Transfer now, or wait a year?

Transfer Students
1

Hello.

I’m in a bit of an odd situation, and I’m not sure what to do.

I’m now enrolled in a California community college. I have a 4.0 GPA, and have completed most of the Gen Eds. I’ve been here since late 2016, and have almost 60 units (by the end of next semester). The reason I don’t have 60 yet is because I started with only a few classes at a time, but am now taking on a full course load.

It took me until this semester to know what I wanted to do, which is film. The problem is, my school doesn’t offer a film major, just some film and graphics classes.

My target schools were originally UCSC, UCLA, NYU, USC, UT Austin, Wisconsin, Boston U, UMichigan, Chapman, Hofstra U, and some CSUs that might specialize in film. The reason I put Hofstra, is because I have some family in New York, and I really want to move back there. I don’t know if I fit in very well where I live now, and I might be able to transfer to Hofstra as soon as Fall of this year, as opposed to the other schools. I don’t know much about Hofstra’s program, other than it’s okay, and since it’s near New York City, it can maybe open up some networking opportunities for me? However, I’m aware it doesn’t have the greatest reputation as a school. If I wanted to apply to any of those other schools (some of them are reach, I know), I’d probably have to wait until at least this Fall to apply, and next year to get admitted.

My question is, what should I do? Should I stay here where I’m not to comfortable, for another year, and build up a portfolio/apply later to get into a school with a better film program, or should I apply to Hofstra, so I can move closer to my family and go to a “just okay” program as soon as this year?

Alternatively, it’s been recommended that I try to get a general education associates, or an associates for transfer in something similar to film, such as communication or journalism.

Any advice would be much appreciated. If I omitted any important info, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

2

the first question, as always, is money: can you afford all those schools?

the second question is, what do you want to do in film (it’s a big category), and what do you know about the film programs at those schools?

the difference of a term is not (in the overall scheme of things) a big deal, and if you haven’t been building a portfolio, you may want the time to do so.

3

If you can continue doing well, I’d do another semester to get to 60 just so you can get options. It’s a long wait, but hopefully you can do something you can enjoy spring semester rather than taking classes if you meet all requirements.

But it’s up to you.

4

@collegemom3717

Hi. Sorry for the super late reply, was swamped with finals and just got some time on summer break.

Money shouldn’t be too much of an issue. I’m eligible for aid, and my family has offered to help out a good deal.

I’m not exactly sure what I want to do. All I know is, I’m leaning towards production. I’ve been doing it since my most recent semester, and I absolutely love shooting, editing, and all the technical stuff involved. Those are Graphic Communication classes. I’m also planning to take some film history classes next semester, even though the film program at my school is pretty crappy. I’m choosing film because it lines up the best with my interest in TV production, and since I need a major to graduate, I figured it would be the best to choose.

I’ve researched a lot of schools, and found that even though some of the film programs at these places look like they’re for me, it’s hard to find other aspects like reputation, and quality, mainly for schools like Boston, Hofstra, and UMich.

I’m currently working on a portfolio. I enjoy working on projects, so I don’t want to rush anything.

Right now, I’m looking for opinions on what schools have good film departments, mainly for quality and reputation. I don’t need to get in to a top 10 film school, but something that’s better than decent, if that makes sense. I’d like something that encompasses both production and theory.

@OhWhatsHerName
I’ll have around 60 by the end of next semester.