Hi, I am freshman here and so far i love this forum. But please don't blame me if thread like this one was made thousands times

Right now I am looking for a descent film college or school to enter as international student. I have a list of very important questions and it would be very useful for me, if some of you could answer on them

- Could anybody explain me the whole process of how to get in college for international student?

- What should be in my portfolio?

- How can I send them my portfoilo, if I am living in another country?

- Do I need to pass SAT, AP or ACT tests (if I take TOEFL)? And what subjects do these tests cover?

- What's the avarage score of GPA to enter college/film school?

- What is the avarage TOEFL score to get in college/film school?

- Do test scores really have so big part?

- Should I send applications to several film colleges in one time and then wait for those, which will accept me?

- Is it possible for 16-years old foreign student to take summer program in NYFA? Can I make there some short films?

- Do I need to make 16mm digital short film?

- If yes, how long should it be?

- What should be written in my essay?

- What's the best one to get in: NYU (TISH), CCH (Columbia College Hollywood), FSU, SCAD, Art Center College Design, AFI or Academy of Art University?

- Which of them are more focused on art or mainstream films?

- Which of them have good enogh equipment and connections with sharks from Hollywood?

- Could anybody list me the famous directors or screenwriters, who graduated from those colleges?

- Do I need to pay for my short films in college?

- Will it be difficult for me in editing my shorts, if I am not so good in technology part?

- Are there good colleges focused on both Cinematic arts and TV (directing & writing)?

- Is it really so difficult to get in USCA or NYU?

- Is it really necessary to visit college or film school before sending application?

- Will being international student make it easier for me to enter?

- Is it possible to find national criticism in college or film school? (I am white; Armenian)

- Am I allowed to take both director and screenwriting programs in film school or college?

- What colleges can guarantee a job in movie industry?

- What should I do after college graduation? Should I start making short and indie films or writing TV sitcoms to get noticed? Or should I get some job in famous studio like WB or Fox?

Thank you for paying attention

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Cine,

- Could anybody explain me the whole process of how to get in college for international student?

It varies from school to school, so you should check with their admissions offices directly. Usually you can read about it on their website, and email them.

- What should be in my portfolio?

The more you have, the better. Many schools are fine with a demo reel, or just some nice photos.

- How can I send them my portfoilo, if I am living in another country?

Via the postal service. They will list the address and all instructions on their website.

- Do I need to pass SAT, AP or ACT tests (if I take TOEFL)? And what subjects do these tests cover?

SATs cover math, verbal ability, and writing. I can tell you that, judging by your english (which is good, but not great) you may have a heard time with the writing and verbal portions. However, I'm sure the schools are also aware of this, seeing as you are a foreign applicant. The SATs are probably your best bet. They're universally accepted at American colleges. You may be required to take two or three SATIIs which come in a variety of subjects of your choice. Regardless, SAT or SATII, buy the Kaplan prep book, and read the whole thing.

- What's the avarage score of GPA to enter college/film school?

THis is difficult to say.

- What is the avarage TOEFL score to get in college/film school?

I'm afraid I have no idea. They will probably tell you if you ask.

- Do test scores really have so big part?

Yes, but they don't need to be as high as they would for more academic programs. Average SATs at NYU are 650-700 in each category, out of 800.

- Should I send applications to several film colleges in one time and then wait for those, which will accept me?

Yes, it takes forever and there's a lot of luck involved, so apply to all your schools at once. You've just missed the application process for this year, so you have until December or so to get them all done.

- Is it possible for 16-years old foreign student to take summer program in NYFA? Can I make there some short films?

It should be. Check with them to be sure.

- Do I need to make 16mm digital short film?

No. That;s what you do in school!

- What should be written in my essay?

Something about you. What happened to you? What makes your outlook on life special. That kind of thing.

- What's the best one to get in: NYU (TISH), CCH (Columbia College Hollywood), FSU, SCAD, Art Center College Design, AFI or Academy of Art University?

Most of those are good. The top in the USA are NYU Tisch, USC, Emerson, and Chapman.

- Which of them are more focused on art or mainstream films?

They vary a lot. NYU is really independent, and USC is very hollywood.

- Which of them have good enogh equipment and connections with sharks from Hollywood?

