<p>Hey everybody,</p>
<p>So I was admitted to Chapman's screenwriting program about a month ago and had my heart set on it for the longest time. I was soooo happy and secure with my decision... right up until last week, when I came off the waitlist for LMU and was admitted into their screenwriting program. I have done so much research and read so many message boards on the usual LMU vs. Chapman debate... but I just feel more confused than ever! I fell in love with both schools when I visited, and Chapman just seemed like a nice fit for me...then again, I've heard A LOT about LMU's great reputation in screenwriting. Please, if anyone could give me any input at all (and perhaps from the perspective of an industry professional) I will be eternally grateful. </p>
<p>Ps. I was also accepted (off the waitlist) to Fordham University, so if you know anything about their reputation in film, I would love to hear from you. However, at this point, I'm really more concerned with LMU and Chapman. </p>
<p>Thank you SO very much! I have until Monday, the 16th, to make my decision...so any advice will help!</p>
<p>Kalikris, In case you haven’t heard, Chapman has an excellent screenwriting program and produces excellent screenwriters. Check out article. [Paramount</a> snags Chapman screenwriters new film Happenings](<a href=“http://chapmannews.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/01/26/paramount-snags-chapman-screenwriters-new-film/]Paramount”>Paramount snags Chapman screenwriter’s new film | Happenings)</p>
<p>DS has been taking a screenwriting class this semester and loved it. DS also has roommate/suitemate in the screenwriting program and they are loving it.</p>
<p>If you’ve visited both film schools, you would have seen a big difference between the two schools. Chapman’s Dodge College has the best facilities in SoCal, even better than what USC has. Sorry, but LMU doesn’t come close to what Chapman has to offer. Chapman also has their own production company; Chapman Entertainment. Non of the other schools have that. In addition to the current state-of-the-art facilities, Chapman already has plans for the Millennial Studios and the Filmmaker’s Village; housing for the film students to be nearby so they can have access to the facilities 24/7. So the question is, what fits you? Good luck.</p>
<p>Time is short, but you are choosing between two of the best. Since you visited both you know the differences between the bigger, newer Chapman facilities, but LMU is not horrible, they have quality equipment and instructors. “Doesn’t come close” is an exaggeration, you will find as many people rating LMU and Chapman even, but most would rate USC higher. Most of the screen writing ratings seem to talk about Masters degrees, where both schools get high marks. If screenwriting is your emphasis you should spend some time checking out the instructors, it’s not like learning the craft of screenwriting is dependent on anything much more high tech than a word processor and learning to tell good stories.<br>
Is there a significant difference in your financial package? Not being in horrible debt when you graduate will improve your chances in pursuing a screenwriting career, which is notorious for inconsistent starting pay for the struggling writer. Good luck.</p>
<p>Here is also a stateuniversity.com national ranking for most popular schools for Cinematography and Film Production. You can see for your self. Hope this helps.<br>
[Most</a> Popular Schools for Cinematography and Film/Video Production Major & Degree Program](<a href=“Most Popular Schools by Degree Program”>Most Popular Schools for Cinematography and Film/Video Production Major & Degree Program)</p>
<p>Hey KaliKris,</p>
<p>Both schools have great reputations for screenwriting and film - either way you can’t go wrong. If Chapman felt like the right fit for you from the beginning, then perhaps Chapman is the one. (I’m not being biased here - I chose LMU over Chapman for film and TV.) Don’t think about reputation so much - think about location, students, money - the non-academic sides to it. After all, I don’t think you could go wrong with either screenwriting programme. Do you prefer big cities or cute towns? Which university’s students seem a better fit for you? How much fin aid has each university offered you? Which university do you feel the most comfortable in - like it can become your home?</p>
<p>Anyway, you’re not in a bad position at all 
If it helps any, I live in the UK taking a one-year course in film at the moment, and my film teacher has heard of Chapman and not of LMU. But of course that doesn’t mean anything. I’m studying in one of the best film schools in the UK and I highly doubt many people in America have heard of the Arts University College at Bournemouth, lol. Anyway, whichever you choose, you will be in good hands. Forget about the academic aspect and focus on the more social/economic side, and you might find your answer. Good luck :)</p>
<p>Edit: sorry I just want to make myself clear - I’m going to LMU as a freshman next year, studying at AUCB now. I have a really complicated academic history lol.</p>
<p>Also, the rankings that Ocelite has provided say at the very bottom in small print:</p>
<p>This list indicates the number of students enrolled in Cinematography and Film/Video Production at the schools above. It is not necessarily an indicator of academic rigor or quality of education.</p>
<p>Kalikris, There are many fine institutions out there that offer film programs. Hopefully you have done your research and found the information provided to you helpful. Please keep in mind that there is a reason why schools such as USC and Chapman are so hard to get in for their film programs. There are resources out there that have also indicated that. Choosing the right school depends on what fits you the best. Do you want bang for your buck? Which school offers the best facilities, connections, size, etc. to help you learn and grow? To be a successful screenwriter, it’s not just about writing an excellent script, but will you be able to sell it? You will need to connect with producers, directors, actors, etc…because you can’t do it alone. You will also need to study the business side of the business which will also involve you with studio; using of lab for production and editing as you can see in the Dodge catalog course list. [B.A</a>. Screenwriting - Dodge College of Film and Media Arts](<a href=“http://ftv.chapman.edu/programs/sodaro-pankey_undergraduate_school_of_media_arts/screen_writing/]B.A”>http://ftv.chapman.edu/programs/sodaro-pankey_undergraduate_school_of_media_arts/screen_writing/)
As I had mentioned before on another thread that when we (DS and I) were looking for the right school last year, we were looking for the whole package. We found that at Chapman and very pleased with the results. Again, best of luck. :)</p>
<p>Hey Flippy… I thought you got rejected or waitlisted by Chapman according to another thread. Thanks for checking in though. :)</p>
<p>Hehe no problem Ocelite. It’s pretty much force of old habit…I checked these forums SO many times when I was waiting to hear back from these schools and I still have yet to break the habit!</p>
<p>No I wasn’t waitlisted by Chapman. In fact I received my acceptance package with scholarship via email about a week ago. My academic history is a bit odd but basically LMU decided I was a freshman whereas Chapman decided I was a transfer, which is why I heard back later from Chapman than LMU. The fact that I heard back from LMU before Chapman did factor into my decision somewhat, but after hearing about the different strengths of both schools I decided LMU was the one for me anyway. But I do know that Chapman is a fantastic film school so my acceptance did make me happy regardless!</p>
<p>i feel this will not help you as your long made up your mind but for others who read this blog it might, it can be argued that for film production, acting directing the better the school the better your education , for screen writing its not where you study but the quality of your last script that matters to insiders in the industry .</p>
<p>have a nice day</p>