<p>I am a Junior in High School, and am looking at NYU for film school. Here is a bit about me:</p>
<p>-I take mainly honors classes
-I took 3 AP classes this year (Statistics, Physics, and Word Hist.) and am taking two next year (Lit & Comp. and Euro Hist.)
-I have generally a B average, though I also get A's and the occasional C
-I am Secretary of the Teenage Republican Club
-I am Class President
-I have been Homeroom representative in my class
-I have been a grade representative in Student Government Association
-I am a producer for my local channel, channel 19
-This summer I am filming a Star Wars fanfilm Trilogy, with fullblown effects (cgi, lightsaber rotoscopig etc.) to show off some of my filmmaking ability
-I also am shooting a dramatic film right now, plus another short and a documentary in the fall
-I have no applyable score for the SAT, but my projected average schore is between 1400-1500 (that is, of course, with the old SAT)
-I be taking all 5 AP tests
- I will be taking the ACT as well</p>
<p>I am also applying to Chapman, USC, UCLA, and perhaps a few other for film. I am strongly devoted to film. Do you think I have a shot of getting into the program at NYU?</p>
<p>Your samples will help you at NYU for sure. USC doesn't take film samples because they believe anyone who is creative can learn to film and they don't give an unfair advantage to kids who didnt have access to a camera or came from a high school with no film class at all. USC asks for tons of witing samples so you can show your creativity on paper. NYU does take video samples though so that will help you. UCLA has film but you can't apply to it until your junior year. You have to apply to something else (I applied and got into their creative writing degree and wanted to transfer to film but I heard that it is VERY difficult and so you could go there and not be able to even get into the major you want so I wouldn't go. That's why I decided not to go there). Chapman is good and you'll learn a lot but prestige wise its not up there with the other 3 (but you will learn a lot which is what really matters anyways... aside from connections). My vote is for USC then NYU. I think you have a better shot at NYU than the others because they like experience and devotion to film and you definetly have that.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help. I must say, I have posted in all the boards for these schools, and people have been wonderful helping me out. Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>The film portfolio is (at least) worth 50% of the total package. As far as academically, you might be a little bit on the low side of things, but a good portfolio will easily make up for that, as will an SAT that high. Try to get as many As as possible your Junior year to make up for those Cs and see if you can take some additional APs next year. Not that "merely" two APs is bad, but I've heard going from three to two (i.e. downward number) isn't liked. I have no idea if this is true, but still, more APs will look more impressive. Try applying ED, too, if you're sure you want to go.</p>
<p>your writing will be the most important thing at these schools... (esp. USC b/c they won't see your videos). You need to be a great story teller and a creative thinker. btw, I would not consider sending in your star wars fan film as your only piece because they might think you aren't very creative.</p>
<p>your GPA is also going to hurt you a bit at all these schools (esp UCLA out of state). BTW, you do realize that you have to basically re-apply to UCLA's film and tv program for your junior year.... there is a chance you could get stuck there without a f/tv degree (just a thought).</p>
<p>up if you work on those things... you have a decent shot</p>
<p>Yeah, I wouldn't advise sending in a "Star Wars fan film". Actually, I wouldn't advise making one. That sounds really lame. But definitely don't send it in as your NYU portfolio.</p>
<p>I got in for Cinema Studies, which has a written portfolio -- I had an essay about Federico Fellini's "La dolce vita" and "8 1/2" and the Cinema Studies application essay.</p>
<p>Howard-
Dain makes a good point. You're portfolio is not looking for sheer special effects talent or what not. They're looking for creativity and the ability to tell your own story. You can go ahead and the make the film if you want.</p>
<p>never even heard of shane felux. looked him up. just another dude trying to do a parody of star wars.......like everyone else.</p>
<p>not saying dont do your film at all. i had to do a star wars tribute video for history last year. but if you submit it, dont expect to get in. the main thing nyu looks for (and this canNOT be stressed enough apparently) is storytelling ability. using someone else's characters and plot outlines doesnt really highlight that ability.</p>
<p>Look up revelations...sorry, i appreciate the help, but you obviously aren't aware of what I'mtalking about if you're talking about 'anither star wars pardoy'</p>
<p>Besides, there is a difference between creativity and coming up with characters. You can make a movie off a hostorical event and be creative...</p>
<p>...also don't assume the three films are all I have for my portfolio</p>
<p>Hey kid, don't ask for advice and critiques if you can't handle it. You won't get far with that kind of an attitude, not at all.</p>
<p>Nobody here is saying that's all you have. In fact, I would indeed have been quite surprised if it was. Just saying, it wouldn't be a good idea for you to submit that. I mean, we aren't admissions people, and if you want to go ahead and submit it, obviously we can't stop you, but we ARE all kids who've gone through the admissions process ourselves, and know lots of people who have, so give us some credit.</p>
<p>And yeah, I said I wasn't aware of what you're talking about. Which just stresses my point that this movie you're talking about didn't really do so tremendously much for this Shane guy after all.</p>
<p>howard-
we aren't saying that's all you have. But you only get ten minutes to show the skills we mentioned before. ten minutes and then they'll stop the tape. So you have to really be careful about what you pick to be in those ten minutes. Maybe if you feel the work of your fan film is superior you can make an introduction to your tape with some clips form each of your pieces (just to show technical skill) then have a pause ... your name... then continue into an 8 minute (ish) piece?
That would emphasize both your technical skill and your storytelling skill.
But as scrapnel said, don't ask for advice and critique if you can't absorb it and transform it into personal growth.</p>