All the good ones. Chapman and USC have the best connections.

- Could anybody list me the famous directors or screenwriters, who graduated from those colleges?

Check their websites, or look it up on Wikipedia. At NYU we've got Martin Scorsese and M. Night Shymalan and a bunch more.

- Do I need to pay for my short films in college?

Yep. They'll give you film and equipment, but you need to pay everything else. It can end up being anywhere from free to several hundred dollars, depending on what you decide to do. In advanced projects it is not uncommon to spend $20,000 or more, but this is usually someone else's money.

- Will it be difficult for me in editing my shorts, if I am not so good in technology part?

Yep But you'll be fine. It's easy to learn this stuff.

- Is it really so difficult to get in USCA or NYU?

Yes. Very. But they can be surprising, so go for it for sure!

- Is it really necessary to visit college or film school before sending application?

Not at all! Just read a lot about it.

- Will being international student make it easier for me to enter?

I doubt it. Harder, maybe, because you have a language barrier. But don't worry too much.

- Is it possible to find national criticism in college or film school? (I am white; Armenian)

I'm confused... do you mean, are people going to be prejudiced against you for being foreign? I don't think so. Colleges are very open places.

- Am I allowed to take both director and screenwriting programs in film school or college?

Yes, usually. This varies from school to school.

- What colleges can guarantee a job in movie industry?

None of them. Most people who graduate will get a job, if they're any good.

- What should I do after college graduation? Should I start making short and indie films or writing TV sitcoms to get noticed? Or should I get some job in famous studio like WB or Fox?

You've got plenty of time to figure that out.

Good luck!

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SATs cover math, verbal ability, and writing. I can tell you that, judging by your english (which is good, but not great) you may have a heard time with the writing and verbal portions. However, I'm sure the schools are also aware of this, seeing as you are a foreign applicant. The SATs are probably your best bet. They're universally accepted at American colleges. You may be required to take two or three SATIIs which come in a variety of subjects of your choice. Regardless, SAT or SATII, buy the Kaplan prep book, and read the whole thing.

How would you rate my english (out of 10)?
So I can choose subjects for my tests?
You want to say that I need to fly to another country to take two-three tests? Can I do them in country, where I live (Russia)?

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Yes, it takes forever and there's a lot of luck involved, so apply to all your schools at once. You've just missed the application process for this year, so you have until December or so to get them all done.

I'm going to apply in 2009. How long dooes it usually takes them to make decision on me?

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It should be. Check with them to be sure.

I've jest done it, yeah they have summer program for international students.

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No. That;s what you do in school!

But that's actually what such universities as NYU requires

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Most of those are good. The top in the USA are NYU Tisch, USC, Emerson, and Chapman.

And what about ACCD? I heard directors like Michael Bay and Zack Snyder had graduated from it.

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All the good ones. Chapman and USC have the best connections.

I just think that it will be very useful for me after my graduation from college/university. Do AFI and ACCD have connections?

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Yep. They'll give you film and equipment, but you need to pay everything else. It can end up being anywhere from free to several hundred dollars, depending on what you decide to do. In advanced projects it is not uncommon to spend $20,000 or more, but this is usually someone else's money.

So I will also have rights?

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Yep But you'll be fine. It's easy to learn this stuff.

I hope so.

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Yes. Very. But they can be surprising, so go for it for sure!
[QUOTE]

What's usual cost of NYU and USC per year includding housing? I tried to find info about it, but there is nothing in their web sites.

[QUOTE]
I doubt it. Harder, maybe, because you have a language barrier. But don't worry too much.

I wonder how many intt. students get the chnace to get in.

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I'm confused... do you mean, are people going to be prejudiced against you for being foreign? I don't think so. Colleges are very open places.

I am Armenian, and two uncles of mine graduated from american colleges. One of them had the problem with nationalizm

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None of them. Most people who graduate will get a job, if they're any good

But how? Is teachers' recommendations take part in future of their students?

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You've got plenty of time to figure that out.

Good luck!

In what college did you get? And what's the difference between BFA and AA degrees?

Your english out of 10? In written form I'd say about 7 It's pretty good.

