<p>I am a sophomore in high school and this upcoming summer I am attending the USC SCA summer program. I plan on applying to the USC, Chapman, NYU, and other film schools. I am wondering if attending USC's summer program gives me any advantages in the application process.</p>
<p>Showing that you are serious about making films by taking summer classes and building a portfolio will help you. As far as attending that specific program: the jury is out about whether it makes a difference for that school or for others. If you make a stong connection to someone teaching the class who writes you a great letter of recommendation, that could help- just like any great letter of rec can help. Having a personal connection to one of the people on the admission committee- if that person also teaches summer classes: might get you a second look, but won’t guarantee admission. Sometimes the people teaching the classes are affiliated with the school, but not actual faculty at the school. Sometimes it might be someone with more clout- like a professor in the department. To make a long answer short: probably no DIRECT benefit. But a good way to show you want to learn, have some skills, and to help you create some pieces for your portfolio. And maybe a way to get a letter of recommendation which will help at any school.</p>