<p>Sorry for the cross-post. I wasn't getting much input on the College Search forum!</p>
<p>S is a rising senior and is passionate about filmmaking and his EC's show it. He's won several awards for short films, spent a summer interning as a grip on an independent feature, taught a digital filmmaking class, etc.</p>
<p>His SAT was 1950 (M-540 CR-700 W-710). He's retaking Saturday to try to get math up. GPA is 3.7 UW, 4.1 W. S is homeschooled, so no class rank. He is taking dual-credit courses at CC. He should have excellent letters of recommendation and excellent essays.</p>
<p>He plans to apply to USC, FSU, Chapman, and Univ. of Texas (in-state). I think he should be able to get into at least one of these, but I'm starting to have doubts about putting all the eggs in so few baskets. Should he also apply to somewhere like University of North Texas (a school so low-tier that it isn't even listed in CC's alphabetical listing) since they do have a film program?</p>
<p>The film school at Ohio University has a production major only for grad students. But a good alternative (one my son took) is to join their TCOM program. He's making a gazillion films and has, with several other students, formed their own film production company. Check out <a href="http://www.tcomschool.ohiou.edu/ug/sequences.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.tcomschool.ohiou.edu/ug/sequences.html</a> to see the many, many tracks available within the major. They have fantastic facilities and a visit might clinch the deal for your son.</p>
<p>In addition, based on his current SAT score, it looks like he would get a $22,000 scholarship ($5500 per year). That scholarship is automatic, and is based solely on the SAT. OU is a rolling admissions school and TCOM fills early, so he should apply as early as possible. He'll get an answer back quickly and at least have that in his back pocket.</p>
<p>loslobos,
I know FSU is a long shot (as is USC) and so does S....yet, <em>somebody</em> has to get in! UCLA is pretty ridiculous, too, and we've decided not to pursue that. S didn't like the idea of going to school there for 2 years without knowing whether he'd even be accepted into the film school. </p>
<p>Chapman is a good possibility, I think. UT-Austin supposedly has a good reputation, but I've looked around online and found films made by people from there, and frankly I have not been impressed.</p>
<p>I had forgotten about Ohio and will look into that more. I think S will be resistant to it since it's not a school that's on his radar, but I'll send for more info and we can talk about it.</p>
<p>It really has nothing to do with 'stats' it's all about awards, portfolios, ecs, internships, etc. My cousin had good enough stats to get into FSU, his portfolio was good and he had worked as a volunteer at the indie theatre here. His portfolio didnt make him stand out and he didnt have anything super extraordinary to set him apart, so thus, he was rejected.</p>
<p>loslobos, What do you mean when you say that your cousin's portfolio was good? Do you mean that he had some good films but no awards?</p>
<p>I also heard (probably somewhere on CC, I don't remember) that to get into the film program, your grades, test scores, etc. should be much better than good enough to get into FSU. I seem to remember someone saying that they take the top academic students who apply, and then they start looking at portfolios, etc.</p>
<p>It is so frustrating with film, because there is no way to "chance it". The stats for the school just have no relevance to what the film program will do.</p>
<p>So what did your cousin end up doing when he didn't get into FSU's film program? Did he find another film program to enroll in?</p>
<p>This is a cross-post as well from another forum so not all information is pertinent to your post, but I thought it might offer some information - sounds like you're from Texas so you already know how hot it is :) </p>
<p>Film Schools </p>
<hr>
<p>NCSA (North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC) also has an excellent film program. Also, another one that is a little off the radar but very affordable and has a higher acceptance rate and a good reputation, is the University of North Texas (known as UNT) in Denton, Texas, and it might make a good safety school if you could tolerate the hot summers! (I live near Denton, believe me the summers can be tough). One thing to consider is what TYPE of films do you want to make? Some schools emphasize the techniques, etc. for big budget "Hollywood" type films, some emphasize independent films, some concentrate on documentaries, etc. There is an excellent book, although a little outdated now, called "Film School Confidential" (check Amazon.com) that can answer a lot of questions and offers good advice. One of my sons graduated from Chapman's film school a few years ago - excellent program. He is now pursuing a masters at UNT - mainly because he was ready to come home for a while and it is also much more affordable, whether you are in-state or obviously out-of-state as you are. UT (University of Texas in Austin) which was previously mentioned, is very up-and-coming, and a few years ago it got a huge grant and its program is booming. Austin is a really wonderful, interesting city for those in the arts (and not as hot!) - lots of films are being shot in that area right now so there are good opportunities for p.a. work, internships, etc. It is a tough school to get into, but might be one of those where being an international student would be an advantage, and being a state school is more affordable than private, even for out-of-state. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>My couz had a few short films and videos he made. Nothing exceptional. I'm sure he didnt 'WOW' FSU. He didnt enter any competitions as far as I know.
As far as grades are concerned, the better the grades, the better, but it doesnt seem like they make or break you completely.
Anyway, he just finished up his freshman year at SCAD. He got a $4k(?) scholarship there. He likes it, but he's thinking about transfering. I think he really wants to go to USC, but that would be extremely unlikely.</p>