Yeah, look up SATs online and you'll find the official SAT website, with info on where in your country you can take it, examples tests, and subjects to choose from. They're very helpful. Almost everyone prepares for the SAT a lot, so you need to as well, to remain in the game.

The deadlines for most applications are in December and the decisions are usually out by April.

NYU (most schools are the same) does not require a 16mm short film. They require any of the following three items (I think - check their site to be sure):

-Photos
-A 10 minute demo reel on video (can be film, but must be submitted on video either way)
-A short script.


I don't know much about ACCD I'm afraid.

AFI has very very good connections.

At USC they will own the rights to your work, but at most other schools, you will. At USC, they do a great job promoting your film IF they like it, otherwise, there is no good effect from them owning the rights.


The annual cost of NYU including housing and food comes to about $50,000 US per year (two terms)

Teacher recommendations don't have that much effect on your career. It works like this: the name of your school will get you the interview, and the quality of your work will get you the job. Of course, this is in an industry where there are no interviews, and all the good jobs are through friends, so make lots of friends in school

I'm in the undergrad (BFA) program at NYU. The graduate degree at most schools is only available to people with BFAs already.

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I can tell you that, judging by your english (which is good, but not great) you may have a heard time with the writing and verbal portions.

Just curious Titanium did you purposely spell "hard" wrong to prove a point or was that accidental? Made me laugh regardless...

Anyways back on topic...If you're trying to find the SAT website it's Collegeboard.com and there should be a link that says "Register for the SAT" that you can click on...Once you click on that you should be able to get all the info you need from the links on the left of the page...and you can contact them if you have any more questions...

But yeah you can find information at the school's websites...School websites are always www. (schools name/abbreviation) .edu

I'm guessing you already know that but just in case you aren't finding them...

And I've read a lot on USC's website and It seems that they're a very diverse school...but I'm sure you kind find the link for international students on there that could give you more information...

- Could anybody explain me the whole process of how to get in college for international student?

Just apply...

- What should be in my portfolio?

The best stuff you've done but it should have some type of theme. If you like beaches, make sure your best stuff has beaches in it.

- How can I send them my portfoilo, if I am living in another country?

Via FedEx?

- Do I need to pass SAT, AP or ACT tests (if I take TOEFL)? And what subjects do these tests cover?

Yes, or at least have a decent score.

- What's the avarage score of GPA to enter college/film school?

Depends on school usually >3.0

- What is the avarage TOEFL score to get in college/film school?

DK

- Do test scores really have so big part?

Somewhat especially if you don't have a reel or good resume.

- Should I send applications to several film colleges in one time and then wait for those, which will accept me?

All that you expect to or want to attend by their due dates.

- Is it possible for 16-years old foreign student to take summer program in NYFA? Can I make there some short films?

Maybe. If you want to take a summer program go to the state at which your most favorite college is and volunteer cause that is free. Usually they will want 18+ however.

- Do I need to make 16mm digital short film?

Perhaps. It will give you more exposure to film making. You can't make a 16mm digital short it would just be digital or just be 16mm

- If yes, how long should it be?

Long enough to tell your story.

- What should be written in my essay?

Usually depends on college base it on yourself make an outline before you write it. I would get it proof read by at least 5 people.

- What's the best one to get in: NYU (TISH), CCH (Columbia College Hollywood), FSU, SCAD, Art Center College Design, AFI or Academy of Art University?

Personal discussion. Noles all the way for me :-) FSU!

- Which of them are more focused on art or mainstream films?

I would research that from the schools.

- Which of them have good enogh equipment and connections with sharks from Hollywood?

None. It's all about networking and learning stuff.

- Could anybody list me the famous directors or screenwriters, who graduated from those colleges?

google that. each film school has a page on wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_school

- Do I need to pay for my short films in college?

Depends on college.

- Will it be difficult for me in editing my shorts, if I am not so good in technology part?

They teach you that.

- Are there good colleges focused on both Cinematic arts and TV (directing & writing)?

Research for yourself. Each opinion is different.

- Is it really so difficult to get in USCA or NYU?

Yes.

- Is it really necessary to visit college or film school before sending application?

You should. Make sure you want to be there. Get to know the place.

- Will being international student make it easier for me to enter?

Perhaps.

