<p>I am an international student, and hence do not have a proper guidance counselor helping me make my college decisions.
Could anyone volunteer to help me with a few issues like zeroing in on a major, etc (can I email/PM you?)? I have quite a few questions that are left unanswered and the the lack of support from a counselor is really taking it's toll on me.</p>
<p>Anyone? I need some advice.</p>
<p>Why don’t you just post your questions? Any parent who is reviewing this thread might have advice (it would be like having lots of guidance counselors) 
Also, do some searches on topics that might already have been discussed, and look carefully at the main page at the different forums to see where the most appropriate place is to post things.</p>
<p>Are “film studies” and “theater” similar majors? Which one should I choose if I want to work as a film/TV director/actor (or even a script-writer)? </p>
<p>I am making my creative portfolio (for the arts supplement) and was wondering if someone could have a look at it and give a feedback. I’m not sure if it’s good enough. It mainly consists of photographs, with a few sculptures and drawings here and there. Should I include computerized architectural drawings? Also, can writing samples be included?</p>
<p>Honestly, assessment of any creative supplemental material be it in the visual or performing arts is best left to those with the background, experiences and credentials to assess talent and potential across a broad base.</p>
<p>Instructors, professionals in the field, those engaged in the discipline are typically the most qualified. Do you know anyone locally that can help you assess your work?</p>
<p>Film studies and theater may be considered related disciplines, but there are many paths and studies of concentration.</p>
<p>If you are looking for discipline specific advice you may find knowledgeable folks here:
[Visual</a> Arts and Film Majors - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/]Visual”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/)
[Theater/Drama</a> Majors - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/]Theater/Drama”>Theater/Drama Majors - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>I offered some previous advice similar to the above through some links in your prior thread here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/970182-submitting-arts-supplement.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/970182-submitting-arts-supplement.html</a> </p>
<p>I will offer you one last bit of advice: if you plan on applying to any undergrad program that is contingent upon an audition or portfolio submission it is imperative that you have objective, unbiased professional assessment of your talents, skills and potential. Otherwise you will have little indication of whether you are competitive with the applicant pool.</p>
<p>If you are utilizing these supplements as a boost in an academic admissions process, the potential effects are covered in the prior threads I linked.</p>
<p>You do not have to choose a major before entering a college.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you are trying to get into a program that requires an audition or portfolio, that means a lot of work before you apply. For those programs, websites offer some information but you can also call and speak with admissions or the department in question.</p>
<p>Film would mean a portfolio, and theater would mean an audition.</p>
<p>Check also whether you can enter as an undecided student and later apply to the specific program (theater or film) as a sophomore or later.</p>
<p>If you are applying to colleges that do not require an arts portfolio or theater audition, you can still submit an arts supplement, in fact, you can do that even if you are not majoring in those subjects or are undecided.</p>
<p>Again, you can check school websites or make a phone call to admissions (and the departments if so directed) about the arts supplement requirements.</p>
<p>We checked with admissions out of courtesy, frankly, because we did not want to submit too much. For instance, our daughter submitted only one CD, one piece of music, with directions on how to listen to the 3 minutes she considered her best. Admissions offices are busy.</p>
<p>Again, you do not need to choose a major before entering most schools, with the exception of those requiring auditions or portfolios, and even then, you may be able to enter and apply to specific programs later</p>
<p>many years ago, my freshman adviser told me that as a student, you are not supposed to know exactly what you want to study - that is precisely the purpose of a liberal arts education. The distribution requirements or core curriculum exposes you to many subjects so you can discover what you are good at/interested in, what you are passionate about.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!
No, portfolios/auditions are not required for the programs I’m applying for. I just want to enhance my application by submitting an creative portfolio.</p>
<p>intstud: I’m not a parent, but I’m an international student majoring in film who has also done some theater work. Feel free to PM me if you need to know anything - but, I can’t give you an assessment of your portfolio.</p>
<p>There’s not too much to add to what’s already been said, though. If portfolios and auditions are not required for the programs you’re interested in, and you can apply/be admitted without declaring a major, then the arts supplement will probably not have a huge impact on your admission to those programs.</p>
<p>You can start by reading everything, and I do indeed mean everything, at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.state.gov/) Then make an appointment with the counselors at the advising center closest to you. If you can’t visit in person, contact them by phone or email and ask if they can help you that way. These people are expert at helping students from your country find good places to study in the US. If no one in their office is familiar with portfolio preparation, they have colleagues in other offices who can help advise you.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>
<p>Thanks a ton!</p>