For the longest time I’ve had no idea what I’d want to study in college, but now, the summer before my senior year, I’m really leaning towards Screenwriting. Obviously, I have no experience and no extracurriculars to supplement this interest and I’m worried I won’t be accepted into any film studies programs.
My stats are decent (3.8 unweighted, 4.5 weighted, 1580/1600 SAT), I’ve taken/taking 7 APs (all others are honors), I’m a pretty accomplished violinist (Regions, States, All Eastern, some international competitions), 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo, and do a lot of volunteer work. In fact, most of my ECs are focused in social work/volunteering.
Do I have a chance of being accepted into competitive film programs if my portfolio is decent?
Of course you’re not screwed: you are 17(ish). Read this list of how some famous screenwriters got their start: https://mic.com/articles/86525/how-15-famous-screenwriters-got-their-big-break#.TVpuPLKo0
Note that only one went to any sort of film school (a 6 week course at NYU)- but all of them were busy writing, writing, writing.
For competitive programs your portfolio has to be, well, competitive: not just decent. If you think that you are strongly focused on screenwriting, film programs are one route, but creative writing programs can also get you there, and that opens up a lot more options.
I would also look into colleges that allow you to transfer into a screenwriting program after a semester or even a year.
If you feel like your portfolio is lacking greatly, but you can still get into the school for a different program and transfer into the program later your might also want to consider this route. For example like @collegemom3717 mentioned you could enter a creative writing program and then eventually switch into a screenwriting program if the school allows it. For now I would research your top schools and see how competitive the programs they have are and also what are your options if you get accepted into the school but not the desired program.