Calling all college experts!

SharedPlanet
Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:28:21 +0000

Hi, everyone. I’m new to CC, but from everything I’ve heard and read about it, most posters here seem to be really insightful and helpful. So, could you college experts help me decide where to apply?

I’m going to be a senior in HS next year. I am a very strong student (3.85 UW GPA, 2150 SAT) and my extracurriculars show passion and dedication.

I’m looking for a school in California only, with either: 1.) A strong film program 2.) A strong creative writing program or 3.) Ideally, both, of course

I’m also looking for a school with an artsy/alternative type of culture. Preferably not a big school either, although I am considering Berkeley.

Right now the schools I’m considering are: 1.) Chapman 2.) Berkeley 3.) CalArts 4.) San Francisco Art Institute 5.) Pitzer 6.) California College of the Arts

Any thoughts on these? Any other suggestions that I haven’t thought of yet? I am definitely serious about my art and really like the idea of a conservatory, but my biggest concern about the art schools is their usual lack of financial aid. :-/ Chapman seems like a great choice, but I’m not sure it has the arsty/alternative atmosphere I’m looking for. Any advice would be great! Thanks!! :D

P.S. I’m not considering UCLA or USC because I’ve been on their campuses tons of times with friends and relatives, and I can tell they aren’t for me despite their film programs.