<p>Basically, success (high grades, letters of reccomendation, awards) in those types of environments (whether it’s a USC or NYU summer program, a theatre club in high school, a self-started group, etcetera ) (Ignoring the financial ranking/toll of the environment) is an indicator that the applicant is able to thrive in collaboration with others (something that is key in the film industry). Is that not correct?</p>
<p>SCA does not admit SOLELY based on individual storytelling ability. Other factors include the applicant’s ability to work with others, ability to integrate ideas, ability to lead. etcetera. You could have someone that is an AMAZING storyteller, but if that person cannot work with others, then what’s the point? In an industry like film, no one person has full creative control and directors/writers must be able to collaborate with others (as production crews are HUGE). I would think SCA would want someone who has a prospective foundation to build on (besides storytelling ability) that allows them to thrive in the school (which involves tight-knit, collaborative projects) and projects them for potential success in the indsutry</p>
<p>Almost all students work on projects and collaborate in school and can demonstrate it through their ECs. Those who really cannot deal with others are rare, and if they have enough crazy good talent, they may still be attractive to a college program who, after all, are also searching for a share of auteurs and geniuses who may not play as well with others coming in. It’s a matter of getting a broad mix.</p>
<p>Sorry to disappoint you Plat, but being a team player is expected and, of course, looked for. But it does not take spending big $$ on a college summer course for HS students to impress in this area. Perhaps such a course will teach a filmmaking student enough skills to improve their mastery over the medium that they will tell better stories in more strikingly original ways. Perhaps such a course will even allow the student to learn what a film school environment may be like and if that is a place where they are well suited. Perhaps such a course will give her or him an understanding of how many other talented students are out there looking to get into film schools, too. And perhaps–just perhaps–they may make such a positive impression by dint of their hard work and commitment that one of the instructors will be an advocate for that student in the future. However, the admission committee at SCA is used to saying no to THE MAJORITY of these summer students each year. It is helpful to keep a realistic expectation on what is to come.</p>
<p>For the record, a number of minor-aged students are entering USC (and other colleges) as Freshman with college credit not related to an AP or dual credit course but for courses taken on college campuses as part of their normal school year. It’s not the “stand out” that you assume it will be.</p>
<p>I suppose there will be some Summer Film students who get into SCA and the natural inclination is that the summer program gave them an edge. But ask the hundreds of other students who do not get in if they feel the same way?</p>
<p>We aren’t downplaying your hopes. You asked people who are close to the school (alum, parents, current students) what your chances are.</p>
<p>We were honest. You won’t get an advantage by going. Their admissions is holistic and there are thousands of equally talented students for those few/rare Freshman spots who are your competition.</p>
<p>Reading the SCA site would be helpful. They’re very upfront about how they operate.</p>
<p>Here’s another answer to a post from last year saying the same thing NO DIRECT BENEFIT:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/1339763-does-usc-summer-film-program-give-you-advantage-when-applying.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/1339763-does-usc-summer-film-program-give-you-advantage-when-applying.html</a></p>
<p>Platinum, </p>
<p>I have several friends attending the film school and one did attend the summer program. He did not, however, get in simply because he attended the program, for many do that, but because he THRIVED there. He was able to build a personal relationship with one of the professors and made what was, in my opinion, one of his most genius films there. This is because, having had low scores, the applicant understood that this was one of the few shots he had of proving his ability to thrive at SCA. Thus, he fully applied himself, spending countless hours honing his film. He won an award at the program festival.</p>
<p>@DreamingFIlms and others…</p>
<p>That’s exactly the point I was trying to make. I said SUCCESS in the program could make you a good candidate, not mere participation. Success, in terms of high grades there, awards at the festival, letters of recommendation etcetera.</p>
<p>Regardless, I appreciate the information you have all provided me. At the end of the day, SCA is just my absolute dream school, ever since I visited. I want to do everything in my power, now while I can, in order to be a competitive applicant. </p>
<p>I just have one more quick question:</p>
<p>If you were to list CS as your 2nd choice major, compared to Production as 1st choice, would you not have as great of a chance at getting into CS, if you would’ve listed it as your 1st choice major? Additionally, do you have to submit two separate supplements for each program, before the application deadlines?</p>
<p>@Platinumxx2</p>
<p>I think they’re considered separately, so I listing it as 2nd choice won’t affect your chances.
