Hi everyone. I'm a high school junior and am desperately trying to figure out what film school to go to once I graduate. I hear good things and bad things about every school I look into. I can't make up my mind. What schools have good undergrad programs and will help me after I graduate? I need HELP!

Well I didn't go to film school as an undergrad, but generally speaking there are several things you want to consider with any school:

1.) MONEY---Who is offering you the best financial aid packet?

2.) Atmosphere: What school offers you the things you're looking for (student diversity, strong faculty, great classes).

3.) You're probably going to want to make good contacts here so definitely pay attention to who the faculty is. For that reason too, you may want to keep a close proximity to a major city. It isn't essential, but it's helpful.

4.) Visit the schools (if you can afford to): As an undergrad I couldn't imagine selecting a school without seeing it. I had no idea what college was really about. Now, as I'm waiting to hear back from grad. schools, I'm much more comfortable doing this. But go visit the schools. See what school you think you'd be the most comfortable at and have the most fun. Generally you can get a good vibe from students if they're happy in their location.

5. Ask the university if you can speak with current students: Many are willing to set up a phone call with current students. Ask them all your dying questions. For the most part they're as honest as it gets.

6. Apply to tons of schools: You've got nothing to lose besides your application fee and in the grand scheme of things that's very little. Apply everywhere and keep your options wide open.

Hope that helps!

Thanks. That kind of helps. I've been doing most of what you've posted but I'm still lost. I'll definately do #5.

quote:

That kind of helps. I've been doing most of what you've posted but I'm still lost. I'll definately do #5.

No problem. Usually the decision will sort of be made from you. It's still early Feb. so I'm guessing that you've only heard back from only a few schools, if that. Rankings can be overrated and mean very little in the grand scheme of things, but it's certainly a number you should consider when eliminating schools.

Once you get all your results back it'll be easier to decide. Some schools will eliminate themselves from the equation. For instance, I applied to USC, Emory, and Bard (amongst others). USC was probably my top choice but I didn't get in, but got into both Emory and Bard. Both were good schools, but I saw Emory and liked it (didnt get a chance to see Bard) and Emory was the highest ranked school I had gotten into so the decision itself became a bit easier to make.

Just try to find a balance between whats the best school, which do you like the most, and what offers you the best financial aid.

The thing im worried about though is which school is going to give me the best chance of surviving in the entertainment industry. I want a career in film and while no school can guarantee a job after graduation, I want a safe school. That's the info I'm having trouble finding. I can go to any film school, but which one will prepare me for the real world?

If that's what you're most worried about, talk to admissions about what they do to prepare you for the industry. Some schools have great internship programs in Hollywood. Others routinely set up meetings with agents and execs.

Don't be afraid to ask admissions all of your dying questions. That's what they are there for.

i didn't know i could do that. That's really awsome. Thanks. You're the only ones whose responded to me but you've helped a lot.

Hey, I've been there before! I remember feeling really anxious when I was a HS Senior and didn't know where'd I'd be at next year. Hell...I'm a lil anxious right now waiting to hear back from grad. schools.

I'm glad I could help, let me know if you have any other questions or anything. Good luck on selecting a school.

There are film schools with short term courses. My cousin thats a freshly high school graduate is actually in the Philippines now, taking this 3-month filmmaking course at the International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu. She's doin her own film at this time as they're required to.

are short term courses credible? They seem like they wouldn't teach you much?