<p>@LookingUp8 Hi! I think it means that you ought to write an outline of a feature-length movie in general, not just what would fit into the first two pages of a screenplay. So it should be more essay-like, summarizing the plot, characters, influences, themes, etc. Correct me if I’m wrong, though.</p>
<p>Ok that makes more sense. Thanks.</p>
<p>Does a Film and TV Production major also take core liberal arts courses? Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m really having some trouble with the Film & TV personal statement. Here is the prompt: </p>
<p>The personal statement will be read by the Film & Television Production Admission Committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, characteristics, background, values and/or views of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker. We want to know about the kind of stories you want to tell. Bear in mind that enthusiasm for watching films, descriptions of your favorite films and the involvement in the filmmaking process is common in most candidates. As a result, we encourage that you focus on your individuality. Note that there is no standard format or correct answer. (1,000 words or less).</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice? I’m not really sure what direction to take this essay. I’m also having some difficulty progressing my ideas. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Additionally,
For the critical studies writing sample did you guys to choose to write on a specific film or a director, or a phenomenon that occurs in film as whole?? I feel that the proof is asking for an analysis of some aspect of film as a whole such as social impacts etc. </p>
<p>Help please</p>
<p>@DreamingFIlms I wrote about a film as a whole, but mentioned influences & connections to other movies. I compared it to other films of the genre/time & mentioned other movies of the director. Hope this helps, if not, message me.</p>
<p>How much does course rigor (# of AP’s/Honors) matter for SCA? Does it not hold as much weight as other schools within USC?</p>
<p>It may matter to USC as a university, but is likely not AS important for SCA. The rep told students during a tour that SCA may be intrigued by a candidate, but that student had to first be accepted by USC so to aim for those academic standards. It’s a no go if you’re turned down by the main university.</p>
<p>When D was accepted she got one letter from USC, then a few days later a separate binder/folder from SCA with its own admissions certificate.</p>
<p>It is also possible to be accepted to USC and NOT accepted to SCA. So take it for what its worth. You have to be both artistic and academically qualified at the same time. One looks at your rigor, the other at your abilities, potential and artistic vision.</p>
<p>@ArtsandLetters … Thank you for the quick and helpful response …</p>
<p>I will have 1 AP and 1 Honors course prior to senior year, in which I will be taking 3-4 AP’s and 1 Honors course … Do you think that is sufficient for USC standards? </p>
<p>Also, out of curiosity, what type on envelopes/presentations did the USC and SCA acceptance letters come in? What did they say?</p>
<p>Well where’s the fun in that? Half the thrill is seeing it for the first time. I found some links, but then realized - if you’re truly ready for USC, finding photos of those packets is pretty easy. </p>
<p>Let’s see what you can find :)</p>
<p>Agree with Arts and Letters, don’t ruin the surprise. When you open the mailbox there is no question when you see it. Let it be.</p>
<p>I remember my son’s face as he lowered the mailbox opening and knew he was in before the door was all the way down. Priceless.</p>
<p>For the personal statement: be sure you say whatever you want to say by telling a story. That is more important than what you write about. You want to show your ability to tell a story by describing something in your personal life that is interesting, relevant and makes the reader want to hear more. My son is a sophomore at SCA film production. He told a story about working on a set: but few details about what he did, or about the film, but about his emotions, how he developed and became a different person from the experience he had, and how it influenced his thoughts. He SHOWED the progression of his growth, but didn’t tell it. That is what makes a good story. If you could write about anything with passion and make it interesting it shows you are a good story teller. I once read a story about learning to tie shoes that was absolutely captivating- yet the subject is so mundane. Its how you say it more than what you say. And it helps if along the way you show your personality and character traits.</p>
<p>maddenmd,</p>
<p>The prompt wants to know what stories you want to tell. They want you to share with them your uniqueness and individuality. Also, they understand that many people applying have had a considerable amount of film experience so I have tried to refrain from talking about that.</p>
<p>I personally believe USC wants to know about your individuality and the stories you want to tell.</p>
