I'm really at a point where I need to decide what I am going to do about post secondary. My problem right now is deciding whether or not I am going to go away to school, or take a year off to work on some projects, maybe do a little travelling, etc. Most importantly - put together a portfolio for school. I'm afraid with winter coming in so soon, there is little I can work on, and portfolio submissions are due before the season is over. Giving me an extra while to work on some stuff seems like a useful advantage for school - plus I would be able to make some extra money before I go away.

I wanted to know what you guys think about taking a year off - to do what I want to do, and sort some stuff out. Obviously I know this is my own decision, and non of you really know me personally, but I thought maybe some of you have alreay been in the same situation, and that you could share some insight on the whole situation.

I am planning to apply this year regardless, then re-apply next year if required.

Thanks for any consideration on the topic.


-Bodd

Duely noted. However, I DO want to go away to school, but am frustrated with my remaining time to put together a portfolio.

sit around and travel

that is what I did. I sucked in high school...(well in europe), took one year off, went to university, got 4.0 cause I got some distance from learning in that year, transfered to NYU, have a blast now, and I've seen a lot of countries which is worth a lot as a film maker imho

ehe back in switzerland, 50% of my friends took one year off, we got so fed up with school:P

Yeah, I mean, I come from a small town, and have never been out of the country. On one hand, taking a year off would be nice to experience some stuff - but, on the other hand....... who knows.

work a month, buy a ticket to europe (they are really cheap!), get an interrail ticket for like 250 bucks(u can travel around europe with that for a month) and backpack through lots of countries....its cheap, its the biggest adventure you will ever have and you get so much material for your future

To be honest, there is nothing wrong with taking a year off. Sort out what you need, put some distance between high school and your future.

I took a brain-dead job that allowed me to brain storm every day (the irony!) for a year between high school and college. I have a folder full of bits of paper and kleenex, all with possible script ideas scribbled on them. Also that year allowed me to prepare for post-secondary application requirements and complete several short films. As well, working for minimum wage was a constant reminder to achieve something, ANYTHING, better. Everyday after work (and no cerebral stimulation), I was itching to film more. Now that I'm in post-secondary, I find it hard to take anything for granted after seeing what could of been.

mechanical artist nailed it

I was in desperate need of some distance from high school...after one year, I could not await college and I put 150% into it