<p>Hello! I've never posted on here, but I'm really stuck right now with my final college decision, so I'm looking for any advice I can get. I'm going into school with the intention of obtaining my degree in screenwriting. My final choices have been whittled down to Emerson and NYU Tische (I would prefer waiting a few years before living out in LA full time, hence these choices). While I know that the NYU (along with USC) is reputed as the best screenwriting program in the country, I also am aware that Emerson is up and coming in the industry and is also considered very prestigious. I went to the accepted student pre-orientations for both schools and had very mixed feelings. NYU definitely seems to have the stronger program when it comes to straight screenwriting, especially for cinema (which is my choice of medium). Emerson seemed a little more disorganized in the field and also seemed to have a stronger TV writing program than cinema writing. However, Emerson also offers the senior year in LA, allowing me to get out to LA a year earlier than I would at NYU. Then, there's the social portion. Emerson kids that I met were overall way friendlier and outgoing than the kids I met at NYU (especially within the screenwriting program). At NYU, the fellow incoming freshman had a very snobby, competitive air about them, which worries me when it comes to networking. The industry is very competitive, yes, but I believe college is a time, especially within this field, to make connections with other people in the field that will last through the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Money is also a concern, especially since NYU offers no merit scholarships and Emerson has given me a hefty scholarship, but that will not be my deciding factor. Anyhow, I apologize for my rambling novel here, and I would truly appreciate any advice I could obtain.</p>
<p>If money was not an issue, than hands down NYU would be the best choice for a future screenwriter. I would only consider Emerson if it came down to money. As far as the competitiveness or perceived snobby attitute of the students at NYU, I can’t comment on that but it is a tough and brutally competitive industry you are shooting for. </p>
<p>You mentioned USC, did you apply there? It would put you in LA at a college with one of the best screenwriting programs in the country.</p>
<p>Yes, USC is a great school, but I would rather wait until after college to head so far away from home. I would consider USC for grad school, but not undergrad. What is it that makes NYU so much better, aside from its reputation? And yes, the industry is VERY competitive, but I also think college for people in that field should be more about networking than competing.</p>