UC media majors - PLEASE help!

<p>Okay so here's my problem. </p>

<p>I was accepted to all the UCs I applied to. For UCSB, UCSC, UCSD I was accepted into their film/digital media/whatever majors. For UCLA, I was accepted as undeclared into the college of letters and sciences. </p>

<p>I'm interested in a major having to do with media. I tend to like the more technical side of things - like editing/sound. </p>

<p>Most people are saying - you're interested in film, you got into UCLA, why wouldn't you go there?</p>

<p>Well I don't really understand how that works... I didn't apply to the film school, and it seems to do that I would have to have an intense portfolio and a lot of talent - something I haven't had the resources to develop yet. I also heard they only accept like 30 people per year, which sounds like a lot of competition and horrible odds.</p>

<p>With the other schools, I'm already accepted as that major and it seems like an easier option. But other than what I've read off major descriptions online, I don't know what kind of programs they have (like, experiences from real students)</p>

<p>I'm currently leaning towards UCSD, unless someone can more clearly explain to me why UCLA is the better fit.</p>

Hi. I know this is from a while back but could you share where you chose to go to? My son is in the similar boat now, having been accepted to UCSD media art and UCD Design major… I just wonder how you made a decision.

UCLA well digital media and film at UCLA have different reasons for going. If you wanted to go for digital media I don’t think it matters much BUT for film, UCLA (because…well it’s one of the TOP film programs and the #1 film program in the US public college system.) HOWEVER…TFT does not do internal transfers anymore so you would have to go to a CCC first and then transfer as a junior. You could do a UC-UC transfer as a junior to UCLA as well but…good luck. CCC students have priority over everyone else and with a 3% acceptance rate…you may not want to risk it. If Film is really your passion and you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else, pick UCLA but after 2 years of CCC. If you just want a job in the field because it looks cool and you just wanna get some skill and a degree…then it doesn’t matter.

Also, everybody thinks that the portfolio is harder than it actually is. I’ve written longer papers for my GE classes. As a transfer student, the ask you for:

  • a two-page max. personal statement
  • a two-page essay max. about a life challenge
  • a three-page max. critical essay
  • five pages MAX of creative samples.

They do not accept DVD’s or films so it’s literally all essays and they have guidelines for the creative samples (But they aren’t complicated at all)

They care about passion, potential, and talent.