- Is it possible to find national criticism in college or film school? (I am white; Armenian)

Perhaps?
- Am I allowed to take both director and screenwriting programs in film school or college?

Some colleges make you do all of the parts.

- What colleges can guarantee a job in movie industry?

FSU has mentors. None of them guarantee but if you look at the success rate from current alumni you can figure it out for yourself.

- What should I do after college graduation? Should I start making short and indie films or writing TV sitcoms to get noticed? Or should I get some job in famous studio like WB or Fox?

Whatever you feel like doing. That is up to you.

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I'm in the undergrad (BFA) program at NYU. The graduate degree at most schools is only available to people with BFAs already.

Perry, does this apply to USC or UCLA as far as you know?

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Originally posted by funkbomb:

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I'm in the undergrad (BFA) program at NYU. The graduate degree at most schools is only available to people with BFAs already.

Perry, does this apply to USC or UCLA as far as you know?

Yes, Graduate degrees = MFA which is always after BFA so it would be the same at usc and ucla

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Just curious Titanium did you purposely spell "hard" wrong to prove a point or was that accidental? Made me laugh regardless...

Uh... yeah. Totally.

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Originally posted by titaniumdoughnut:
Your english out of 10? In written form I'd say about 7 It's pretty good.[/QUPTE]

Thank you
[QUOTE]
Yeah, look up SATs online and you'll find the official SAT website, with info on where in your country you can take it, examples tests, and subjects to choose from. They're very helpful. Almost everyone prepares for the SAT a lot, so you need to as well, to remain in the game.

I will try to get as high score as it can be for me (probably 1350). Do they look at your juniour high school grades? I hope not, becaus ethey sucked.

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The deadlines for most applications are in December and the decisions are usually out by April.

Alright, but is it possible for me to enter by Spring?

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NYU (most schools are the same) does not require a 16mm short film. They require any of the following three items (I think - check their site to be sure):

-Photos
-A 10 minute demo reel on video (can be film, but must be submitted on video either way)
-A short script.

What does demo reel on video mean?

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I don't know much about ACCD I'm afraid.

Damn, anyway thanks.

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AFI has very very good connections.

That's cool.

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At USC they will own the rights to your work, but at most other schools, you will. At USC, they do a great job promoting your film IF they like it, otherwise, there is no good effect from them owning the rights.

Great.

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The annual cost of NYU including housing and food comes to about $50,000 US per year (two terms)

Holy crap, that's very expensive for me. I need college, which wouldn't cost anything more than $40,000 per year.

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Teacher recommendations don't have that much effect on your career. It works like this: the name of your school will get you the interview, and the quality of your work will get you the job. Of course, this is in an industry where there are no interviews, and all the good jobs are through friends, so make lots of friends in school

Thanks for advice.

quote:

I'm in the undergrad (BFA) program at NYU. The graduate degree at most schools is only available to people with BFAs already.

So can I earn my BFA degree in film college?

And another question, where can I find some examples of essays?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Cine,

A score of 1350 would be enough to get you into film school in the old system, where the score is out of 800 math and 800 verbal (I got 1390: 590m 800v) but in the new system, where there is an extra 800 point writing category, 1350 is very low.

They do look at your high school grades, but not that much for international students, I'm guessing.

Do you mean that you want to enter early, by spring? Or enter, and join in the spring term? You'd need to check with the school. The way it usually works is that you enter your application in december, you hear back in april, and you attend the school in september.

For your demo reel you should put together a 10 minute video (VHS NTSC format) or DVD of your work. It can be one film, or several, or a montage of stuff. Whatever you want.

Do try NYU anyways, because they often give scholarships of at least $9,000 which would bring it back into your price range.

Yeah, you can get a BFA in film school

Search online for good essays, or try to find the book "How to get into any college."

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Originally posted by titaniumdoughnut:
A score of 1350 would be enough to get you into film school in the old system, where the score is out of 800 math and 800 verbal (I got 1390: 590m 800v) but in the new system, where there is an extra 800 point writing category, 1350 is very low.

Did the whole system get changed or it's new college's requirement?
BTW, could you advice me some useful books for exams like SAT and ACT?

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They do look at your high school grades, but not that much for international students, I'm guessing.

That's good for me, because my scores started getting better only in 8th grade.

