<p>I plan to apply to some of the top film schools (USC, NYU...)
HOWEVER
I'm afraid because I haven't entered any film competitions or anything and have no awards related to film.
The biggest thing I'm doing thats film related is creating the introduction video for my school's homesite. I've helped friends with college supplements and such, but I doubt I can include that in my application.
I've also joined a summer film program, but I doubt that counts for much...
Should I lower my sights and possibly apply later when I'm more experienced?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Are we talking undergraduate or graduate level film school?</p>
<p>Then it doesn’t really matter</p>
<p>If you have the grades and SAT scores for these schools, by all means apply! They will ask for a creative resume, and essays. This is where you can distinguish yourself. Be sure you show you can write. Spend a lot of time of producing the very best essays you can. Film schools take students with all sorts of prior experience. Having film related activities is only ONE way to get noticed. Other creative endeavors, and especially the ability to tell a story will get you noticed. Be sure you apply to a range of schools however. Film schools are becoming more popular. NO ONE can say their scores, resume etc… will get them accepted, even if they are stellar. So the same advice holds as with all schools: apply to “reach” schools and others that you feel you might be more of a match for, and still others that you think might be a safety school.</p>
<p>But he/she may need to create a “film” as a requirement to enter a film program. I’m actually dealing with the same issue; I’d like to apply to a film production program but I don’t exactly have any experience in that area.</p>
<p>Great grades and SAT’s alone won’t get you into the most popular film programs, but as maddenmd said, you need a creative resume as proof of your talent potential. Are you a senior or a junior? Either way, you have time to create something. look carefully at the featured discussions at the top. Although Chapman requires a 2 minute video, they say you can film it on anything, it’s the story that counts. Not sure I trust them on that. Anyone familiar with other schools that require a “film”? They all don’t. You will probably have to look at the requirements by each school.
Remember that going to a high reputation school won’t get you a job in the industry, that will come from your talent and contacts, plus your luck and persistence. You mentioned NYU and USC, great schools but a reach for everyone in film. Look at other schools with higher admission rates also.</p>
<p>Awards related to film don’t matter; creative material does</p>
<p>Capefeare, You don’t need to win any film competitions to go to school to learn how to make films. If you already know how to do all of those, you wouldn’t need to go to school to learn. However, keep in mind that film schools are very competitive and it is in high demand, therefore, they are looking for the best students, the ones with talents. It is going to take a combination of grades, test scores, talent, letter of recommendations, a complete application with a well written essay, supplements, creative intro video, creative resume (so list any work you have done, school projects, yearbook, newspaper, etc., so whether it’s through your HS or independently through a summer film program you’ve worked on, will demonstrate your talents). </p>
<p>As an example, here is a You Tube site of Chapman University Dodge College application videos to help those of you to get an idea of what others have done. Hope this helps.
[Chapman</a> University Dodge College Application Video (Accepted) - YouTube](<a href=“Chapman University Dodge College Application Video (Accepted) - YouTube”>Chapman University Dodge College Application Video (Accepted) - YouTube)</p>