Film at Emerson vs. Sarah Lawrence

Colleges and Universities A-Z Emerson College
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<p>(I posted a similar discussion on SLC's page, but I thought I'd cover my bases!)</p>

<p>Hey, everyone. I was accepted to Emerson's Media Production track this year as well as to Sarah Lawrence. I thought I'd definitely be set on Emerson, but I'm really conflicted at this point. SLC boasts more varied coursework (since there are no majors, though this could also be a negative in a certain light), it's location is pretty great, and the professors have always been rated high. Obviously Emerson is more hands-on and focused on film since its a communications school, but I was a bit confused about the BA/BFA programs. I plan on transferring out after a year at either school, but I've read accounts of students who've said the same, yet after experiencing life at Emerson, a lot have stayed. I have a few questions, and if anyone could offer me some insight, I'd SO appreciate it!</p>

<ul>
<li><p>How soon were you able to make films (shorts, experimental, etc.)?</p></li>
<li><p>Were you able to take production classes as soon as you entered, or were they more theory/criticism based?</p></li>
<li><p>How many classes focused on film can you take; how many classes do you have to take in other disciplines (ie. humanities, science, etc.)?</p></li>
<li><p>How are the relationships with professors/the individualized attention? (This is super important to me!)</p></li>
<li><p>Do you start off on the BA track or can you begin with the BFA program? (I think the BFA program may start in the junior year for students on the Production track, but I read on CC that people were accepted into Emerson's BFA Acting program, so again, I'm a little confused.)</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Also, and this is kind of unrelated, is there any sort of computer science course? I can't find anything on the Emerson website, but it seems kind of strange that they wouldn't, seeing as they have an entire comm. school and comm. sciences are involved. I enjoy CompSci and I'd love to take a class on it.</p>

<p>Again, I'd love to hear from anyone who has some info, even if it's not related to the questions above. Thanks so much!</p>

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<p>I don’t know about the film programs, but I visited but campuses this summer and got a very different feel. After seeing both, I actually didn’t end up applying to Sarah Lawrence, and Emerson was one of my top choices. (I got in with a half tuition scholarship!) Emerson’s media rooms are updated and professional, while the Sarah Lawrence campus was falling apart. I didn’t see any of the film equipment there, but we were shown a science lab on our tour that looked less funded than my 7th grade science class’ lab. The tour guide talked about Sarah Lawrence’s strong science program, and for me this doesn’t bode well. For majors like film, it seems to me that updated, expensive equipment is essential to getting the best education possible, and I saw this only at Emerson.</p>

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<p>Yeah, I heard Emerson had amazing media facilities–like including two actual TV studios if I’m not mistaken!</p>

<p>That’s what I’m worried about with Sarah Lawrence–they offer a lot of courses, their focus gets spread out among too many departments, then some end up suffering if they don’t get enough attention (or interest from the students, if that makes sense). That’s really not good. :/</p>