<p>Two years ago by phone, someone (could have even been an office secretary) from Chapman U/Dodge College of Film and Media Arts quote "8-12% admit rate for Dodge" which is much harder than the general admit rate for Chapman U, by the way. 8-12% more resembles odds of getting into Harvard. </p>
<p>BUT, I still don't know if that "8-12%" meant for the undergrad and grad division of the Dodge film school, or just their undergrads.</p>
<p>And later, I heard two different stories from Chapman.Dodge parents of freshmen, regarding which majors were harder to enter than others! One heard clearly that "25% of all Screenwriting majors get in" making that sound, at first, like an easier major to enter than Directing. But another family heard a tourguide at Dodge say Screenwriting was HARDER to get in than Directing. </p>
<p>So think about it: Chapman took 20 freshmen that year as Screenwriting Majors (one seminar-size classroom, in other words) but had several such seminar groups for Directors. Wouldn't the "admit rate" percentage for each major also depend on how many raw numbers apply to each major in the first place? (Answer: Yes.) </p>
<p>To make it even more complicated (not that you needed that): some applicants write one major as their first choice yet get into their second choice major; others won't put down a second major so might not get in at all. These are different strategies and each has its merits and authenticity for the applicant. Very confusing. </p>
<p>Sometimes new majors offer better admit-rate odds, too. For example, at Chapman they started a "DIgital Arts" major two years ago, and an "Acting for FIlm" major last year. I don't know how it all played out, but it sounded as though the newly opened major might afford a better chance for admission, just because not many have heard of it yet. Such opportunities vary by school, initial funding, number of faculty and so on.</p>
<p>But I always thought it a good strategy to seek out and consider a New Major in any school. </p>
<p>All I've given you here are one family's anecdotes, from one film program, from 2 years ago. It can't be generalized to other schools, obviously. </p>
<p>In general, however, you're well-advised to consider it HARD and COMPETITIVE to get in to film school. At the same time, they ARE admitting people. So you're on a good track to ask what it takes, so you can meet those levels in your own application. Then you'll have a shot at it.</p>
<p>Also, look at some schools that aren't immediately mentioned (NYU, USC) because those that get fewer applications might admit more by percentage.
Take the same CC strategy of finding "reach, match, and safety" situations, including 2 financial safeties as well. </p>
<p>One kind of "safety" is a lesser known film school or in an offbeat location.l Another kind of "safety" is a college where they don't ask for a portfolio but let "anyone" declare film as their major as they enter junior year. But it'd have to have a film department that you feel is good enough at least that you want to be at that college. </p>
<p>When you size up a film department in a college or uni, don't just count the number of film courses. Also notice which are "Film Studies" versus "Film Production" courses. Film Studies is criticism/analysis/film history, while Producttion is the hands-on lab/making of short films. </p>
<p>Our household was pretty stressed a few years ago because portfolios added roughly one-third more time to each college app. So when you make a List, also remember not to stretch yourself tooo thin with too many schools to apply, either. Some find that a list of around 8 schools where 3 or 4 want portfolios is doable, but you'll be working harder than your classmates just applying to academic schools, believe me. </p>
<p>Coming up with a personal list that has a range of safety, match and reach opportunities is really worth the effort, so I commend you for looking ahead.</p>
<p>Here I'll share with you my general parental cheerlead for going into performing arts: figure half of the others who apply are slipshod, careless, throw-offs. Figure the other half are JUST AS SERIOUS AS YOU ARE, and never underestimate one's competition. There. That just cut the anxiety in half, and
also challenges you to put together the best possible portfolio so you do have a serious shot at what you want.</p>
<p>I think colleges look for some combination of "does s/he have potential and can we teach her/him something" as well as looking for the very most accomplished. In other words, sometimes a faculty review team just sees something raw in a portfolio that is original and they know they can take that student to a higher level. So if you worry yours isn't as polished as someone who's had a gazillion opportunities at age 16, worry less about that. Put forward what you have got, make it the best you can (allow plenty of time for polish, copy-edit your essays; no last-minute editing and such...). I actually believe there's a bit of magic and chemistry between what a faculty looks for and what they see in the student's portfolio. The fact taht you ask so seriously is to your credit already. Good luok.</p>
<p>PS, Check out the currently running thread, "Practical Realities..Jobs on Every Hollywood Set" for resources that include a list of 700+ filmschools (in addition to the 2 you named ;), and another point-of-view.</p>