@LayraSparks
How much do you think the SCA letters of rec factor in?
@Platinumxx2 I’m not really sure…I know for a fact that with me, it was my essays that got me in, and even during the interview, they told me that they found them outstanding. They didn’t even mention my letters of rec, but then again mine were written by my counselor, my French tutor and my former Sociology teacher, and none of these people know too much about my affinity for cinema.
Also, from what I’ve heard they’re more concerned with what’s in them than with who wrote them, but of course this doesn’t apply to SCA alone.
My recs were surprisingly good… lolol
I rushed my autobio sketch a bit so I know I have a few grammar mistakes (lol funny because in my essay I said something like, “I always try to make sure my grammar is good.”) maybe they will see it as irony hahaha
I had to do a most challenging moment, two script scenes, an auto sketch, a writing sample (I did short story because I was), and a resume. Everything else is in check and good, just my auto sketch. I hope that because of the swift competition, they don’t result in looking at grammar to make their decisions lolol. did you guys have to write all those too?
Good luck to everyone! @platinumxx2 @filmmaker1
I think we got this guys xxx
@FilmMaker1 , FWIW, my son got into LMU’s film school and got a full scholarship there. He got into NYU’s film school and got a partial Tisch Scholarship there and did not get into USC’s Film and TV Production. Honestly, his portfolio was weak because we’re from a small school with few opportunities to produce much. I think the fact that he got into NYU says a lot. He, nonetheless, loves USC and picked USC anyway. His original plan was to reapply to the SCA as an undergrad. However, he got into the BCA – Business and Cinematic Arts major, loved it, and never bothered applying to the SCA. (The BCA is a joint major between Marshall and the SCA, so he got the best of both worlds.) Anyway, as I understand it, the Critical Studies is the easiest of the SCA majors to get into. If you feel you have a strong application, don’t fret about the test scores. Good luck and Fight On!
How heavy do you think they weigh the resumes? @legacymom
@Itsdomoo, Of course, things could have changed in 5 years. But, with my son, he got accepted to USC first – we heard in early March – but he was told that there was no decision yet from the SCA. When he called the SCA to check on the status of his application with them, whoever answered the phone was surprised that he had already been accepted. Mind you, he wasn’t part of the early Trustee/Presidential wave of acceptances, but before the regular wave of acceptances. As best I can figure, his combination of legacy status and good, but not outstanding, test scores made he desirable and they wanted to make sure he was accepted regardless of what the film school decided. So, as best I can tell, yes admissions does look at your application first and, if you happen to be applying to a discipline where talent is the main factor, they will defer to that particular school even if your test scores are not as high as the standard they set for general admission. Again, as my son was told, the SCA doesn’t typically get applicants with high test scores. Best of luck to you. Fight on!
@Itsdomoo, Again, I’m no authority but, from our experience, I think the portfolio and submitted samples are the most important factors. I honestly think if my son had applied for Critical Studies, instead of Film and TV, he would have been accepted. His essays, recommendations and -by film school standards - test scores were outstanding. His portfolio and sample work were relatively weak.
@Platinumxx2 Then we are in VERY similar situations! I think we have a good shot, considering our connections to SCA (my mentor/recommender has her PhD from SCA and also sent her mentor, a faculty member in critical studies, a personal note to be on the lookout for my application). I am so excited at the possibility of being accepted…I just don’t want to get my hopes up.
@LayraSparks So if you have a 2150 and are in the running for a full tuition scholarship and have been accepted to the critical studies program, I imagine the more “average” applicants have lower scores than yours.
is a 3.8 gpa, 2150 SAT score considered enough for engineering?
Also, for those of you who visited the campus, what did you guys think about it? How’s the student life on campus?
I did post to the wrong thread! Sorry!
@TodaysEinstein The campus is in a i guess ‘bad neighborhood’ of LA , but I havent seen anything go on while I was there, and there was a ton of security so the place is pretty secure. Its a beautiful campus and there are a ton of interesting people. Everyone bikes at USC so you should bring your own. The dorms look comfortable and roomy. I think the only things that overwhelmed me is that at lunch EVERYONE goes to eat so its hard to get a table to sit at. Also, in the main square there is a lot of people from different interest groups trying to stop you so they can promote their cause. But these are things you can easily get used to. The staff are very helpful and willing to do all necessary to ensure your well being at the institution. Once again, its a wonderful and well rounded school.
@TodaysEinstein The campus is in a i guess ‘bad neighborhood’ of LA , but I havent seen anything go on while I was there, and there was a ton of security so the place is pretty secure. Its a beautiful campus and there are a ton of interesting people. Everyone bikes at USC so you should bring your own. The dorms look comfortable and roomy. I think the only things that overwhelmed me is that at lunch EVERYONE goes to eat so its hard to get a table to sit at. Also, in the main square there is a lot of people from different interest groups trying to stop you so they can promote their cause. But these are things you can easily get used to. The staff are very helpful and willing to do all necessary to ensure your well being at the institution. Once again, its a wonderful and well rounded school.
@imjennah
Keep in mind that the lunch/dinner rushes were that busy because of all the Explore kids there. Normally it’s pretty easy to get lunch or dinner quickly.
True, but I’ve been there multiple times, not on explore days either. My father was an architect for the new Annenberg building, so I use to spend a lot of time with him at USC and on campus.
True, but I’ve been there multiple times, not on explore days either. My father was an architect for the new Annenberg building, so I use to spend a lot of time with him at USC and on campus.
@FilmMaker1 Maybe my example wasn’t that great but no, that’s not the point I’m trying to make. What I’m saying is that they most probably didn’t consider my SAT score when inviting me to interview. Then again, though, you have to be accepted to USC in general before SCA can admit you. SCA only reads your supplement & has access to your CommonApp essay, but doesn’t deal with the rest of the application. So while connections to SCA might help, they’re not enough on their own.
@LayraSparks, I’m not certain that is correct. I don’t think you have to be accepted to USC in general before SCA can admit you. I think, when it comes to departments that are primarily based on talent, they defer to the department.
Random question, does anyone know when decisions will be sent out? Decisions should come out pretty soon…! So nervous!
Will there be a facebook page for accepted student to look for roomates or something of that sort?