Can you suggest me some realistic schools with good (or great) hands on film programs?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I really want to go to film school, especially one that will offer me internships and opportunities for film-related experience. I've been aiming really, really, really high. My top choice is USC, and I am also applying to NYU and UCLA. Yes, I know. But it never hurts to try, right?! So, I am looking for more "realistic" options. Currently, I am making a short film to apply to USC / NYU anyway, so schools that require a video submission or a portfolio aren't a problem. I know it's generally pretty tough to suggest stuff without seeing my portfolio when it comes to film schools, but if you could somehow manage with this information, that would be great. Low reaches, matches, and safeties, please... Here is some information to give you an idea: </p>

<p>GPA: 3.5 UW / 3.7 W... Freshman year was a weird time.
AP Classes: AP World History (3...), AP Psychology (4), currently taking AP Microeconomics, AP Literature, and AP Physics.
SAT: 1820 (630 CR, 640 Writing, 550 Math). Will retake in October. I've been reviewing geometry, so hopefully that math score will change!</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: </p>

<p>Choir - I think I show dedication - and I really do love it. Joined an entry-level choir my sophomore year, auditioned and made it into an advanced ensemble my junior year. I'm currently in two choirs, both an advanced and an entry level choir, and I am auditioning for Regional Honor Choir / All-State Honor Choir this weekend.
Theater - Stage crew for a couple of plays, too bad I started late in my junior year, but other than that I've been consistent. I volunteered in a two-week summer program where high school students would guide little kids to dance, sing, and act every day and helped them put on their own cute little play. Plan to audition for the winter musical, and I should find out if I get in before most of my college applications are due.
I have 100+ hours of community service doing random little volunteer things.
Had a summer job the summer before my sophomore year at a place with good pizza... Feel weird mentioning the name on here.
Clubs... I did CSF for only one year, not even sure if that is worth mentioning. I was also in the Poetry Club my freshman year, and I was in the Interact Club for my junior year and I will be continuing it my senior year. </p>

<p>I'm worried about my ECs, as a lot of people have a HUUUUGE list... Mine seems like nothing in comparison. Hm.</p>

<p>So, can anyone recommend me some reasonable film schools? Thank you very much! </p>

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<p>Oh. I forgot to mention that I am a Hispanic (Puerto Rican / Mexican) female, if that even changes anything. I will update this tomorrow with my class rank.</p>

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<p>As always, start here:
<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;

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<p>Of course! Thank you. That was my first stop, though I admit I haven’t looked at <em>all</em> of them, but the ones that I did explore all seem like great schools, but many of them seem somewhat daunting when it comes to how many people they admit to their film program. Even the schools who seem to have a higher admit rate seem to have a very competitive undergraduate film program. I feel like I alternate between either overestimating or underestimating myself. So if someone could tell me where they think I might have a better shot at compared to other applicants, I would be very happy… </p>

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<p>Columbia College of Chicago!</p>

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<p>The problem with us telling you where you have the best shot is that an awful lot is going to depend more on your portfolio than your grades and we have no way to grade your portfolio. And you have URM status, which makes it even more complicated. (I don’t think your academics would prevent you from getting in anywhere except maybe UCLA if you had a great video submission. I have no idea how UCLA Film School weighs academics.)</p>

<p>I would approach it the same way theater and music kids do - apply everywhere that looks like a good place for you, go to the best place that lets you in that you can afford. That usually means higher than the normal number of applications.</p>

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<p>Some other schools with varying levels of selectivity: Temple, UNC-Wilmington, Florida State, and Pace. The BFA programs are some of the most competitive for admissions, and so you should definitely have some BA options, also. A few BFA colleges, like SCAD and UArts (Philadelphia) are less selective than the big names like USC, Tisch, et al. Emerson might be within reach for you, with your respectable CR and Writing test scores. They are willing to overlook lackluster math scores sometimes, and your URM status could help you there. Look at Ithaca, too. </p>

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<p>Full Sail University</p>

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<p>Thank you to everyone who has responded so far!</p>

<p>MrMom62 - Thanks! Good to hear my academics won’t prevent me from going anywhere except maybe UCLA - at least USC isn’t <em>completely</em> out of the question based off of my academics alone. I did figure that it would be difficult for people to determine my chances anywhere without being given a portfolio, but even this much information is a big help.</p>

<p>woogzmama and AnnieBeats - Thank you both for the suggestions! I will look into those schools, and so far I think Emerson has made it onto my list for sure.</p>

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<p>Full Sail Univ is a rip off. Do not consider that school. </p>

<p>What is your budget? how much will your family pay? This will likely determine where you should apply.</p>

<p>What is your home state?</p>

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<p>My family isn’t telling me how much they will pay. I really hate to say this, but I don’t think they plan on helping me much… If at all. I’ve been trying to talk to my mom about money and she keeps talking about how her parents didn’t help her at all, if I can do it so can you, etc. I know I shouldn’t apply to places like NYU with that in mind, but a girl can dream… Yeah, that gets rid of a lot of options, doesn’t it?</p>

<p>My home state is California.</p>

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<p>post your question here also</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Many specialized in film schools won’t visit threads in this category </p>

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<p>I just want to comment that UCLA and USC are mostly out with your stats and full ride requirements. But what do I know?</p>

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<p>Ahaha, no need to rub it in. I made this thread and asked for more realistic options for a reason.</p>

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<p>Your mom needs to be aware that college costs a LOT more than when she went. Students really can’t just work their way thru, unless they commute from home to a local school.</p>

<p>Have your mom run the NPCs on various schools’ websites.</p>

<p>Is there a local CSU or UC near your home? which ones?</p>

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<p>I think your family IS telling you how much they’ll pay, and I think the answer is zero. Do you know how much your parents earn? If they have a total combined income of <$60k, you may get a little Pell money (which isn’t much, full Pell is only ~$5k). Federal student loans YOU can take are $5500, $6500, $7500, and &7500 (for freshman, soph, junior, & senior year), so even if you had full Pell and the student loan, you’d only have $10k-12k +/- year. That means you need merit to attend a 4-year school, and I’m not sure if an 1180 (CR +M) SAT qualifies for any. Check the guaranteed merit award thread pinned to the top of the financial aid forum to make sure.</p>

<p>It’s possible to work your way through school. Many people do. Generally, they start at a community college and take courses as they can afford them. One of my sisters did from cc thru to classes at NYU. (She currently works in the broadcast industry in Manhattan.) She believes the money spent at NYU would have been better spent at a state school because her coworkers with degrees from SUNY are earning the same as those who paid for a more expensive degree. So don’t get caught up in name brands. Figure out where you can learn the skills you want at a price you can afford.</p>

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<p>Loyola Marymount also has a good Film and TV Production program. Look at some state schools around the country that run the local PBS and NPR affiliates out of their Communications schools. I know Kent State and Ohio University both have excellent hands-on tv production programs (so say a some alumni friends of mine who have thriving careers in the industry now) Many other state universities can give you this real-life experience, it’s like having a good internship for all 4 years! </p>

<p>I know you said “film” and not television, but with the digitization of both media, the technical aspects have become very similar, and, frankly, a practical tv/video production education will hold more future career options than an artier film school would. You can always apply to AFI for grad school if you get through your undergrad years still craving that atsty experience. </p>

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<p>UCSC has a Film & Digital Media major, with no portfolio submission requirement. You only need to qualify for general admission, and I think you can probably get in there. UC Irvine has a Film & Media Studies major, also. I think it’s a BA with no special application supplements, and you would be within reach of the Hollywood industry for internships. </p>