Anyone else on here applying? I'm just waiting for some friends and teachers to finish reading my personal statement, then I'll be all set! I'm already a nervous wreck =)

And how did you guys like the new photo essay assignment? I thought it was a blast!

Assuming I can pull everything together, I'm going to be putting in an application as well.

Work has be kicking my ass and slowing me down a bit but I'm confidant I'll have everything in order and sent off.

I dig the photo essay assignment it's a really interesting challenge.

Tickpaintball: Good luck to both of us, then! =)

Everyone else: So I've been reading through other USC posts on this forum, and I'm wondering, do many people APPLY for the Spring, or is the Spring semester mostly pre-filled with those who were waitlisted for Fall 08?? Looking back at the posts from this time last year, it seems like August through October is a pretty dead period for USC posts, right up until the time when Fall application panic sets in...

Do I have a shot?? Do they waitlist people for Spring 09/accept for Fall 10, or do they only do that for Fall applicants??

C'mon, there have to be more people be out there! I can't be the only one freaking out

Alright! I'm in. I'm going to give it another try. Last year I'll admit I sort of threw together some stuff last minute while trying to finish another masters so I'm really going to focus over the next few months to really put together polished applications together.

My choices right now are Chapman, NYU, and USC. I was thinking about FSU, but everything I read about it is that GRE scores are an important component, and I had a dismal performance. I'd rather just focus on the creative stuff than waste time studying for that exam again.

So that being said, I'm seeking any and all recommendations from any USC, NYU, or Chapman Grad student or grad. I might send something again to Temple, but the woman I spoke with said I'd never be accepted because I don't have a fine arts background. We'll see.

I await the guidance of the studentfilms.com community.

Oh one last thing. I have been trying desperately to get any experience I can to throw down on a resume, but no success at all! So, that being said, I don't have a film background, so any advice on the portfolio piece. There going to know I'm not a professional, so....

Hi barbsteele,

I'm curious how you approached the photo essay.
I found their restrictions about changing the image a little strange personally. I get what they were going for certainly, they want you to show them you have a strong eye that doesn't need a lot of help, but it also just seems entirely arbitrary as pretty much all you do, whether digital or wet chemistry, is make decisions on how you want the image to be presented. Just kinda sticking in my craw personally.

I am pretty sure they don't waitlist the spring applications.

Regarding whether or not people apply for spring, I've gotten to know a large group of spring admits from 2007, and they all seemed to choose to apply then...it's where their lives needed them to be.

As a screenwriter, I would have loved to have had the option. I graduated undergrad in December and would've loved to have just jumped right into the program a month later instead of waiting almost a year, getting semi-settled in a lucrative job, and having to give it up.

From this site last year, all but one of the "waitlist-Spring admitted" people got bumped to Fall admit.

Hope this helps.

I will be attending Spring of 09. I was given the option of waitlisting for the Fall or just being accepted for the Spring. I choose to start in the Spring. Just yesterday I got my paperwork and the $300 deposit form.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am. From my perspective one benefit of applying for the Spring, is that the turnaround time before hearing if you are accepted is much shorter- which is GREAT! Also, I have been told there are far fewer applicants for the Spring- which is partly why they choose to offer all the waitlisted applicants from the Fall the option of starting in the Spring.

Go ahead and apply. The Spring of '09 class is the first to use the new complex!

tony: I had the same thoughts, at first, but I suppose they're really just emphasizing that they want everyone to have a level playing field. It's the same reason they don't want to see a reel. They can teach the technical aspects of filmmaking, like post-processing or developing, but if you're a good storyteller and good at capturing visuals, you'll be able to show that with just the basics. I think it's fair. Not everyone has access to or skills with a photo developing lab or Photoshop... makes me kind of happy to know that most people will be getting their photos printed at some 1-Hour Photo Shop too!

Jayimess: THANK YOU! You've set my mind at ease! I was going to PM you in my state of unfounded panic, since I see you've been appointed guru-of-all-things-USC but figured you'd probably reply to this post eventually anyway

Ryan: Congrats! I hope we'll be classmates. Yeah, one of my USC friends gave me the tour of campus earlier this summer and was gushing about the new building and how lucky I'll be to get to use it (though since his thesis is taking awhile, he'll probably get a chance too). From the outside, it looked fantastic! Someday I hope I'll be rich and famous enough to buy USC from Lucas haha.

I'll be attending USC in Spring of '09 too! I turned down Chapman, their fellowship, and my deposit. Looking forward to meeting all you guys next semester! Fight on!

Just submitted my app...

My first (completely irrational) thought:

"I wonder if the mailman has come yet?"

Friends and relatives are going to think I'm a treat for the next few weeks, heh.

Hi Wannabe2.

I saw your comments about many Universities. But you didn't mentioned about UCLA.

I've heard is one of the best. Is really it?

I know that is not the subject of this topic, but anyone know about NYFA? THe 2-year MFA Filmmaking course is good or is just waste of time/money?
I'm thinking YET about WICH University apply for.

I've heard that NYFA is kind of a waste of money and time. That is according to different blogs and Film School Confidential. Besides the school's reputation, the main benefit of earning an MFA is the earning potential as an academic. Something good to lean on just in case the dream doesn't go according to plan.

I have also heard that the pedagogical experience has been extremely hands off.

Jonathan