<p>I can't decide if I should apply directly to Tisch, or first apply to CAS and try to internal transfer later. I want to dual major between philosophy and filmmaking, so if I apply to CAS but never get into Tisch later, I'll be forced to focus purely on the philosophy. </p>
<p>Since my background in filmmaking is fairly recent, I would think my chances of getting into Tisch would be lower. But I've heard others argue that Tisch looks less than CAS at academic performance, so my chances might actually be higher. </p>
<p>How would you chance me for Tisch and CAS?</p>
<p>General info</p>
<p>Gender: male
Underdog factor: struggled with chronic Lyme Disease during high school (I mention this in "additional information" to account for a lack of earlier ECs)</p>
<p>Honors</p>
<p>Honor Roll (all years of HS)</p>
<p>Dean's List (all years of college)</p>
<p>Phi Theta Kappa Society (final year of college)</p>
<p>Sigma Kappa Delta (final year of college)</p>
<p>High school</p>
<p>Class rank: 10 in a class of 255.
GPA: 4.24
Highest SAT scores: 660 (critical reading), 540 (math), 660 (writing)</p>
<p>College</p>
<p>Degree (by the end of this semester): A.S.
GPA: 4.0</p>
<p>Letters of recommendation</p>
<p>The first letter is from my current Calculus teacher. She wrote the letter after I finished precalculus. I entered precalculus with a horrible background in math, but completed the semester with a near perfect A in the class. The teacher has told me I "think like a mathematician."</p>
<p>The second letter is from the same English professor I've had for three (and now four) classes in a row. As far as I know, he thinks very highly of me.</p>
<p>ECs</p>
<p>Screenshot of the common app:</p>
<p>Portfolio</p>
<p>Resume</p>
<p>Here's where I'm lacking. I've been interested in film for about a year, but only recently did I start getting involved with film production. Some things I could probably mention:</p>
<p>(1) Directed skits and infomercials around campus for the Fine Arts Club</p>
<p>(2) Volunteered on a commercial shoot</p>
<p>(3) Submitted entry to Cinema5D "monthly challenge"</p>
<p>Artistic sample</p>
<p>Short film. Joy recently lost her pet dog Fluffy to illness, and a series of annoying events in a single day push her over the edge.</p>
<p>Dramatic essay</p>
<p>A piece I wrote on my discovery that Santa Claus does not exist. This piece is comic in tone, but ends on a ponderous note.</p>
<p>So how would you guys chance me for Tisch and for CAS? What would be the safer option?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>