<p>Granted, I applied to perhaps the most academic major in the program, but I hear that SCA prides itself in having students with average HS GPAs being 0.3 or 0.4 points higher than the average pool. While talent is important, the school is very rigorous and challenging, and they need to know that their students can succeed in that environment. After all, the industry it is preparing their students for is perhaps one of the most cutthroat the in world. I had high SATs and ACTs as well (>>75th percentile of USC scores). There is a reason that want three letters of recommendation and why the supplements are challenging to complete. </p>
<p>Academics are key. If you aren’t doing well in school but have the talent, I would suggest taking a different route to the industry.</p>
<p>GiveMeReason, not necessarily. According to the SCA admissions presentation on campus, SCA concentrates on applicants’ SCA supplements–creative statement, essays, creative sample, LoRs, etc. They say they are looking for originality, leadership, creative potential, talent, and a specific voice. They look at ECs and honors/awards. They look for achievements in many creative fields, not just filmmaking. For Critical Studies, they look very closely at the submitted critical essay. For the most part, as long as grades/stats are above some unnamed threshhold–and this is taken in context with other talent-based majors–the SCA will make their selections and send their list to main admissions. In some few cases, Admissions may question an admit’s ability to thrive in USC’s academic GE’s, and there may be a discussion with SCA. Sometimes SCA wins, sometimes USC Admissions gets the veto. We have heard of a few students who are admitted with an academic support program that means the student attends USC the summer before Freshman year to take additional preparatory classes to help them succeed. But this is not common. </p>
<p>SCA, however, gets a lot of applications. They can find many students with extraordinary supplements who ALSO have very good high school grades. Students in creative fields often have no trouble working 24/7 on their latest student film–but they need to show USC they know how to manage their time to keep up with their work in all other courses as well. But, beyond that, SCA seems to want kids who are passionate for films and have a specific point of view.</p>
<p>While the advice is appreciated, GiveMeAReason, it’s too late for me to take my application back and I don’t regret attempting “this route to the industry”. </p>
<p>I do plenty well in schools and take AP classes, I just can’t boast the USC stats. I understand it’s one in a million, but that one can still be me.</p>
<p>But academic is also very important. Too many people think that just because SCA offers a BFA, it means that talent gets by, but that is not the case.</p>
<p>I was in a really fortunate position in terms of applying to the Critical Studies major because I already had a 19 page, 4000 word analytical paper on auteur theory that I wrote for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay requirement even before I decided to apply to the Critical Studies major. The essay came with screenshots, citations, and abstract, and even a table of contents. I was set for it. And my personal statement was pretty ballsy, because I wrote the essay as literally a love letter to film, but I remembered to keep on relating the letter back to my own interests. But I am also firmly convinced that without such a strong academic background, I would not have been a candidate for either the full-tuition scholarship or the Critical Studies major for SCA. </p>
<p>BTW, SCA applicants, creativity doesn’t necessarily mean that you created the greatest film of all time. To me, it was simply taking a risk on the personal statement.</p>
<p>GivemeaReason, SCA offers BA degrees in most of its majors; the only exception being the BFA in Writing for Screen & Television. Academics is arguably even more emphasized in the BA degree.</p>
<p>Having the very best GPA/scores/ class rank will give you a leg up (we think–hard to say from limited cc sample) in competition for the top merit scholarships at SCA. And–btw–Congratulations on your invitation to inteview! But I think it’s only fair to let all the students who read the USC forum because of their interest in majoring in film production, interactive media, animation screenwriting, and critical studies–the department weighs the supplement quite heavily in their admissions decisions. Achievements in creative activities can make a strong impression, too, and students that this School really wants may have a little leeway in HS GPA, from what we’ve seen. You can look at the admitted student stats from last year’s class and the year before to see any patterns in admissions stats for certain majors.</p>
<p>Hi madbean,
Next year, Film Production switches to a BFA program. It’s similar to the BA (you still have to do GEs), but the actual production sequence starts earlier, in the first semester of sophomore year instead of second semester.</p>
