UCI vs. UCLA for a Film Major

I was accepted into UCI for Film and Media Studies and UCLA for Chicana/o Studies which is an interdisciplinary major that examines disciplines through a Mexican-American lens.

My aim is to apply to USC for an MFA in Writing for Film and Television some time after I graduate with my undergrad degree. I want to attend a program that would best prepare me to be a competitive applicant.

From what I have gathered, UCI’s coursework is more ideal with interesting courses offered such as ones on zombies, HBO, and even anime. Chicana/o Studies offers an emphasis on Expressive Arts where I can take classes on Mexican films. As many of us know, UCI is more of a commuter campus and the alumni network isn’t as extensive as UCLA. It’s hard to beat the UCLA name as well and I can always minor in film and take a series on producing. Only thing is UCI is essentially giving me a full ride and I would graduate with some debt from UCLA.

Where would you submit your SIR? I visited both campuses and can imagine myself being pretty happy in both. I also plan to live on campus regardless. Any advice would be much appreciated.

UCI, you could also take screenwriting courses.

@Ohm888 Interesting. Thanks for the response. Are there any other reasons why because I could also take screenwriting at UCLA under the minor?

You’re the only one that can make the final decision but it just seems to me the creative field of film, which usually requires narrative, even if only through visuals, is a story-telling device more in line with a writer’s goals. The term, Chicano Studies, despite this or that course, does not convey that vision. Yeah, there might be some literature, but it probably will also include politics and history. The term, Film and Media Studies, will be a better stepping stone, career-wise, based on your interests. But this is a personal opinion only.

However I now just read your last line about the minor, so I guess it doesn’t make any difference. And you may make more networking connections through the minor.

I am still stumped on what to decide on but in Chicana/o Studies there is an emphasis on the arts so I can take classes that are almost exclusively in film, literature, and other arts.

Hard to decline a full ride from UCI, though.