USC vs. NYU Film

<p>I've been accepted to both NYU and USC's Film and TV production majors. I'm still not completely sure which school to choose. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Congratulations! Have you visited the schools? They are probably the 2 best film schools in the country. NYU has less of a campus feel. If you love NYC, it’s great. USC has more of a campus atmosphere, but still right in LA. Should be able to make good connections at either one. What about finances? Is there a significant difference in cost for you?</p>

<p>They are pretty similar, with slight variations in techniques. There are a lot of stereotypes like “USC only wants you to make blockbuster type movies,” and “NYU is for more artistic, personal films,” but neither of these are completely accurate. These two film schools are probably considered tied for most prestigious, and so it all comes down to whether one prefers the feel of one university/city over another. Do you like LA or NY more? Do you like the rest of USC or NYU more?</p>

<p>Thanks, guys! Good to know they’re both pretty much equal. I’ve visited both, but I’m visiting them again.
@OhioMom3000
I’ve only gotten my financial aid package from NYU, and it’s actually pretty good (I’d only have to pay for housing). I guess financial aid may be a good deciding factor :P</p>

<p>That’s good news for you. I thought NYU was not that great with FA. Not true in your case.</p>

<p>@filmschool16
Either would be great… I would base my financial decision on two things: finances and location. You’re either a NYC person or not. Frankly, I love the city! It feels like a constant dose of adrenaline, but maybe that was because I don’t live there.</p>

<p>If you want to work in the studio system, go to USC. The school has far better ties to the industry (it’s a 30 min. drive from CAA in Century City to the campus) than NYU does.</p>

<p>NYU is considered a good school at the undergrad level for people who want to go into technical film production, but it just can’t compete with the soft and hard resources that USC film offers.</p>

<p>The USC spring student screening invitations list alone is worth the price of tuition.</p>

<p>Congratulations on such great options! You really can’t go wrong with either choice.</p>

<p>NYU and USC are both committed to giving students need based financial aid and try to meet all demonstrated need. NYU does NOT give Merit scholarships, whereas USC is one of the best in the nation for merit based aid. Sounds like OP will get aid at both if it is need based. </p>

<p>So… then it’s feel, vibe and connections. Both do have great connections. It is easier to make Hollywood based connections in LA, but NYU has a network there as well. Graduates of both are well known, Spike Lee comes to mind as someone who has greatly influenced the industry from NYU. </p>

<p>I think OP needs to consider which city seems more suited, and ultimately what the OP wants to do later (as much as any senior knows…). Do you see yourself living and working in California? Do you see yourself working more on the East Coast? The connections you make now MAY influence your ultimate destination and choices. I suggest you speak with the schools and current students about their connections and where they end up after graduation. That may help you to make a decision.</p>