quote:

Originally posted by julia:
My biggest piece of advice is MAKE SURE YOU LIKE THE SCHOOL ITSELF. Find out as much as you can about each: read reviews, visit the campus, ask around. Do not just apply for the film program. While the program may be amazing, college is realistically much more than that.

Can you see yourself at these schools? Can you imagine what you'd do? Does the general atmosphere make you happy? Are the academics to your taste?

As for film, are there connections avaliable? Opportunities? I'm sure you know all of this, but what I had to deal with when choosing schools to apply to is managing my priorities.

If UCLA is your dream school, for instance, don't forgoe it just because of the difficult-to-get-into film major. However, if your dream school involves rigorous film education, look elsewhere.

quote:

Originally posted by Jayimess:
USC has a Ph D in film, too, as do plenty of schools...but I suggest that you don't get too attached to any grad school programs...in four years, technology will have changed, and some of the up-and-coming programs may have soared or sank...not to mention your own desires.

Focus on finding and researching the language programs you want for your Bachelor's...that's my two cents.

quote:

Originally posted by Jayimess:
Joel,

I'm not saying that you shouldn't think about graduate school, and certainly not saying that you shouldn't get a MFA or a Ph.D....just that right now, you should focus on where you'll finish your BA first...because things could change drastically when it comes you where you want to go to grad school once you finish your four year degree. Look at Chapman four years ago. Look at AFI.

FYI...Federal Financial Aid doesn't exist for MFAs...everything comes from your school or outside orgs...no Pell Grants, etc...just subsidized loans. Not saying you won't find the funding, but it's not a guaranteed thing based on your need, as it is in undergrad.