<p>I'm currently a high school sophomore and it's been my dream to be a film student at USC for as long as I remember.In school currently I'm not doing as hot as the other guys here. </p>
<p>I have a 3.7 weighted GPA with all honors and next year I plan on taking 2 AP classes. I'm also a Varsity football player and I'm on the track team.</p>
<p>But regarding film, I have won 2 student emmys, and 4 other local contest awards for Director, Editor, Cinematographer, and best shorts for their categories. I also have extensive knowledge on Premiere Pro, Avid, and Final Cut Pro. I've had experience with everything from a DVX, to an HD camcorder, to a Mark ii, to a RED Scarlet. I'm also a Colorist and have graded 4 short films with DaVinci Resolve. </p>
<p>While I don't necessarily have the grades, I feel like my experience speaks for itself and I was wondering if this would be enough to get in. Obviously since I'm only a sophomore, I have plenty of time to boost my grades a little. But are there any other tips on what I can do to increase my chances?</p>
<p>There is no “chance me” that is accurate for School of Cinematic Arts. They take 4% with no waiting list that I know of. So the odds even for qualified students who fit the profile are low.</p>
<p>Your first hurdle is to get past USC. THEY are the ones who look at grades, scores and extracurriculars. You have to be accepted to USC before you can be accepted by SCA which has a separate admissions process.</p>
<p>The second hurdle is to complete a compelling portfolio for SCA and do well on your supplement. Those essays and materials are what SCA looks at. So having extensive film background is great - but is not necessarily a guarantee since they also consider students who have not had an opportunity to do those types of activities. </p>
<p>And frankly, a 3.7 GPA puts you in the ballpark. A lot of students with 4.0+ get turned down. Some students with lower GPA’s get accepted. It just depends.</p>
<p>Make sure you have a back-up plan. Film schools are the toughest to get into. But it does sound like you have the right stuff to at least be considered as a potential admit. Beyond that - NO ONE knows. I know of a student with a similar background who has been doing large film projects for years. He practically sleeps with a camera. But he was turned down by several schools. So don’t assume you have a lock. Just do your best - then focus on creating the best SCA supplement you can when the time comes.</p>
<p>Note to OP: USC will look at your UNweighted GPA and when comparing your qualifications (as the wonderful "Final Answer thread will direct you) please remember that the 3.8 average GPA of last year’s admitted student was UNweighted.</p>
<p>But as far as advice, the only thing I can say to you is be yourself. And while your portfolio looks extensive in film, you need to make sure you know who you are as a creator and what you want to do artistically (so film-related activities don’t have to be the only thing you put on your portfolio).</p>
<p>Basically focus on developing yourself as a writer and let your true personality shine through in your SCA supplement. Everything else is up to the adcom at SCA. Good luck!</p>
<p>One other thing to keep in mind is that you COULD consider transferring to USC, though again, no guarantees. Our D was a transfer from CC & then went from Sociology major to undecided to Cinema. It was a bit crazy for us as parents, but it worked out for her. </p>
<p>Even if you don’t get in, you could minor in Cinema, which was her backup plan if she hadn’t been accepted into cinema. She was taking quite a few cinema courses and they were OK because she said it would be her minor if she couldn’t get it to be her major.</p>