<p>Hey, this is for every student that applied for the Interactive Media and Games division at USC for the upcoming Fall 2014 semester. Just wanted a place where we can talk and ask questions. So what are you guys thinking about your chances? My HS GPA is a 3.6 UW and a 3.8 W, but that will rise after this first semester. I feel like I had a solid portfolio and media sample. So what about you guys??</p>
<p>Hello~ Nice idea!
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/1588603-my-game-portfolio-consulting-some-question-about-imd.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/1588603-my-game-portfolio-consulting-some-question-about-imd.html</a>
You can see my situation at here.
TOEFL is the most uncertain factor for my application…</p>
<p>Wow, your portfolio is really impressive! I hope USC still considers you considering the experience you have had. Do you mind checking out my media sample and letting me know what you think? Thanks!
[USC</a> Interactive Media and Games Division Media Submission (School of Cinematic Arts) - YouTube](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>
<p>I am in no way connected to admissions. Your media sample fits creative work sample, but it doesn’t show an understanding of IMGD. It’s basically a creative writing sample as you created this story and started to introduce characters. And in your conclusion you again state story and characters. You only focused on dramatic elements and making the map to provide a location (map editor?). I’ve seen students who wanted to make video games because they like playing video games, like story-telling, etc, and some end up disenchanted. Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?</p>
<p>I don’t mean to be condescending. I’m just trying to give you more perspective in case you haven’t considered these things. Your sample is good and may be what admissions is looking for in potential students (idk). If you have not already, I highly recommend you learn more about game design fundamentals and create your own prototype. Unity or paper prototypes can be easiest. Good luck!
Fundamentals: <a href=“http://vis.cs.pitt.edu/teaching/cs1666/lectures/cs1666_Formal_Elements_I.pdf[/url]”>http://vis.cs.pitt.edu/teaching/cs1666/lectures/cs1666_Formal_Elements_I.pdf</a>
Case study: http://*******/1ihS73M<a href=“links%20to%20.ppt”>/url</a>
[edit: the censor is bit . ly]</p>
<p>I understand what you mean, thanks for the reply! I’ve started a few games in the past but inconveniently decided to apply to USC just before the deadline. I used this map sample since it was my most impressive piece due to the fact that my games were not finished. I still believe this is what I want to do, for I enjoy creating games outside of using an engine. Are you a current student? And I wonder if I were to finish one of my games if I could still send it in somehow… not too sure.</p>
<p>That’s good to hear. I’m a current student in USC Games but not IMGD specifically.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can add things to your application after some point (submission or deadline): [url=<a href=“http://cinema.usc.edu/interactive/firstyearprocedures.cfm]Freshmen”>http://cinema.usc.edu/interactive/firstyearprocedures.cfm]Freshmen</a> Application Procedures - USC School of Cinematic Arts<a href=“3rd%20paragraph”>/url</a></p>
<p>Thank you!
Eh, do you have another link about the media? Due to the Great Fire Wall of our country…I can’t open youtube webpages…</p>
<p>BUMP! Any other applicants out there?</p>
<p>My son is an applicant. 3.8 UW and 5.3/5.0 weighted. 31 act. 730 sat subject test math 2. Top 10%.</p>
<p>He submitted his portfolio including a link to his best game (playable). He also included mp3s of some game music he created. Lastly he provided a five minute narrated video of his best game. </p>
<p>Given the acceptance rate between 3% and 10% (depending on which admittance rates you believe) we think this is still a reach.</p>
<p>He did put down the Viterbi CS (games) as his second choice.</p>
<p>GamerGal27, your S’s stats/gpa are amazing and, looking at past admissions, he would be very likely admitted to USC Dornsife. OTOH, SCA admissions focuses most of their attention on the supplement, so no one but those admissions folks can tell which applicants’ work rises to the top of the hundreds (thousands?) of submissions they see. I have mentioned on another thread that my younger son (Class of 2015) was told by IMGD that they had 1000 applications that year-2011-and admitted 20, of which 17 matriculated. More students transfer into the major, but it’s a small crew to start. It is a reach for everyone since admission to talent-based majors/Schools is often subjective. There is a desire to balance the class which means they may be aware of different voices, needs for diversity, etc. I think your S has an excellent chance for admission to Viterbi (Games) since they admit more students, but again, the competition for spots is growing every year. If he does get admitted to Viterbi or even to USC Dornsife, there are opportunities to transfer to SCA if he is determined that is his best major. Best of luck to him. </p>
<p>I know he wants IMGD but I want him to get Viterbi (Games). He knows IMGD is a longshot but he is still hopeful. He worked so hard on his portfolio; he really put his heart into it. I realize there is a huge subjectivity factor at work. His essays were very good I think and his “best creative example” was above average. I know his recs were excellent as that is what his guidance counselor said. He also had straight A’s the past two semesters (4 APs this past semester). He has already been accepted at WPI (nice scholarship and FA package which shocked us), Drexel (nice scholarship but still a huge gap) and DePaul. Still waiting on RPI, RIT and USC.</p>
<p>Do you have a link for his game? I would love to check it out! Good luck!</p>
<p>Not sure he wants me to share the game. But I don’t think he’d have an issue with the music. Let me ask.</p>