<p>I know I have asked this in the past, but it is more important now that I’ll be applying to the summer program in a matter of weeks.</p>
<p>What does having the USC SCA Summer Program (for Film) on my portfolio say to the admissions committes at USC/SCA?</p>
<p>How does it distinguish me from other applicants?</p>
<p>Platinumxx2,</p>
<p>Honestly, it’s an advantage, but I don’t think it distinguishes you that much. This has been said before so many times, but focus on the supplement for SCA.</p>
<p>Ditto,</p>
<p>It says nothing about you other than you have a lot of funds since I don’t think there are scholarships for that program and it’s pretty expensive. I was talking to parents at a rival film school (my D was accepted there too) and many students who had taken the summer class didn’t receive acceptances for the Freshman class. Do summer school because you want to, not because it might give you a strategic advantage (it won’t).</p>
<p>The supplement is the key component. USC might love you, but SCA is turning down 96% of its applicants and I’ve heard the supplement carries a lot of weight. Likewise, SCA might love a student but they might not qualify for USC. </p>
<p>So both parts are important, but there are no tricks or loopholes or gaming the system. I suspect SCA is hip to that already as many have tried it.</p>
<p>I am doing the summer program because I want to, not because it will “look good”. I was just asking out of curiosity of opinion. Taking the course (specifically “Warner Brothers Producing and Directing Class”) would allow me to film shorts with others on the Warner Brothers backlot and receive college credits (USC accredited) at the completion of the course. I think you guys are downplaying the benefits of the course. Additionally, you cannot say “it is a course based on who can pay for it”, as admission into the program is based on a personal statement essay that provides insight into your individual voice as a prospective filmmaker (smaller scale of what the actual Production personal statement entails)</p>
<p>Keep in mind that I would be a minor (prospective undergraduate applicant) doing the program. Essentially, achieving successful grades in the graded class of the program shows that I can thrive in that proffesional, and collaborative environment. While there, multiple short films would be created (in which I had a production role) and added to my creative portfolio list (with potential for awards at the program’s Film Festival). On top of that, there is potential for letters of reccomendation from proffesors at the program. The arguement that “I know many kids that did the summer program but did not get into the school” is invalid, as each instance would have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in which other factors (GPA, SAT, Personal Statement, Course Rigor, etcetera) are taken into consideration. While I know that obviously the summer program does not guarantee acceptance into the school, I am having a hard time understanding why success in it would not have an impact on my application. If you guys could clarify and share thoughts further, I would appreciate it. I am not trying to attack your statements, however, I am having difficulty understanding the reasoning behind them.</p>
<p>USC, like many selective universities, is aware that certain activities and enrichments are only available to financially well-off students whose families can afford to send them to summer College programs or summer travel programs. They have therefore become careful not to give those applicants any advantage over the application from a student who comes from a less privileged household. Just as some students are lucky to attend HS’s with film classes or clubs or other ECs, some who may have equal or even more talent may not have those opportunities. The admissions committee will not give extra credit for those outside experiences because they are more interested in having a level playing field for all applicants. It may seem harsh to students who have these great summer experiences and get to make exciting film shorts, but frankly SCA is not looking for an entire class made up of upper middle class kids who come from very similar backgrounds, so they are a little more dismissive of the advantages that money can buy. A great story will come across in a simple script or a storyboard.</p>
<p>Okay, that’s a bit more clear. However, then SCA is just going to ignore the fact that the summer program student was able to thrive in a collaborative and rigorous SCA course? … At the very least … The summer progran would help to enrich a student’s filmmaking skills (and thus, improve clarity of their short films and USC short film). At the same time, the applicant has to have storytelling ability in order to coincide with that proven ability to colloborate with others in a rigorous environment. I understand they keep it fair, but I find it very hard to believe that they would just dismiss a whole summer program (a SCA or, keep in mind) on the applicant’s profile. If anything, success would show the applicant’s ability to work with others while enduring an intense workload in a proffesional-esque environment</p>