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Do you mean that you want to enter early, by spring? Or enter, and join in the spring term? You'd need to check with the school. The way it usually works is that you enter your application in december, you hear back in april, and you attend the school in september.

Damn, that's very long. I want to enter in fall, right after my school graduation. Can I take all tests before my school graduation?

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For your demo reel you should put together a 10 minute video (VHS NTSC format) or DVD of your work. It can be one film, or several, or a montage of stuff. Whatever you want.

Montage of what stuff? My works or just some pkayed scenes? And there will be problems with regions of formats, won't it?

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Do try NYU anyways, because they often give scholarships of at least $9,000 which would bring it back into your price range.

But what should I do to get scholarships? And I thought financial aid was available only for domestic students

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Yeah, you can get a BFA in film school

That's cool. Is there actual difference between film schools and film colleges?

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Search online for good essays, or try to find the book "How to get into any college."

Are you talking about this book http://www.amazon.com/Get-into-Any-College-Students/dp/...6361?ie=UTF8&s=books ?

Yeah, the whole SAT system changed recently. They added a new 800 pt category, so it's now out of 2400 instead of out of 1600.

Try Kaplan prep books for the SAT. They're great.

Yeah, you can take the tests before you graduate high school, and apply during your senior year of high school. That's how it usually works.

Your demo reel can be anything. Just put your best film work. And yeah, be careful with region formats. They need NTSC for the VHS tape, and if you send a DVD, just make sure it can play in region 1 and you should be okay. Check with them though.

The scholarships vary from school to school. I got one based on merit, and didn't have to do anything to get it. They'll tell you if you get one.

Film schools and film colleges means pretty much the same thing. Some schools, like NYFA, don't offer a degree. These are technical schools, or trade schools.

Yep, I'm pretty sure that's the book!

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Originally posted by titaniumdoughnut:
Yeah, the whole SAT system changed recently. They added a new 800 pt category, so it's now out of 2400 instead of out of 1600.

Am I allowed to choose test subjects myself?

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Try Kaplan prep books for the SAT. They're great.

I heard about them, I'll book them as soon as it's possible for me.

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Yeah, you can take the tests before you graduate high school, and apply during your senior year of high school. That's how it usually works.

Damn, but that's also not so easy, because I need to prepare for my school graduate exam of 11th grade.

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Your demo reel can be anything. Just put your best film work. And yeah, be careful with region formats. They need NTSC for the VHS tape, and if you send a DVD, just make sure it can play in region 1 and you should be okay. Check with them though.

In what formats NYFA (high school program) gives me back my short films? I am just curious.

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The scholarships vary from school to school. I got one based on merit, and didn't have to do anything to get it. They'll tell you if you get one.

Did you graduate from another college before getting into NYU?

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Film schools and film colleges means pretty much the same thing. Some schools, like NYFA, don't offer a degree. These are technical schools, or trade schools.

Thanks. BTW, if I wnat to change my last name (my parents had divorced, when I was only 2, so that's why I want to take my mother's last name), when should I do that, before or after geeting in college? And will it effect on my education in US?

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Yep, I'm pretty sure that's the book!

Thanks.

You're allowed to choose SATIIs yourself, from a whole list of subjects. The SAT has three parts, and you have to take them as they are: math, verbal, and writing.

You'll come out of NYFA with rolls of 16mm film, but also with digital copies of your films on video, or dvd, or whatever.

No, I went straight to NYU. Typically, one doesn't go to more than one undergraduate (BFA) school before moving on to an MA (graduate) degree.

I'd say change your name before you start doing all of this stuff. It might confuse all the different people you'll have to deal with (SATs, schools, etc) if your name changes half way through.

(I'm sorry! I have no idea how, but I accidentally wrote my reply OVER your message! Terribly sorry. I've taken my reply and moved it to a new message, but yours is lost )

This message has been edited. Last edited by: titaniumdoughnut,

I don't know much about the ACT. It's not required, as long as you take the SAT, but some areas of America like it slightly more.

I think I should just define a couple of terms, cause I know there is some confusion between different parts of the world.

High school is where you go to school between 14 and 18 years old.

When you graduate high school you move on to college. College is also called "school" or referred to