People say film school is a waste of time while others say you can get great connections. Lets say hypothetically, you recieve free tuition. Would you go to film school? I realize this is a question mainly for the anti-film school crowd although anyone can answer.

I'm asking because I have free tuition. If you're curious, I am pro-film school. I'm willing to hear other people's opinions on the issue.

If you've got tuition payed, that takes away the primary argument of the anti-school side. But, really, it's all about what YOU think you'd be more comfortable doing: learning in the structured environment of film school, or learning in the non-structured environment of the working world. If you prefer the former AND can do it for free, then go for it!

If I had free tuition, I'd go to film school - no question!

You are very fortunate to have free tuition!

Where, might I ask, do you have tuition payed?

quote:

Originally posted by Cinematical:
Where, might I ask, do you have tuition payed?

Do you mean which colleges? I'm pretty sure any. The reason for the free tuition is because my dad is on disability. He isn't working due to hurting his back and it's hard for him to walk(he has a cane). My mom doesn't make much money...I'd say very little, less than what my brother makes at King Kullen. So we're not financially stable. I hope that answers your question.

Sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like you'll qualify for financial aid which will pay your tuition due to your low-income status. Is that what you mean?

quote:

Originally posted by linsper23:
Do you mean which colleges? I'm pretty sure any. The reason for the free tuition is because my dad is on disability. He isn't working due to hurting his back and it's hard for him to walk(he has a cane). My mom doesn't make much money...I'd say very little, less than what my brother makes at King Kullen. So we're not financially stable. I hope that answers your question.

Just a quick word of caution....

Don't count on free tuition based on your family circumstance.

Apply for scholarships.

I am an orphan/was a ward of the court and the government didn't pay for my education. Even with a FAFSA Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of zero, there are limits on Federal Pell grants (I always got the max) and SEOGs (some acronym for brokedy broke broke people, usually sponsored by the state). It was academic and athletic scholarships that paid the bulk of my undergraduate tuition. That was in Ohio, at the second cheapest state school.

I'm not familiar with New York, but I do know that in the state of California, if you are a resident and attend a public school (as in, NOT USC, Loyola, CalArts, Chapman, AFI, but the UCs, CSs, and SUs), however, tuition is waaay low...even at the graduate level.

And grants for graduate school? Fuhgeddaboutit. My EFC this year is zero and I was offered only loans as federal "aid."

It depends on how talented and ambitious you view yourself.
The last thing you want to do is have four awesome years of hard work and learning film only to realize that you are going to have to work at Best Buy for the rest of life to pay the bills.

I guess I'm taking a more self-reliant approach to the whole deal. Your philosophy of films of why they should be made plays a big part.

To dove tail on what Jayimess said: Neither Parent in my family works, my dad has been permanently disabled for years. Technically, my mom was my dependant. My EFC is 0.

I got a fellowship-- merit based.
And a heck of a lot of loans.

There's no guarantee for film school. Not to mention what you'll need to pay out of pocket for equipment/materials.

I notice you're going into undergrad-- what are you options if not film school? I definitely recommend some undergraduate degree.

Yes, don't assume you have free tuition — you don't have the money until they GIVE IT to you. Jayimess is right: apply for scholarships (there are SO many!).

I went to university because everyone in my family does. After high school...before the real world. I learned a lot, had so much fun and met great people. I would definitely encourage my son to take the time to develop as a person (and a craftsman) by seeking higher education. I know it's a personal choice, however - you will always make movies. It is harder to make the commitment to a (long) course of study.

To those who said free tuition is not guaranteed-I didn't know that. I was assuming I would because I'm getting free tuition now but it's at a cheap community college where each year is around $6,000. I guess I'll have to try for those scholarships once I do find out how much I'm getting when I transfer. I don't want to be paying loans. I need that money for making films. Gahh.