<p>Hello, I've started this thread because all of the threads similar to this subject seem to be at least two years old.
I am very lucky to have to choose between USC and Chapman for film production for next year. I've received a scholarship from Chapman and am currently having them revise my financial aid package due to circumstances. I'm still awaiting a financial aid award from USC, but I do know that I have not received their top scholarships. One other detail regarding USC is that I've been admitted for the Spring Semester. I honestly do not believe this is a big factor, as I could be bumped up to Fall admission.
Here's what I've weighed so far for each: Both are well-funded, both are around the same starting price (but I do have a scholarship with Chapman)
Chapman:
Medium-sized (Around 8,000 students)
Not in LA, but near it (40 minutes away)
Less competitive (everyone gets to make a senior thesis)
Full rights to films
Will accept all of my AP Scores and most of College Now as electives
Not many notable alumni yet
Ranked as number 7, on track to be considered the next USC within 10 years or so
I would get to start work on my major from day 1
Recognition in the California Film industry
Bonus- full access to campus facilities even after graduation
Person in film department whose full time job is to submit entries to festivals</p>
<p>USC:
Large (Around 40,000 students)
In the heart of LA
Very competitive (4 people make a senior thesis, the rest help)
Restrictions on rights to films
Will accept most of AP scores but probably not College Now
Many notable alumni (plus Trojan alumni network = hires for most jobs)
Ranked as number 1 in the world for film
Start work on my major second semester Sophomore year
International recognition
Gets priority along with NYU for festival submissions</p>
<p>Thoughts? I greatly appreciate any insight anyone can offer. I'm really lucky that I get to make this decision.</p>
<p>Also, some background on me: Cost is important, but I want the best program and am willing to take on the extra debt if necessary. I also come from Kansas, so I’m wondering which will be easier to adapt to, Orange County or LA? Both have their share of stuck-up people, but the county I’m from in Kansas is similar.</p>
<p>When it comes to film… USC every single time. Best program in the world. Best opportunities to work side by side with professionals as an undergrad. Best facilities and faculty. Best networking contacts post graduation. Most respected film education within the industry. Hands down.</p>
<p>Connections in Hollywood are everything. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. USC every time, unless you already have relatives in the business.</p>
<p>Definitely USC on this one. Unparalleled opportunities in this field, and fantastic location. Chapman is basically in the middle of nowhere film-wise. Orange is a nice town, but a substantial drive from LA, especially in traffic.</p>
<p>My daughter is also trying to make the choice between Chapman and USC, except these were the ONLY schools she was admitted to that did not accept her in Film Production. She got her second choice majors at both schools. Chapman gave a scholarship while USC did not. Some have said that a minor in cinema at USC is better than a major at other schools. I don’t know. D has spent time on both campuses and loved them nearly equally, but she would take USC over Chapman if the money were equal. Personally, I love the size and feel and safety of Chapman. I think I would feel confined at USC, but that’s me. I hear all the time that being close to LA is important, but realistically how much time would on have to work while trying to go to school and maintain grades? If that’s so, I think my D should consider LMU since she got in in Film there and it seems to have the best of both, and also offered great aid. Interested to hear opinions on both situations.</p>
<p>My D majored in Cinema at USC. She was amazed at the quality of the faculty. One of my cousin’s kids was also in cinema. She did internships at many different studios when she was a USC student and was offered several cinema jobs prior to graduation. It is a huge bonus to graduate with no or low debt, because getting a full time job in cinema can be very tough. </p>