<p>What did you study at the undergraduate level? I will be studying film studies at Berkeley for undergrad, then go on to film school for grad. I heard film studies is just wonderful as you said, as a base for finding your creative vision. But since you are already at the graduate level, film school is the way to go. It is your last chance to immerse yourself in the technique and production-side of filmmaking before you go out into the world seeking a career in this industry. And at the awesome film schools you are applying to, you will most certainly find your own "style" and "aesthetics" in experiencing the hands-on nature of film school.</p>
<p>Going with grad film school then, you can narrow your list to Columbia, UCLA, USC, NYU, Northwestern, and Yale, though I must mention (not to discourage you or anything ) that Yale Drama School is outrageously difficult to get in to, ESPECIALLY for directing, as they accept very very few. And Columbia's grad program can take up to 5-yrs to complete, leaving with you with a debt of 200,000+. </p>
<p>Check out the L.O.A.F.S. guide to film schools reviews; it'll tell you all about all of these schools:<a href="http://filmmaker.com/reviews.html%5B/url%5D">http://filmmaker.com/reviews.html</a></p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>