USC Film School

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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What’s up everyone! This is my first post on the boards so I’m sorry if I posted this in the wrong place but I assume that the USC forum is the best place to start.

I just wanted to know the chances of getting into the USC school of cinematic arts in the film and television production division or the screenwriting division as someone who has never done anything even remotely related to filmmaking or screenwriting. I write creatively a lot, (like, a lot a lot), and almost every day I come up with new concepts for books and movies, but it was only a few months ago I realized that filmmaking was a career venture for me. I have never filmed anything, or written a script. I have always been dead set on being a lawyer/doctor/I-banker, however in recent months and as I near my senior year of high school, I’ve realized that it is important to do something I love. I was so creative all throughout middle school and elementary school, and I guess in high school I became overly stressed out about making money and being successful due to family pressure.

I am sorry if this is a dumb question, and I recognize that it probably is. I just don’t know anyone in the industry and I was hoping a few people here had some insight on USC’s program and getting into it. Is it worth it for me to do this, or should I just stick with my original path? I am planning on filming a documentary and a short film over the summer, and polishing up more of my short stories. My grades are currently 4.0 unweighted, as many APs as my school can offer, and a 35 on the ACT, and some various awards + Leadership positions in clubs/Model UN. I also research under a neuroscience professor weekly at USC.

I have looked over the application and I suppose the thing I’m mainly nervous about is my portfolio, because at this point in time it’s completely empty. I definitely have a passion for filmmaking, but I’m afraid that because I only just realized it, I won’t get into the best program I can due to the fact that even though I’ve written a ton, I haven’t published it or filmed anything.

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Gaining admission to the USC School of Cinematic Arts is a difficult proposition for everyone, even those with significant film-making experience. Bryan Singer himself was rejected twice before finally gaining admission as an internal transfer from within USC on his third try. Spielberg was rejected three times and never admitted. The overall acceptance rate ranges from 2-11%, depending on the major being sought. In your case, the range would be tighter… likely 2-4% (for screenwriting and production).

You would first be evaluated by USC overall, which now has an admit rate in the 15-16% range. If admitted, you could be accepted as Undeclared (meaning without admission to SCA as well), or you could be admitted to both USC and SCA - and assigned directly to an SCA major.

Acceptance to SCA will chiefly come down to your creative supplements… and especially your writing. Even if you have a solid visual supplement to submit, your creativity and demonstrated passion will likely be the determining factor… especially if your overall portfolio is just getting started. All that being said… they do accept a certain # per major, so there is no harm in trying. It is a highly subjective decision-making process when evaluating candidates for the creative majors. It would all come down to the case you make for yourself via your personal statement / essay and writing sample. It is possible, as Bryan Singer did, to gain admission to USC, but not yet SCA, and then transfer internally later… maybe after taking some SCA courses to show them your merit. Some on CC have suggested such as an easier path to getting into SCA vs applying directly for admission as an incoming freshman.

Good Luck

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrIAhYXPApw&feature=youtu.be
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