I don't have the best grades. They're not terrible, but I went to a little known school that isn't all that prestigious and I think it's going to hold me back when going to grad school.

I think I have a strong portfolio, but it doesn't really matter. That can and will get better.

So what schools care more about the work then the grades?

Dave,

How bad are they, and how bad were your last four or five semesters??

I graduated with a cumulative 3.29...not quite cum laude...My third year in school, I got a 1.75 and dropped out. I came back to a 2.75 cumulative.

But my last five semesters, my GPA was over a 3.9.

I graduated from a third-tier state school, open enrollment...anyone ever heard about that great film program at Cleveland State University?


*silence*

Didn't think so.



So, basically, I think you're in a similar boat.

I was concerned about my grades and my alma mater as well, and had a list of safety schools initially.

I discarded them and only applied to the big three LA schools.

I got into one, and wait-listed at another...and after being chosen for an interview, I'll know the final school's decision tomorrow.

(I left the names of the schools out because I thought I might come off as a braggart, but I really just want to show you that you CAN'T give up on anything!!)

Portfolios are more important than I think ANY of us realize. So are the writing challenges, interviews, and recommendations.

Not to mention drive and determination.


Apply to where you want to go...not to where you think you can get in!!

My personal favorite quote:

"What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" -unknown-

Good luck!! Don't sell yourself short.

J.

I agree with Jayimess! If you think you have got what it takes apply. Grades are important but they factor into the final decision with many other things.

I went to a very highly ranked school, but I didn't have mind-blowing grades. I got into AFI, probably mostly due to my portfolio and my five years of working in the industry before applying. If your grades aren't stellar, put in some time and prove that you can do it and that you are serious about filmmaking.

Boom! Welcome to the Terrordome.

My GPA is about a 3.0. My major GPA is probably about a 3.5.

It's good to hear that portfolio is more important. Thanks.

Dave,

You should be fine. Hopefully that "about" is a 3.000000001 and not a 2.9999999999, but even so, the major GPA is what really counts.

You'll be just fine!!

Good luck.