in something…even if I could I’m an international so its not like it would make a big difference. My advice is the general reading up and that your film passion should ooze from your being…</p>
<p>ps my SATs are similar to yours-only took them once. and I’m a bit of a nontraditional student. Finished hs at 17, took gap year for family medical conditions and because I think I was very young (got promoted a year in advance when i was at school). Right now I’m studying intensive a levels in one year in the UK-very rigorous curriculum in Math, French and literature. I’m actually a law school applicant both to UK and HKG (law is an undergraduate degree in england and hkg because our HS curriculum’s rigorous and prepares us well for it as an undergrad major). I dont think I’d like to retake my SATs…i have SAT 2s too in Lit, Mth level2 and french but they were not awesomely spectacular…hopefully unconditional acceptance (please Umich) and my very strong predicted grades for upcoming exams in June (and of course my final actual grades) will boost my app. Also my writing is quite strong (i think) though there;s still room to be much better.</p>
<p>IMHO, consider, UCB (I know you are oos but chances will not be worse than an intl and also its bus program is 2 years so you will be considered for it at the end of your sophmore year), USC, NYU, Michigan (its application system is quite allrounded and nice i thought), McIntire and UT Austin (though not too sure about film opportunities there), Penn…? (if you plan on retaking SATs). If you want to know your chances…well there isn’t much to know except to work your butt off and beat yourself-not literally, I meant constantly beating your gpa/sat score. Looking at people’s stats aren’t usually that helpful even though I’m guilty of doing it, because we are all different. If we offer the same things we wouldn’t be unique applicants and it would annoy admissions I should think. The college’s site itself should tell you plenty/enough. Obviously if you aim higher and do the needed work you will land in a better place. Let your natural interests lead your curiosity/interest to seek experience and opportunities in your field of interest. My personal favourite, is to actually go through and read individual modules of programs I’d like to be admitted to and see if there’s anything I know of and have explored or would like to.</p>
<p>If you want to keep in touch feel free to pm. Otherwise, I’d be happy to answer anything else. Best of luck =)</p>