Help! I can't make a decision (UCSB, SD, CSU, etc. related)

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I am a film major and my ultimate goal is to become a writer/filmmaker. </p>

<p>I have a pretty good production experience, have an analytical knowledge on movies (I write film critiques in my spare time), and am an admitted amateur film enthusiast. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, I did not get into UCLA's TFT film program(they only selected 15 transfers out of 600; 4-5 of which, could not come from CA, so it was really 10 spots :( ) and I am now forced to pick my backup schools:</p>

<p>I pretty much got into every school I applied to:</p>

<p>CSU - LA
CSU - Long Beach
CSU - SF
UCSD</p>

<h2>UCSB</h2>

<p>Waiting for Berkeley and Northwestern.</p>

<p>I really want production classes, but only the CSU's are offering them; however, I worked my a55 off in CC (4.0 GPA, volunteering, workshops, etc.), which was a huge turnaround from high school, and sadly(to my ego, at least), I desire to go to a more <em>prestigious</em> school because I want to feel challenged by my peers and professors.</p>

<p>The problem is that: </p>

<p>*UCSB is Film "studies" which is more analytical and theoretical approach to film; although they have a NEW "production" building, they are kinda short on production classes.</p>

<p>*UCSD's major is called Visual Arts; I really don't like the major title, the fact that I have to extra G.E.'s for their odd curriculum, and how I have to also take classes non-conducive to film in this major.</p>

<p>*Berkeley is Film Studies (assuming I get accepted) and they approach film in a more analytical and byzantine way. But it's BERKELEY!!! :) And it would be definitely be hard to turn down CAL for CSU San Fransisco or Long Beach...</p>

<p>*Northwestern has the best mix of the two focuses; however, I love California, NW is too far, and all the jobs are in CA. Plus the tuition is around $40,000 which doesn't really help.</p>

<p>I just want to write creatively and work with other people on actual sets; get experience, seek knowledge, and find a voice.</p>

<p>A <em>Film Studies</em> major will strengthen my writing skills and possibly change my view on the world and what I kind of movies I would like to make. It would give me that "voice."</p>

<p>But a Film Production major would give me more pragmatic experience, the how to's, do/don't's, internships, and set experience...but all of that means nothing if you don't have anything to say! At least for the type of films I'd like to make.</p>

<p>But I still cannot decide what it is that would benefit me and it is KILLING me!!!</p>

<p>What should I do? </p>

<p>P.S. Thanks for reading this. I'm sorry to rant, but I feel so conflicted.</p>

2

<p>you don’t need to have a degree to be a screenwriter, no? I’m an aspiring screenwriter but its just something I’m gonna do on the side. I’m a psychology major.</p>

3

<p>^So what are you suggesting I should do? All the schools I applied to were film-related degrees.</p>

4

<p>hey- listen to this: maybe you should choose CSU Long Beach for the film program. I hear it is one of the best. Stephen Spielberg and Steve martin went there together. so did the director of ER (the longest running medical drama in history). Spielberg still makes frequent visits there to lecture to film students and to play some clips he works on. he also frequently debuts his new movie ideas there (and trailers too).
my ex’s mom is a professor at Long Beach (but not of film), and she used to talk about how cool the film department was (her son wants to go for film too).</p>

<p>hope this helps a little!</p>

5

<p>Didn’t apply to SF State? They have one of the better film programs for Indie filmmakers in the country (from what I’m told).</p>