@JulienEd - A portfolio is just another piece in their holistic approach to looking at applicants. My son attended a summer filmmaking session and was able to learn so much and make a few films to include in his application. I wanted him to go to see what it was like to make sure filmmaking/director/screenwriting was what he wanted to do. In his case, it reaffirmed and strengthened his desire for filmmaking. Some schools that offer a summer session for high schoolers are: UNCSA, Emerson, Ithaca College, Syracuse University, NYU, DePaul and SCAD. I’m sure there are other schools as well but just google to see if there is a particular school that has it. If you don’t have a film you can submit a screenplay you have written. Getting into a film program is extremely competitive for most schools. Many schools accept less than 10% of the applicants (such as Chapman, USC, UCLA, NYU, LMU). Portfolios and films are important, however the most important thing is your GPA and test scores. The poster above probably got accepted to Emerson without a portfolio because his/her test scores and GPA were probably excellent. Some of these schools will put stellar GPA’s and test scores above all else.
Chapman has very specific requirements for their film submission. This year you had to do a self introductory film without actually showing yourself on the film. It had to be under 2 mins in length. My son didn’t end up applying there, but that was one of the reasons. He didn’t realize what the requirements were until mid Fall and with all the other applications and school, he just ran out of time to do a quality video. It wasn’t his first choice school so he didn’t apply.
If you are thinking of screenwriting, submitting a good one might be your best option. Don’t panic. Research schools and see which ones you like then research what requirements the schools have for their applications. Consider how far from home you feel comfortable going, if you would like to go to a big city or a small one. an art type school versus a bigger liberal arts college. How much can your family afford to pay for college. First answer those questions and from there create your list. Try to visit your top few schools to see what their programs and campus look like. This application process is like a roller coaster, sometimes it’s fun and other times it scares you! Best of luck!