<p>I am currently a transfer student attending a community college in California. I have been accepted to San Francisco State University under their film program (B.A.) and I have also been accepted to UC Santa Cruz under their film program (B.A.) through the TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) Program. I am wondering which school out of the two will provide a better education for film? I am pursuing a career in Film and have not heard anything about either school. I wasn't even aware that UC Santa Cruz had a Film Program (B.A.) until I did some research. </p>
<p>Sidenote: My top choice school is USC, but if I do not get in, I will be picking between SFSU & UCSC. If this is what ends up occurring, I will want to get my Master's in Film at USC. Is there a better school between the two, that USC look more favorably upon when looking at my application for Graduate School?</p>
<p>That might be a question for the SC admissions counselors. As for SFSU and UCSC, have you visited the two? You might have a better answer after seeing for yourself the studios, equipment, space for the students, and other stuff. Also, take some time and research films that the students may have worked on. Finally, speak to students in each program. The schools should also have some sort of list of what their students do after graduation. That might also help.</p>
<p>First off, congrats on getting two yes’s to two fine schools. Nicely done! Between these two I would probably lean toward UC Santa Cruz for film. While both colleges offer good programs in critical studies, UCSC additionally offers a production concentration. You have to submit your work to qualify for this concentration but at least there is a path.</p>
<p>As to your second question, both SFSU and UCSC would be acceptable undergrads for acceptance to USC’s MFA program. Hold a 3.7 GPA, build up a great portfolio, and poof you’re in. UCSC would have a slight advantage (assuming the same GPA at both) but really it will all come down to your portfolio of work.</p>
<p>This is a win-win deal as both of these are good schools. Good luck with the rest of your applications but you’ve already won.</p>
<p>I completely agree with Wheaty. The best way to find out which program is right for you is to learn who will be instructing you. Look at the professors, what sort of personal work do they do? Have they participated in film festivals? Are they doing the type of work that you are hoping to do? Understanding who will teach you, what they are doing with their personal work and where their work has been shown will give you insight into what you can hope to gain by attending their program. For many students, the professors can forge a path towards future work in a very particular way.</p>