<p>Hi! I'm currently a Sophomore in high school. I plan on majoring in Film at renowned schools such as UCLA, USC, and NYU, and pursuing a career in the industry. Since I feel that writing has always been my strongest attributes, I would like to focus on Screenwriting. I understand that these schools are extremely prestigious and that it could be considered a miracle by some to be admitted; however, I am willing to put myself through whatever it takes to get in. At the end of this year, I will have a 4.1 cumulative GPA. I am founder of the Photography Club at my school, and I also am a member of my school's creative writing club and Rotary Interact club. In addition, I was nominated for an officer's position in the Rotary Interact Club, and will hopefully be elected next week. I also have over 70 hours of community service (which will undoubtedly grow before I graduate as I am very involved) and was appointed a commissioner's position as Media Relations in my school's ASB class. Finally, I plan to join the Film Club at my school next week. Because this club is senior-dominated, I have a very high chance of becoming president myself next year.
I am constantly unsure about whether I should take 3 APs or 4 as a junior. I have signed up for AP English, AP U.S. History, AP Chemistry, and AP Psychology, but these can change anytime before next year if I request my counselor to do so. Since AP classes are not offered to underclassmen (there is only the GATE/Honors program) I have never experienced an AP class. I haven't a clue if I could maintain a high enough GPA while continuing in extracurriculars to make taking four AP classes worthwhile.
I try to write often in my spare time, although admittedly I could be spending a lot more time with it.
What do you suggest I do to get into these prestigious film schools? Based off of what I have so far, would you say I have a decent chance of getting in? What extracurriculars would you suggest I participate in? What accomplishments stand out the most for film school applications?
Anything helps! Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>I think going to any “prestigious” film school is a bad idea. I’ve spoken on the topic before. Here are some other threads explaining why you should ditch the film school fantasy immediately. (I won’t post long, droning comments here).</p>
<p><a href=“Chances as a prospective film production major? - #3 by Abcde11 - Chance Me / Match Me! - College Confidential Forums”>Chances as a prospective film production major? - #3 by Abcde11 - Chance Me / Match Me! - College Confidential Forums;
<a href=“Where should I go for film? - #4 by Abcde11 - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums”>Where should I go for film? - #4 by Abcde11 - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums;
<a href=“Interested in the Entertainment Industry- what should be in my portfolio/supplement? - #4 by Abcde11 - Visual Arts and Film Majors - College Confidential Forums”>Interested in the Entertainment Industry- what should be in my portfolio/supplement? - #4 by Abcde11 - Visual Arts and Film Majors - College Confidential Forums;
<p>As you can see, AP classes and college courses amount to nothing when it comes to an actual film career. How great a student you were back in the day means nothing; you’ll still be at square one with the high school dropout, because filmmaking is a career of talent and tenacity, not academics. Too many high schoolers are so focused on college as the end goal, the ultimate success, the end of the line, and they don’t give a passing thought to what they’ll actually do once they leave school. This isn’t how things should be. Planning your career should be the end goal, not devoting all your time and energy to some school that’ll dig tens of thousands of dollars out of your pocket. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, it’s your choice. But keep your options open.</p>