<p>I am a sophomore at one of the top public high schools in Connecticut, and I was wondering if anyone thought I had a shot at getting into USC in Los Angeles. I'd like to go there for film, but I was hoping my academics met the criteria. </p>
<p>I have a 3.4 unweighted GPA, weighted it's 3.9, and thats from freshmen year. I take mostly all honors and AP classes, (IB isn't offered at my school however) and I was wondering if I need to bring it up.</p>
<p>I will most likely be taking all honors and AP in the next two years if I keep up my work, and I was wondering if I have to take on more, like extra classes or an independent study.</p>
<p>E.C: very active member in the Model UN club, Breast Cancer awareness club, China Care Club and Spectator (our school's literary magazine club, and am aspiring for leadership positions in all of them. I also have about 80 hours logged in at the local aquarium as I am a very active member in that. I play tennis mainly, but cannot get recruited for it most likely, and I swam for the high school last year. But I feel like it's not enough, do I need to start a club, or join more, those are the ones I'm most invested in.</p>
<p>In addition, I took a film class over the summer and am applying for NYU Tisch School of the Arts' Summer program for the 2015 summer, which is very selective and I most likely won't get in but why not?</p>
<p>Also my dad's cousin went there and went on to direct the movie Grease, so I don't know if that will help but it might. Anyway, feel free to be mean and let me know the truth because it's my dream school and I just want to know what I have to do. Thank you so much.</p>
<p>The truth? Please, please do not spend $45,000-$60,000/year on USC! It’s not worth it. You already have a family member with a connection to the film industry: utilize that. Move to LA if you must, but don’t do it to attend a school that’ll sink you into a massive hole of debt. Look up “film school debt” and you’ll literally see hundreds of cautionary tales. There’s a student loan crisis going on in this country, and it’s because too many naïve students want to act now, think later. They go to college because it looks fun, and they study what they’re interested in, but unfortunately, interest isn’t enough of a basis to act upon nowadays. Note: * I am not saying don’t pursue what you’re interested in *. I’m just saying don’t major in it if that major’s going to cost you tens of thousands of dollars. I have a friend who’s obsessed with going to Berkley, even though her family can’t afford it, to study a soft major. She literally doesn’t take into account how stressful and difficult it might be to pay those loans back in the future, assuming she doesn’t get a high paying dream job immediately after graduation. All she cares about it “living the frosh life, hashtag freedom” and getting away from her overbearing parents. </p>
<p>Nowadays (unfortunately), you have to look at college frugally and tactically. Try to cut corners and find the cheapest route possible. I could literally go on for pages why I disagree with schools like USC (it’s echoed throughout all my other posts), but I won’t do that now. All I’m saying is that you might be seduced by the idea of USC film school, but reality, in this day and age it’s a gamble that simply isn’t worth it. There are at least a dozen other routes to breaking in as a filmmaker that cost a whole lot less. Are they as fun as going to USC and living on campus having the freshmen experience? Probably not. But in the long run, the consequences are a lot less severe. </p>
<p>Sorry to burst your bubble. But I really want to help. I seriously think dumping that kind of money into USC (especially if you’re out of state) is a bad idea, unless you either a) double major in something else practical so you’re getting your moneys worth and have a safety net, or b) come from a rich family or a family that can get you a job if all else fails. </p>
<p>Your father’s cousin is too far away to give you legacy status. If all things are equal among applications, it might tip the scales but I doubt it.</p>
<p>The poster above gave you one perspective - and it’s a good one. But I’ll give you the other side. Everything is a risk. You might go to an engineering school - and like many - figure out that you spent a lot of money on an career you don’t like. And the debt will still be the same.</p>
<p>You go to college for education. If you can think of USC as the college you want because of the breadth of what is offered - then go for it. But pick other colleges that you would enjoy as well because you’ll be taking classes outside of film production to complete your degree.</p>
<p>Chances of getting in? No one can say. Look for Madbean’s “Final Answer” thread and you’ll see why. </p>
<p>As for SCA/Film - they turn down 96% of the applicants. Those are long odds. Chapman, on the other hand is a great back-up plan and they take about 25-40%. Or CalArts which looks only at portfolio not grades or scores.</p>
<p>My feeling - if you are really wanting to be in film, and you haven’t been talking with and shadowing your father’s cousin then the school is going to wonder if you have the initiative to tap it’s resources.</p>
<p>But mostly - SCA doesn’t really care about your grades, scores or activities. USC does - and they have to take you before SCA can take you. So the answer is "maybe. SCA cares about your creative portfolio and/or your film essays depending on the department. Showing drive, initiative and talent. They don’t look at the grades and scores.</p>
<p>So have a back-up plan. And pick the school that is a good fit. NYU and SCA are completely different campus cultures.</p>
<p>As for film debt. Yes - I agree with the above. It’s breathtaking and not every family is able to or prepared to shoulder it. Add to that unpaid internships that will require access to transportation, housing, food, etc. And you have to pay tuition to USC at about 1300 a credit hour for the privilege. At L.A. prices.</p>
<p>Now hearing all that - do you still think you could manage if accepted?</p>