Hello, friends. Would love some insight if you’ve got it. Out son’s got it narrowed down to two undergrad film programs, in the same city.
First, Loyola Marymount. He got accepted to the production program, and would start in the fall. Hooray! It’s consistently ranked as a top-10 option.
Then, he learned he got into USC. It’s incredible, but he’d be a spring Class of 2028 admit. Also, we had him apply to two programs for SCA: Cinema and Media Studies BA and the Production BFA. He got into the BA, his second choice. In his teenaged mind, this is a double whammy of bummer.
He really wants to be behind a camera. He wants to make movies, not just screen, analyze and discuss them. LMU would allow him to do just that. But it’s not USC.
Anyone have any insight on how difficult it is to transfer programs once you’re admitted into SCA at SC? And does the degree really make all that much difference when you’re in LA and you’ve got the choice between the #1 ranked school and #5?
Thanks in advance. He’s worked hard and we’re fortunate he’s got GREAT choices. It’s still so tough!
Rank isn’t a matter- there are brilliant film makers that didn’t go to school. He has a specific desire - and one school says - come here and let us love you.
The other says - hang out a semester and you can’t do what you love - but maybe we’ll let you later if you jump through hoops.
Spring admit is far from “hang out a semester.” Many spring admits do study abroad with other USC students. It is a great program and, every year, there are students who ask if they can request spring admission so they can participate in it.
Outside of film, has he visited both schools? LMU will be a very very different experience than USC.
As far as changing majors, in big bold letters on SCA’s website, it says,
Our interdisciplinary approach enables students, regardless of their chosen area of specialization, to take courses across our seven disciplines, without boundaries, in order to train fully-formed media makers, collaborators, and scholars situated to flourish in their chosen career path.
Has he looked through the philosophy of the school? Does he feel that this is not the right fit for him?
SCA offers a uniquely interdisciplinary learning experience. Our students take classes across seven divisions that cover the breadth of film, television, and interactive media. They are exposed to the latest technological advances and storytelling techniques of the industry and have opportunities to meet and network with some of its most successful practitioners.
In addition to superb faculty and resources, the greatest strength to our programs is the underlying philosophy that the best education comes from creating an environment where theory and practice are in constant interaction. To this end, we have structured each field of study so that all students, regardless of their specific major, are required to take courses from the full spectrum of the School’s offerings.
Through this process, writers take courses in directing and work directly with actors to better understand how words on the page actually sound and play. Directors take courses in the history of film, television and interactive media so they can gain the perspective that they are standing on the shoulders of those who passed before them. Cinema & Media Studies majors get behind the camera and in the editing suites to bring their own productions to life, so their hands-on knowledge of the creative process can be reflected in their scholarly understanding of it.
As our alumni roster reflects, this philosophy clearly prepares students to pursue their ambitions and dreams in the realm of entertainment. Perhaps more significantly, it instills a sense of discipline, teamwork, imagination and persistence that enables their contributions to our society to go well beyond their specific fields.
My son was fortunate to get into the USC Production program so we do not have this predicament; however, if we did I am pretty sure my son would choose to do production at LMU for the same reasons you described. Also, from my understanding, transferring internally is possible but in no way a sure thing because the Production program accepts so few students and many other Media Studies students will be looking to do the same thing. Best of luck in your decision.
Yes, it’s my understanding he would need to re-submit a portfolio similar to how all the kids did at the start of the application process. That uncertainty, combined with the late start, kind of feel like two strikes against USC. And we still haven’t gotten the financial aid package from them. That could very well be the third, as we do not have unlimited educational funds. But we’ll see.
Congrats to your son! Who knows? Maybe they’ll work together someday.
Yes, he visited both schools a year ago and actually set up meetings with department chairs at that time. We are returning in two weeks to help make a final decision. I’m hoping when we go to USC they can address his valid concerns regarding program and the spring start to him directly.
Do you have a child currently at USC? If so, I’d love to hear your takes on the pros and cons.
Decision Day came and went with us accepting seats at both schools. I know we’re kicking the can, but we’d like to see if he gets picked up for the fall. If not, we’re going with the one who has wanted him from the start on his terms. Will keep you posted!
Internships & externships are the most important factor in your son’s situation. For production internships/externships, Loyola Marymount appears to be his only reasonable option at this time–and it is a great option.
I should also point out that at LMU he’s been awarded merit aid that, when combined with what we’ve saved, will allow him to attend debt-free. USC gave him nothing. They’re riding on their name alone, at least in our case. Wow, typing this out seems like a no-brainer. It’s a feather in his cap to have been accepted to USC’s SCA…but fun fact: he can decline!
Update: USC called him up for the fall last week, and amended their financial aid package as well. He’ll join SCA in August with sights set on a program transfer. Fight on! What a wild ride this year’s admissions cycle was. Best of luck to everyone, and thanks for the support.
