<p>I know the USC film program is competitive, but It's my dream school. I will be graduating next year (currently high school junior) Here is some info 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>Now I know you cannot judge my filmmaking ability without seeing my work, but that aside for the moment, what do you think my chances are of getting accepted to the USC film/cinema program? If you don't think I'll make it, do you think I'd make NYU's, UCLA's, or Chapman's?</p>
<p>ALSO: If I apply early decision to USC, can they reject my film/cinema app, but accept me to the general school and have the early decision still be binding?</p>
<p>USC does not have early decision or early action.</p>
<p>First, USC does not have ED or EA or any binding or non-binding early form of admission. If you are rejected from the School of Cinema-Television, you will still be considered for admission as an undeclared student.
As far as whether or not you have a chance, it's really impossible to say. Based on the people I have seen accepted (including myself, but to Critical Studies, not Production), I think the admissions people at Cinema-Television put the most weight in the writing samples submitted by applicants. Production asks for a significant number of samples from a variety of different types of writing. Since they do not take any sample work that shows your skills as a filmmaker (NYU does), this is how they judge your potential. I have heard rumors, although I have no idea as to their truth, that USC wants academically prepared and intelligent students with little experience in actual filmmaking, so as to mold them to their USC style. This seems like a very strange idea, and I really don't believe it myself, but I have heard it from many sources and want to make you aware of it.
I think your biggest hurdle in admission to USC might be your GPA, as the average accepted applicant to USC has an A average. However, if your Cinema application is impressive enough, I think the CNTV people have some leverage in your admission to the university in general. Your ECs and SAT scores (if you score in the upper end of your predicted range) could also make up for your GPA, as it isn't that low, but slightly below a fair amount of acceptances.
Good luck, and I hope that answers some questions.</p>
<p>edit: You cannot apply to UCLA as a film major, as their film program does not begin until junior year. The question here would be whether or not you could get into UCLA in general, which you have a good shot at from in-state, but is quite a reach from out of state.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, but I do have one question</p>
<p>By writing sample you mean screenplays? I was told by a few college search resources that USC wanted a film portfolio. I assumed that meant, you know, video.</p>
<p>Also, Us and News Report had statistics for USC Early Decision, so how can it be there is none?</p>
<p>Then US News is seriously misinformed. There is definitely no ED. I applied by the earliest deadline (December something, I believe), and it was not ED/EA or whatever, just the deadline for scholarship consideration.</p>
<p>From the usc website:
<a href="http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/utility/faq.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/utility/faq.html</a></p>
<p>7th question down:
"Does USC offer early decision or early action admission?
USC does not offer early decision or early action admission programs. All students who apply to the university by the appropriate deadline (December 10th for freshman scholarship applicants, January 10th for all other freshman applicants and February 2nd for all transfer applicants) are given equal consideration in the application review process."</p>
<p>Well, I suppose they were. But on the film portfolio thing. You're sure? That does seem awfully odd for the top film school in the nation.</p>
<p>I have the application packet right here, and I will tell you exactly what they require.
-USC Application for Admission (this is the general university app)
-official transcripts
-test scores (SAT or ACT w/writing)
Required Cinema Television Supplemental Materials:
-Cinema-Television Application
-Photocopy of USC general application
-Cinema-Television Personal Statement: "The personal statement is an opportunity to express your individuality, to reflect on your life experiences thus far and comment on what has shaped your values and creative interests. There is no standard format or correct answer. Your statement should give the committe a sense of your artistic ambitions while answering the questions: 'Who are you as a person? What are you trying to say, using film or other media?' 1000 word limit."
-2 Writing Samples: I: A one-page profile of an original fictional character, whom you consider to be truly unique. II: briefly describe the most emotionalyl intense moment you have experienced.
-Portfolio LIST: this is where you list any and all creative activities, including films you have made and worked on.
-3 letters of recommendation
-specific note: do not send any tapes, reproductions or other materials described in the portfolio list unless they are explicitly requested.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help guys, you're the best.</p>