<p>As for the issue of GPA, a couple of years ago at a USC information event for applicants, the SCA admissions person told us that the portfolio is supreme in SCA admissions and that if a kid has a 3.0/1800 stats, they will still be considered like everyone else. (The entire group I was with visibly relaxed with that statement). Obviously having a great portfolio and great stats is better, but a great portfolio with good stats is fine, while great stats with a good or mediocre portfolio won’t get you in. </p>
<p>Of course, for the major scholarships, you have to have the great stats. So, if you want admission and money, you better be the whole package :)</p>
<p>The SCA admissions rep told our group a very similar thing, FilmerMom, but would not actually answer direct questions about exact numbers. Thanks so much for reporting these specifics as it is completely in line with what we’ve seen reported on CC anecdotally. The emphasis is placed on the portfolio. Yet, even then, there are so many very talented applicants there are far fewer spots open than great students to fill them. Everyone needs to be realistic when applying to super reach schools or programs.</p>
<p>Thanks, too, for the information on the new BFA in Production. That’s exciting. Is this listed anywhere the public can view it, yet? And do you mean it will begin with the Class of 2018?</p>
<p>Yes, I must say I was a bit shocked to hear specific stats, I think it just slipped out. And it was a couple of years ago, so it probably has creeped up a bit since. But, yes, Erinconomy, hang in there, you don’t have to have perfect stats.</p>
<p>On the other hand, as madbean says, USC Film is basically a lottery school like Harvard and Yale. You can’t rely on getting in no matter what… have alternate choices/backups.</p>
<p>As for the BFA in Production, it starts next year for the Freshman class of 2017. Transfers next year would still be BA. </p>
<p>Not sure what it means for transfers after next year. BFAs are harder to transfer into due to specific, sequential requirements, so does this mean they will be taking less transfers in film production going forward?</p>
<p>To: GiveMeReason - Congratulations on writing a “19 page, 4000 word analytical paper on auteur theory with screenshots, citations, an abstract, and even a table of contents.” I hope it is worth the read. Congratulations also on your decision to write a “ballsy personal statement.”</p>
<p>To: Everyone Else - Do not think you need to do either of these things to garner admission.</p>
<p>Bottom Line: In applying to any college, it is best to use the application process as a way to demonstrate who you are as a person in a way that honestly expresses your strengths, work ethic, goals, lifetime desires, etc. Then, just let the chips fall where the may. Getting accepted into any college is a crap shoot; and if you don’t believe me, just ask the great Steven Spielberg, who applied THREE times to USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and received THREE rejection letters. I am sure USC wishes it had a do-over there. More info here: [The</a> Steven Spielberg Three Step Guide to Rejection | The Black and Blue](<a href=“http://www.theblackandblue.com/2011/04/05/the-steven-spielberg-three-step-guide-to-rejection/]The”>The Steven Spielberg Three Step Guide to Rejection | The Black and Blue)</p>
<p>Overall, I liked how it came out… but I’m worried the story doesn’t make sense since it feels so condensed. Ah well, the application has been sent so not much I can do, right? :p</p>
<p>Would love to know what you guys think! I’m a transfer applicant aiming for film production.</p>
<p>Honestly, I am not trying to make an exercise on arrogance. I put thought into my essays. Showing your personality is very helpful, don’t get me wrong, but the SCA supplement is unique in that putting in extra effort to make a more detailed writing sample or a more polished portfolio really goes a long way. It is the department of cinematic arts: it practically invites you to be creative. Being yourself is one thing, but making yourself unique, someone who stands out is something else entirely. And while my personal statement was… different, it did not detract from any of the points you just said. I demonstrated all of my “strengths, work ethic, goals, lifetime desires, etc.”</p>
<p>redcap I watched your movie and I really liked it! The story made sense to me. I wish you all the best success! I started my student film career at OCC, and remember those days fondly. Good Luck.</p>
<p>Hello! Did anyone apply to graduate school at SCA?
i received a letter today that I was academically accepted but my admission process is incomplete because I haven’t sent my financial support papers. I am an international students so I am waiting to hear from the scholarship application that I sent but I am not sure if the scholarships were offered yet!
Thank you
Congrats to all te people who posted their videos, they are all great and well done!</p>
<p>I really liked your video! The narration/writing is really good. One question though. You went quite a bit over the time limit. Do you think this will affect your chances?</p>
<p>Hope I could receive some feedback from you. :)</p>