I’m a transfer student that got into UCI and UCSB. I did not get into UCLA although I know they have the best film program. But between UCI and UCSB, which one should I go to that is better for film? Which one has better internship opportunities? Any info? Thanks!!
I would go with UCSB. It’s closer to LA as far as vibe and although I don’t know firsthand about the film programs at either school I know of a couple people who are in the film industry (own production cos etc. ) who went to UCSB. uCI seems like it would be better for business fields( with the exception of Econ and accounting) and UCSB better connections and vibe for the creative.
@TwoforT Thanks! The thing is I got a Regents scholarship for UCI so it’s been really difficult to turn down. Technically, UCI is closer to LA (~60 miles from where I live) and UCSB (~90 miles). I’ve been checking both of the courses they offer for the major and although a few of the classes sound interesting in UCI, I’m not sure if they’ll offer those specific classes again after I transfer. I’m more drawn to the fact that UCSB even built a theater quite recently specifically for film and even had guest speakers from the industry come over to talk about what they’ve done. So basically, it’s the scholarship that’s been making it hard for me to choose where to go. Thanks again for the input.
@artfreak0 Sure! I get it. The money is a big thing. Something you will have to weigh. I just think UCSB will give you the better connections and although uci is closer to LA, Orange County is just a completely different animal. Definitely not LA. I’ve done both, went to UCLA and live in OC now very close to irvine as a matter of fact. UCI is a nice area and all but definitely more suburbs. Not sure about Santa Barbara cause I don’t have first hand experience. I just remember when I was at UCLA it seemed the next choice for film/entertainment for those who didn’t make it in to UCLA or USC. Granted that was a long time ago. Good luck on the decision. You will be getting a great education at either school so I’m sure it’ll work out either way.
Congratulations! These are two great schools. What is the difference in overall COA? Would you need to take out loans for UCSB but not for UCI? I hear you about the scholarship. It sounds like, all things being equal, your clear choice is UCSB. How feasible is that compared to UCI? Will Regents give you priority registration as well?
@CardinalBobcat I have my unofficial award letter for UCSB available but when I checked MyAid for UCI, all it says is that they have my files ready but they wouldn’t release the award status until mid-May, so I can’t compare my COA for each of them. For UCSB, they gave me a list of potential work-study aid and other loans I could use to pay towards my COA but I don’t plan on taking out any loans, only the grants and scholarships they’ve offered. I’m pretty sure that with the hefty financial benefit I’ve received from the scholarship for UCI, my COA will probably be 0. And yes I get priority for enrolling in classes. Again, very hard to give up…
That is a great offer from UCI! In my mind, the key question becomes whether you will be able to get the specific program benefits there that you can get at UCSB… Is the UCI film program as good, almost as good, or at least good enough?
@CardinalBobcat That’s what I’ve been researching about for about two weeks now. I think they’re the same but to me, it looks like UCSB offers more for students in this major. They have some production classes and the videos past students created are quite creative and some even have really good cinematography. I don’t see much of this on UCI’s website for this major but they did offer a few interesting classes in the past that I want to take. Although I’m not entirely sure they would offer them again in the future. I understand it’s important to learn the fundamentals of film like the history and criticism (both offer these courses) but I think UCSB takes it a step further by offering production/workshops (from what I’ve gathered online). It may be a little competitive though. At this point I guess I’m leaning towards sb…
@artfreak0 I’m generally familiar with UCSB’s film program but not with UCI’s, and I would agree with your overall assessment. That said, my own information is outdated. You have done quite a bit of research, and it all does seem to point to UCSB as the better option. I think you’re doing a really solid job with this decision process. As long as you make this choice with your eyes open – knowing that you would lose priority registration and scholarship $$ – then go for it! The only other question I would want to ask is whether you are 100% committed to the major, because if you were to change your mind, that Regent scholarship would be awfully nice. But, as a transfer student, you are probably quite clear about your major. My own $0.02 is that UCSB sounds like a great choice!
@CardinalBobcat Yes this is the major that I’m most interested in. I was thinking about double majoring in film studies and English or maybe Creative Studies in Writing and Literature but I’m not sure how I’ll be able to handle it since university level courses are a little more difficult than cc level courses. I guess I’m drawn to the many opportunities UCSB offers to their film studies students as opposed to UCI’s. I’ll be checking out UCI’s campus tomorrow and explore around the area to see what they have. I totally agree with you that if I were to change my mind about my major the Regents scholarship will really help me out in this situation. But thank you for your input!