<p>I know production, critical studies and screenwriting are probably more well-known. But how about selectivity and acceptance ratio among them?</p>
<p>Hi I am going to guess here - if anyone has better info please correct me.
The overall film school is very competitive accepting under 125 freshmen. Of that I know for sure that 44 were accepted into Critical Studies, I am guessing, twenty something into Screenwriting, and I think 50 more or less into production. (In contrast The 2nd most competitive film school NYU, I believe accepts 250 freshmen)
Production has the most applicants, making it the most "popular" and hardest to get into. Screenwriting accepts fewer students, but also less apply still it is very selective. Each year, Critical studies has some talented freshmen that were rejected by production and writing so this is the least applied to major in the film school vs. slots available.</p>
<p>TSDad may know a little more about this, because his son is also a Critical Studies major.</p>
<p>My son applied both to CS and Production. He made CS his first choice. He was intially disappointed that he didn't get into Production, but now he wouldn't have it any other way. From his point of view Production takes up too much of your out of class time. He has a wide variety of interests that he wants to be involved in plus he has the time to take a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. He also likes the intellectual/cultural approach to filmmaking that CS offers. He is more interest in the "why" than the "how."</p>
<p>As I note elswhere, all majors have to take courses in all areas so you will get both production and screen writing courses in CS. BTW, it has been his experience when looking for internships that no one asks which major he is in. He worked on a real film as a PA this summer that was shot in Malibu. He actually got paid for five-weeks. The first money he has earned in the film biz. He said he learned a lot about what not to do by watching the director. Even if you are not in Production there are a huge number of opportunities on campus to learn technical skills with on the job training. People are always looking for someone to crew their movies.</p>