So, I’m currently a junior in high school and for long time, I always wanted to be a filmmaker. Well, technically I already am, but it would be a dream come true if I could study it and work with others who are just as (preferably even more) passionate than I am.
Ok so my TOP choice is UCLA. But considering my grades, 3.7 UW (4.2 W), about 1500 out of 2400 and no extra curricular activities… I highly doubt I could get in.
Next choice is CSULB I, really like it. But I heard that it is very strict when it comes to out of state acceptance, (I’m from the East Coast), so I’m a little afraid about that.
So my 3rd choice and 2nd backup is Cal State Fullerton. First off how does it compare to CSULB in the Film major and in general what is better? Any other choices that you guys think would be good?
Look at CSU Northridge, San Francisco and San Diego State U.
Northridge is notable for ‘below the line’ exposure and internships, as well as hand-on practice.
Have you considered Chapman and LMU? Both have outstanding film programs.
Have you had a chance to visit any of the CSU campuses? They can be a mixed bag and attract primarily local students, as the UC have the national reputations.
The CSU tend to be less competitive but Long Beach, for example, is an ‘impacted’ school, which means it may take you more than 4-years to complete an undergrad degree. As an out of state applicant, you’d need to be sure that the ROI is worthwhile for the OOS tuition/fees.
I agree with the person above! Chapman and LMU are great film schools, and LMU would be a total match to for since they seem to really like GPA’s like yours. I know Chapman’s Dodge School of Film is one of the best in the world! However, since these schools are super expensive, CSULB would be an amazing place to study film without too much debt! Steven Spielberg actually went to CSULB and I believe was rejected from USC a couple of times, so I suppose school isn’t the determining factor. CSULB is a great school.
Long Beach receives over 80K applications and is impacted for a large number of majors; they are full. Impacted means you may not get into the major especially being from OOS.
Your current stats may not get you into LB nor SDSU. CSUs will run you about $36k per year, since, as a California public school, you will not receive any state funds to attend-limited to no financial aid.
Are there any other good choices in the LA area? San Francisco and San Diego seem nice, but too far from where I want to be. As for the OOS fees, I’m not to worried since, I will have residency after a year and I plan on living in Cali for a long time. Also, if a film major is too impacted, I can also go for a entrepreneur business program but apparently those are really impacted too.
Are your parents moving to California? If you are under 24 and a dependent, you derive your state residency from your parents. If you come to California for the purpose of attending school, you will not get in-state residency while you are here. You must come to California one year prior to starting any type of schooling to establish residency. http://www.ucop.edu/residency/establishing-residency.html