how competitive is the tv/film/radio major?

<p>jw if anyone knew the amount of applicants applying there....or maybe you're a current student and want to shed light on your related experience prior to admission? thanks!</p>

<p>I don't know the exact numbers, but I'd say it's probably a bit more competitive than people applying to Weinberg, though much less competitive than say Theatre or Medill. I'm going to be enrolled as a Communication Studies major next year, but probably will try to transfer into RTvF. If you know that's what you want to do, I'd say apply to that major, because transfering in to a specialized major like that, or one that has a limit on the number of students, is pretty difficult.</p>

<p>Do you have an edge if you've taken courses in high school or have done EC work involving film or radio or television? I worked at a movie theater for two years and I can at least say I am a film trivia wiz. lol</p>

<p>see, thats the thing, my school doesnt offer anything in that field nor have i had really any opportunities outside of school...im busy with theater EC mostly...</p>

<p>what are you guys planning to do with a rtf major?</p>

<p>basically i act a lot and love film and wanted to study al aspects of that with later hope that i could act as well as be skilled w/ the camera/writing/directing.</p>

<p>i was also considering a creative writing double major possibly bc writing is my other passion. i mean college is a time to explore, so i'll see where it takes me if i get in...</p>

<p>I'm planning on film editing or screnwriting. Or being a film critic. Directing if I have the knack.</p>

<p>agranger06:
NU offers a really cool creative writing for the media certificate. i think it's basically a small group of people who get an assignment each quarter to write some creative for different types of media outlets and you are guided/graded by a professor as you go along. i really don't know much about it and couldn't find anything on the website, but it sounds like it's something you'd be interested in.</p>

<p>I applied for RTVF as well. Like you two (I'm just inferring from what you said, so I could be wrong), AGranger and mwbashful, I'm really just interested in exploring all aspects of film theory and production. If I had to single a couple things out, other than directing, I would probably say cinematography and/or criticism. I'd love to be involved in the visual creation of the film, and I enjoy analyzing those made by others.</p>

<p>I was actually accepted to USC CNTV for Critical Studies and NYU Tisch for Cinema Studies, but I really love Northwestern as a whole (the size, the location, the atmosphere... all the intangibles), and I would rather be in a program that mixes production and theory than stuck in one or the other. AGranger asked current RTVF students to share their experiences prior to admission, but I'd also appreciate any insight on what you feel about the program after a year or more.</p>

<p>Ah, wow congrats on those other two admissions, shirobot, do you have any major experience in it throughout hs? just wondering.</p>

<p>I actually do not (not much minor for that matter, either); I'm rather shocked at getting in to those two schools for that very reason. I really tried to communicate my passion for film in my essays (even though I have a lack of experience, I'm truly committed to a life in film), though, and I guess they saw it. Now I have to hope that Northwestern does, too. D:</p>

<p>Sorry, but I can't tell from your posts... Have you already applied, or are you planning to apply next year?</p>

<p>I tried to advocate that I love writing and film, but I felt trapped by the essays because I felt too limited to the topic and I wanted to answer the prompt more than "sell" myself. I really hope I am in at NU. Luckily going into film seems rare these days, so we may have a chance for that program.</p>

<p>Anybody have info about the UChicago film major in relation to the NU one? I know Mike Nichols went to UChicago, but still, how good is it?</p>

<p>Yeaaah i felt the essays were limiting too! My only experience was a political commercial thing i did last year, but that ended up being a mere mention/sentence in my essay, so i hope they catch it! lol</p>

<p>did any of you also apply to usc's cinema-television?</p>

<p>no, i had actually originally looked into acting an usc, but my mom didnt feel safe w/ me going there bc of the area....altho i visited and it seemed quite nice to me...good school</p>

<p>I thought of applying to USC because I have a friend who may be going for grad work in film, but it's really far for me right now, and while Cali sounds nice, I am not ready to make big changes like that yet. Thinking of going into the film industry at 22 scares me too because there is the concept of repaying loans and getting a good job and not having to worry, but with film, you're not 100% guaranteed a nice life from the off. But I am passionate about it and I know there is nothing else that I am really good at except knowing about the film industry. I don't think I'd be much for acting, but I like the idea of a "lazy" lifestyle (meaning, not having to dress up every day like a suit) that might come with film editing or screenwriting or directing. I sit every Sunday night and while watching Desperate Housewives, predict what will happen in the episode based on the info they hint at. I'm almost always right. Same with Grey's Anatomy. I have a mind for plots and characters and conflicts. lol.</p>

<p>say i do get into NU and decide to transfer to TV/F/R....what will the requirements be? A portfolio, essay, resume, etc?</p>

<p>I'm not sure, but from what I was told, it's competitive, and incoming freshmen who want it have to apply directly to the major...same deal w/ theater major.....but transferring isn't impossible I'm sure...</p>

<p>I have a S who is graduating TV/Film/Radio this June. He has thrived at Northwestern, especially in his area of interest. He has taken both theory and production course as well as some theatre ones. He's worked on many student film projects -- and drama projects too. Kids in the theatre program have acted in films he's done. Last year he and a bunch of other tv/film/radio kids did internships during winter quarter in LA; the Internship director (since then there is someone new in charge) was wonderful. He's also found a few other jobs (one at a recording studio near campus) and internships (NYC during the summers). All in all, he's been very pleased with his time there.</p>

<p>Thank you, 3boysnjmom. I was wondering about the internship scene in film.</p>