timely

Lottastrikes, just wanted to say first of all that you are very blessed that your son wants your words of wisdom! I know how honored that must make you feel.

Doesn't GW have some creative writing classes? Perhaps, even if he doesn't get a minor, he could fill in with those and work on his writing that way. Another option would be to get a degree at GW and then plan on a master's in screenwriting.

Here is an interesting website. It's the winners of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Nicholls screenwriting fellowships. 2008 Nicholl Fellows | Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Competition | The Don & Gee Nicholl Fellowships Program | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Of the 6 winners, 2 appear to have undergrad education in something related to film (1 of them at a community college), 2 have MFA's, and 2 don't mention any formal education at all. So there you go...

taxguy

timely, I never, every encouraged them to major in accounting. I did, however, encourage them to find their passion and to pursue what they liked and were good at. When there were several good choices, I recommended that they take the more vocationally oriented choice for job success. However, I tried very hard to make myself very neutral regarding their school and academic major decisions.

I can assure you that if they had the talent and passion to be a screenwriter, I would have put all of my energies into finding them the best program for their needs and would have networked like crazy in order to find some connections for them.

lottastrikes

Thank you everyone! I am so thrilled to receive responses from people that understand that screenwriting is not just a "phase" and that try to encourage him to do something more concrete and secure.

That being said, as great of a school UNC is, he's not exactly the let's go tarheels type. He loves everything they have to offer academically, but socially he feels it is not the best fit. GW on the other hand is intellectually everything he wants in a school, he loves the city environment and he was offered admission into the honors program. He spoke to the Creative Writer director at GW and was assured that yes, there was a creative minor he could pursue, however the closest thing to a screenwriting class is playwriting.

So...do you go to UNC, an environment where you don't have "that feel" but on paper appears perfect? Or do you go to GW, an environment you love, but on paper does not offer everything you are looking for? This is his dilemna.

I also agree with the MFA in screenwriting. This way he can have the undergrad experience he always envisioned, and if the screenwriting fire is still burning within him, he can continue that path in grad school. We also have him registered in a screenwriting class this summer at a local university, in hopes that it will either fuel his passion or douse it.

Thanks again for your time and support!

taxguy

lottastrikes, hmm, tough question. Personally, and I am talking personally, I would go to the school that seems better academically ( on paper) from the one that gives a better social vibe. To me, school is about learning and developing critical thinking and reading skills. If you are majoring in a vocationally oriented field such as screenwriting, engineering, art etc.., I would pick the school that had the best program....period!

Yes, a social life is also important;however, your son doesn't have to be a commited Tar Heel to have good friends and a social life. I guess, from what you have said, I would take UNC that has the major that your son wants and not the school that has a minor in what your son wants. I am sure others may disagree with this post,which makes life so interesting.