How must I perform in high school to get into USC? (Film)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>Hey. I'm a soon-to-be freshman in high school, and I pretty much have my future plotted out - I want to be a (successful) screenwriter/filmmaker. I know this is a very difficult path for anyone to take, but I'm motivated and I'll do whatever it takes to make it.</p>

<p>First of all, what sorta grades do I need for USC? I understand that the average is around 3.8, so should I aim for a 4.0? I'm usually pretty quick to understand all the material in whatever classes I take, and I have what it takes to succeed in all of them, but I know AP classes are pretty necessary, and I'm not too sure how difficult those are. Regardless, that brings me to my next question:</p>

<p>How many AP classes would you suggest I need to take to gain entrance in USC? The high school I'm going to only offers 5; I'll be taking all of them, but will this still be a problem? From what I've read, colleges like it when a student takes advantage of what's been given to them, but I'm still unsure on whether or not this will be an issue. Also, what about honors classes? I'll be taking a handful of them, but I'm not sure how good they'll look on my application in a few years from now.</p>

<p>Oh, and I'm looking for entrance in the film program at USC. I've been screenwriting for about two years now (I'm 14), and I've been making short films and such since I was like, 9. I definitely have some experience within the medium of film, and I'd say I'm a pretty good screenwriter. The high school I'm gonna be going to come freshman year is 'Chicago Academy for the Arts', a high school which specializes in teaching its students the craft of art.</p>

<p>This school has several different art departments: dance, musical theater, theater, visual arts, media arts. I'll be taking part in the media arts department, where I'll be studying film & screenwriting. Will this add to the likeliness of my entrance at USC's film department? I'd think so, but I'm just curious as to how difficult it is to actually get in.</p>

<p>Oh, extracurricular activities. What's a good amount? I'm sure I'll be able to fit in quite a few in my four years of high school, but I'd like a number (or goal) to reach for.</p>

<p>That about wraps it up. I don't wanna hear any annoying comments like "you're only 14! enjoy life, think about that stuff later!" or "you have plenty of time to think about colleges :) think about it later."</p>

<p>I've made up my mind, and instead of making 30,000 dollars a year working a 9-5 job, I'd prefer to be doing something I love (and making bank while doing it), therefore I'm gonna start planning now.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>I won’t say “you are only 14”…but you are :)</p>

<p>Do what you are doing…aim high and I don’t think you will have a problem.</p>

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<p>1) Focus on school, first and foremost. Get that 4.0 GPA! Film students are by no means academically challenged. Great SAT and ACT scores still take you places in an art department. Take AP courses and IB courses when you can, but understand that if there is opportunity to take a film course or two instead of an AP, go for it. Since your school does not offer many AP courses, consider taking community college courses to progress in your education.
2) For production/screenwriting: Start that portfolio right now. You already have, which is good, but make sure to keep your portfolio organized. You don’t need to make an Oscar film, but showing talent, potential, and creativity is much more important than showing technical skill IMO. They just want to see that they have something to build off on talent-wise. Take a risk. Don’t worry about making a failed film; you are still in high school: stumbling blocks will be tripped over.
3)Extracurricular Activities: While film of course will be a part of it,generally just do what you want and be passionate about it. SCA wants to see that students will also be actively engaged in the USC community. They don’t want students slaving away in an editing room, fearing light and using a IV solution of caffeine. Since you are in Chicago, try to find opportunities to intern on any independent films, since they will more likely give you access to equipment and meaningful work.
4) What exactly do you want to do in film? Try to do things to answer that question. Even if you think you have the answer, continue to ponder it. </p>

<p>In terms of being in art school, I don’t think that USC tends to look for students in art schools first, but your high school can definitely help you out in finding the tools necessary to help you stand-out. Get your name out there!</p>

<p>It’s great to have such a forward-thinking mindset.</p>

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<p>If the OP is 14 I’ll eat my hat. Of course maybe I’m just a cynic, or is it odd that yoman23 is 32 years old according to his/her public profile?</p>

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<p>Nah I’m 14, I put myself at an older age than I am just in case the site said I was “too young” or whatever</p>

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<p>Good boy. When I was exactly your age I too decided I wanted to go to USC. The career guidance counselor advised me then that USC looks for well rounded individuals with strong grades. The same holds true today. Get good grades and also run for student government, play sports, write for the school paper, join the debate team, or do something that interests you or that you are good at. Consider also starting your own club! I am so glad that there are kids like you who did precisely what I did by carefully planning their entrance into USC at the beginning of high school. Carry on young man!</p>