Hi all!

I am new to the community and was wondering if anyone could give me a rundown on chances of getting into schools. I have applied to USC, UCLA, SFSU, Chapman, Columbia, LMU and Ohio--all for the directing track. Columbia is the goal, but I'd like to know my chances and everyone on here appears to be a fantastic resource.

I will graduate from the University of Oregon with a degree in Political Science and Journalism: Electronic Media, as well as a film certificate. I know this is not a distinguished school, but I've worked hard. I double majored and have a 3.8 GPA. Beyond that I have worked on various short films, taken acting courses and immersed myself in film theory/aesthics. I also had an internship in Ghana, Africa this past summer, where I worked as a journalist for a local language radio station. I am currently a UO senator and involved with the multicultural center and the coalition against environmental racism.

Beyond all this I am gay. I don't know how schools respond to this, but I think it is significant. I have a different world view because of it and different stories to tell. In addition to this I have a very unique past that stands out in my personal essays. I'm a great writer/storyteller and, while film experience is limited, have worked on video projects throughout undergrad. How does everyone feel? What are my chances?

So long as your statements of intent and portfolio pieces are strong, it sounds like you have a pretty decent shot.

Thanks! Hearing that from someone else is a relief.

I didn't go to a prestigious undergraduate school either, and I was admitted with far worse grades and less activities to the first two schools you listed, and one other "top school."

Sounds like you were a well rounded student, and the Ghana thing shows some life experience.

Being gay...hmmm. I don't think it's a plus or a minus, and as a minority myself, I encourage you to focus on your talents rather than your demographics...I would hate to think I only got into programs because of my minority status or childhood of abuse, because I believe it's due to my talent and abilities.

Everyone thinks they have a unique past, and everyone thinks they see the world differently than others...it's the creative submissions that prove it.


Best of luck.

I'm a minority (Nigerian) female and I wrote about my love for Raj Kapoor, a prolific Indian director and his relationship with his audiences from the 1940's-1980's. Also, my film submission told the story of an African American girl who loves Bollywood and her *****y, vapid friends who make her life a living hell for it. The best way to add any interesting or diverse facts about yourself in your application(s) is to create them into stories.

quote:

Originally posted by Winterreverie:
So long as your statements of intent and portfolio pieces are strong, it sounds like you have a pretty decent shot.

Like most folks here, I'm a little curious about chances of entry. I graduated NYU film school undergrad with a 3.7 GPA, worked as a journalist for a few years in Asia and Africa and am wondering if my previous film school experience counts against me.

Carter,

Where are you applying?

I've got an interview at AFI, but I also applied to USC, UCLA and University of Texas-Austin.

Thanks-

quote:

Originally posted by Bandar Albuliwi:
Carter,

Where are you applying?

To their grad screenwriting programs.

Thanks.

I'm just looking to gauge the chances of acceptance with a 3.7 GPA at NY for undergrad Film/TV. I applied to the grad screenwriting programs at USC, UCLA. AFI and University of Texas-Austin. Simply not sure if my undergrad helps or hinders me.

Any feedback would be great.

Helps if you have an undergrad in film if you're applying to AFI. They like that, as well as any other film experience. Not sure about the other schools though.