USC vs. NYU Dilemma

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Hello all :)
I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. I want to go into film production, which is why I applied to both NYU and USC.
However, I had missed the USC SCA application (and scholarship) deadline, and thus applied to CAS instead, as I heard it's easier to transfer into SCA from within the university, and that I could still take some of the film classes. I've been accepted to both USC CAS and NYU Tisch.</p>

<p>So the issue is this: NYU would make more sense if I wanted to reallyfocus on my major, but I have never been to New York and it all seems really anti-social and fast-paced. USC on the other hand, I think I'd be more comfortable with overall (the high-spirits is nice), but I'm worried that I would be hurting my chances at being successsful in this competitive career.</p>

<p>Should I take the chance at USC and try to transfer into SCA later--- what are my chances? Would just taking the film classes under another major be enough? Or should I just go and try out NYU?</p>

2

<p>I think it comes down to whether or not you can easily transfer into SCA from CAS. You got into Tisch, so you probably can.
Taking film classes under another major would not be enough. You want to be the best of the best. Don’t screw it up.
It seems like you don’t like NYU anyways, so don’t. Stick with USC because it feels right, and because they’re around the same caliber. </p>

<p>Still, what you do really depends on what you find out about transferring into SCA (I’m trying to do that too for Interactive Entertainment).</p>

3

<p>SCA sounds really really hard to get into. And I think Tisch has a higher acceptance rate than SCA :/</p>

<p>Now that I’m really thinking about all this college and career stuff, I’m afraid that I won’t make it in the film business, and should maybe try for a broader education. So I was thinking that if I went to USC and didn’t make it as an internal transfer into SCA, then maybe I could try majoring in another more “practical” field (I’m also interested in journalism/communications), and minoring in film, and then possibly going into graduate school for film.</p>

4

<p>I currently attend NYU and know a decent amount of film majors, and I’d say that NYU has more of an independent film vibe as opposed to USC’s big production atmosphere. I know I’m over simplifying it, but it’s just something to keep in mind. What type of film are you really interested in? What part of the business do you want to be in? Because LA and NYC are pretty different environments when it comes to film.</p>

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<p>kookykookie, we are practically the same person. I am having similar issues. I got into NYU Tisch, and also USC, but in the Annenberg school for communication. I love USC, but I am afraid to take the risk of not getting into the SCA. I want to study film too. So I visited Tisch this weekend and it seems that if you are seriously interested in getting involved in the film industry, then that is the place for you. It was seriously awesome, not gonna lie. And USC had been my dream school for so long. </p>

<p>Maybe we’ll see each other at Tisch or USC this fall.</p>

6

<p>Leslie,
Have you visited USC? </p>

<pre><code>Please do not make your decision before touring the SC campus and giving SC the same opportunity you gave NYU to show you what SC has to offer.
</code></pre>

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<p>As someone who has stayed at NYU for a summer program (month long), lives practically in NYC, and whose mother and brother went to NYU, I will say that it’s not anti-social in the slightest. The social life, however, is COMPLETELY different from that of USC. At NYU your whole social life will be in the city; you’ll go to clubs, bars, etc. At USC your social life will be in the community going to Football games and Frats. Really, each school is amazing (especially for your major; congratulations!), each is social, and each will give you connections and opportunities. Tour each; the choice is up to you:)</p>

8

<p>Thanks for the info frantastic and allison, I’ll have to think on all that. </p>

<p>Leslie: wow, that is really weird/cool how we’re in the same boat! What factors are you trying to figure out?</p>

9

<p>Kookie,
SC students do not spend all their time going to frat parties and football games! What a stereotype!</p>

<p>At SC there are films, lectures, exhibits, popular and classical concerts, plays, opera, recitals and the unique Visions and Voices. Los Angeles also has clubs, pubs, Korea Town, Beverly Hills, Chinatown and outdoor activities all through the year.</p>

<p>Los Angeles has numerous cultural venues students can enjoy. To name just a few there is the Los Angeles Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, Natural History Museum and others. The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens are also a short drive away in Pasadena.</p>

<p>Not that far is the world famous Getty Museum and the Norton Simon Museum, also in Pasadena. Theaters are the Ahmanson Theatre, Gibson Amphitheatre, Kodak Theatre,
Pantages Theatre and the Walt Disney Concert Hall to name a few.</p>

<p>If sports is an interest there is Dodger Stadium, Staples Center, Rose Bowl, Coliseum and the Galen Center. </p>

<p>Students do manage to find time to go to THE BEACH! lol</p>

<p>Due to the sunny climate there is hiking in Runyon Canyon Topanga Canyon, Point Mugu
and the foothills.</p>

<p>Other interesting places are the Autry National Center and the Griffith Park Observatory.</p>

10

<p>The Annenberg School of Communication is quite selective. The Annenberg just donated another $5 million to fund scholarships for the school. </p>

<p>The schools are very different. However, it depends upon the fit and what each university has to offer.</p>

<p>I urge Leslie to study carefully the website for SCA. Note the list of incredible people who are alumni. SCA is certainly a place where students can study who take film seriously!</p>

11

<p>Woah. Don’t want to hijack this thread, but I’m in a similar place (Marshall vs. Stern)</p>

12

<p>Go to NYU. If you go USC and don’t get into SCA, you’re going to hate yourself.</p>

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<p>Kookie, the factors I am trying to figure out are… well whether or not I truly want to delve into film. At NYU, they were very, “If you are not 100% dedicated to film, then this is NOT the place for you blah blah blah…” and I’m like, “Ah, I’m just a kid!! What if I change my mind?!” That kinda thing. </p>

<p>Also, USC is all the way across the country…my parents don’t want to send me out there unless I am studying exactly what I want to study. And I feel this urge to be creative, and I don’t think if journalism is the path for me.</p>

<p>Ah I am a very unsure person. What I need, honestly, is a school that’s flexible.</p>

14

<p>lesliehr if flexibility is your issue, I would truly recommend USC, since it’s much easier to double major, minor, etc. Also, NYU is mostly known for Tisch and Stern and I don’t really know how good it is in other fields in comparison to USC (which I believe is a better school in general).</p>

<p>Still, discuss this issue with your parents properly, since as you state they want you to be sure of what you want to study, and from what I read I feel you still want some room to test different options out.</p>

15

<p>haha leslie, that’s basically the exact same position I’m in.
I went to the admitted students reception in my area yesterday, and it sounds like it’s really easy to make an internal transfer within NYU. That’s good for us indecisive people. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>USC also didn’t give me much financial aid, so I think I’ve decided: NYU is the way to go!</p>

<p>Thanks everyone for the advice!</p>

16

<p>NYU actually gave you better financial aid than USC? lol That’s a surprise. Nevertheless, NYU is a fabulous choice!</p>

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<p>Thanks!
haha I know right? Part of it though was because I turned in the extra forms a little late :/</p>

<p>and good job on making it to USC!</p>