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Hey all, first post and my intro to the forum.

My stats:
I am a senior in high school coming from a low-income (47% on free or reduced lunch) public school. I have a 4.09 Cummulative GPA, a 1480 combined SAT score, and a full IB Diploma (most strenuous at my school). I also have numerous after school activities and am president of three. I speak English, Spanish, and some French (am also learning Japanese). I grew up abroad and love an international lifestyle.

"What is my chance?":
I'm really interested in the University of Pennsylvania School of Business (Wharton), or Yale's/Stanford's business program. I would continue on to become an international businessman focusing on management.

With that said, I have an avid interest in film, primarily screenwriting. The best program I've found is USC's film school. To enter this prestigious program, however, one must make a film. Only 2% of those applying to this program are accepted. Now, while I have no experience in film (I've never had an opportunity to participate in such a program) I am dying to go to this school.

I realize that business school is probably the better choice, I can probably make it into one of the aforementioned schools and do relatively well. While this is true, I am passionate about a career in film. Do you think its worth taking the leap and vying for a position in film school (made some short films before but never anything grandiose)? "What are my chances?" Help me out! ^^

The Captain

By Thecaptain (Thecaptain) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

Forgot to include my SAT IIs and individual SAT I scores:

SAT II Spanish: 760 (Done in 8th Grade)
SAT II Writing: 780
SAT II Math IIC: 760

SAT I Math: 730
Sat II Verbal: 750

Thanks!

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 08:46 pm: Edit

The admission rates to the undergrad USC film program vary by major. Production is the hardest to get into. We were told that the admission rate was 5%. The critical studies and writing programs have a somewhat higher rate of admission.

Why not combine business and film. USC's business school is quite good. You can major in business and minor in film. The film minor is competitive and you have to apply for admission.

By Thecaptain (Thecaptain) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 10:10 pm: Edit

Do you happen to know what the requirements (or have a link) for the film minor or for the writing program? While I have little experience I think this would be an amazing experience in the heart, so to speak, of the film industry.

Thanks a bunch!

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 12:45 pm: Edit

You know, the film industry needs good solid business people. Maybe your future lies in the business side of the entertainment industry, not the production side.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:21 pm: Edit

http://www-cntv.usc.edu/index.php