And yes!!! Two supplements.</p>
<p>I’m still somewhat uneasy about the conclusions you are drawing about “success” in the program making you a good candidate. Yes - it might. But tread with caution about your expectations. You seem to be focused on “objective” and “quantitative” criteria as the litmus test. That’s true for USC, but not necessarily for SCA. </p>
<p>It is likely that the person DreamingFilms is talking about had other “non-stat, non-quantitative” attributes. And they freely admit they take some students with vision but no experience in film at all for those coveted 25 spots. SCA seems to lean heavily on subjective things - and life experiences and personality is no small part of that.</p>
<p>The summer student I spoke about had a stellar resume, high grades, excellent recommendations, major films and awards. Well liked by teachers and administrators. Also did the summer program successfully. Also did not get an offer of admission. </p>
<p>In the end (I can say from experience) even if all things are equal in terms of talent, drive, motivation – colleges don’t have enough slots to offer them all. Literally 25 students will get selected out of thousands who apply. 4% is a tiny number. Better said, they reject 96% of the applicants. Most Adcoms look for how to diversify the student body in terms of outlook on life, artistic vision, personal experiences, etc. </p>
<p>Plus, I suspect they know many students try the CS route as a back-up to getting into film as a transfer. So the CS supplement seems well suited to counteract that. </p>
<p>So again - you may be successful - and we all encourage you to give it your best shot – but I fear your definition of “good candidate” (which you would be) is synonymous with “guaranteed” to get in.</p>
<p>If you can live with the answer will likely be “maybe” - and in most cases will be “no” (in light of the 4% equation) you’ll be well grounded come Spring. However, your passion might make you attractive to other film schools in the event that SCA doesn’t work out.</p>
<p>I promise you that I most definitely do not associate “good candidate” with guaranteed. Perhaps the reason why I’m so interested in success in the summer program is because I am extremely confident in my ability to show my vision and storytelling ability in the supplements. I want to attend the summer program to be able to put that vision and storytelling ability to the screen and make films with others.</p>
<p>Additionally, I do not consider CS as a backup to Production. Production is my #1 Choice, however, I am extremely interested in CS. Hopefully, if admitted, I can go on to double major in both subjects (regardless of which one I’m admitted to initially)</p>
<p>Great attitude! They’re both awesome programs! Wishing you the best of luck. :)</p>
<p>@ArtsandLetters</p>
<p>Thanks for all the info! I’m not sure if you are a prospective student or current USC, but if prospective, good luck !</p>
<p>@dreamupsided0wn Hello 
I am currently a freshman at my local community college who is planning to transfer to USC either next year or the year after that. I would love to major in Film & Television Production but the thing is I have no experience with camera work or anything like that. What would you recommend in order to best prepare me for when applications come around? Best way to learn the requirements an aspiring student needs in order to get accepted in the first place? I greatly appreciate your help and to all you Juniors GOOD LUCK! :)</p>
<p>How do the job prospects look for both Critical Studies B.A graduates and Film and Television Production B.F.A graduates?</p>
<p>I am torn between two classes to take for the SCA summer program. They are
A) “Directing Intensive”
[Summer</a> Program Classes - USC School of Cinematic Arts](<a href=“USC Cinematic Arts | Summer Program Classes”>USC Cinematic Arts | Summer Program Classes)</p>
<p>and
B" “Warner Brothers Producing and Directing Class”
[Summer</a> Program Classes - USC School of Cinematic Arts](<a href=“USC Cinematic Arts | Summer Program Classes”>USC Cinematic Arts | Summer Program Classes)</p>
<p>Could anyone please go to the links and read the course descriptions? I would appreciate it if you could give insight into which course you think is more beneficial and which you would do, if you were in my position</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>@Platinumxx2 I’d say choose the WB Producing and Directing. It covers more units and it’s generally much broader, so you could try yourself in more areas. Also, the opportunity to tour the WB Studios and shoot there is pretty amazing in itself.
That’s just my opinion, though, if you’re mostly into directing, the other one seems like an excellent program too. :)</p>
<p>Looking to apply to Critical Studies. I am really nervous because I imagine USC’s film school is extremely competitive. Hopefully my essay, grades, and EC’s are enough to get me in:)</p>
<p>Ian, what did you write about for your CS supplement?</p>
<p>careful, @Ian.</p>
<p>We’ve advised other students NOT to post identifying information about themselves on a public space. Adcoms can read these threads just like anyone else. Also, posting essay topics gives the “competition” a bit of a jump. Better to post after the deadline so what you are writing remains unique - rather than tip your hands now.</p>
<p>What do you guys think is the most important part of the SCA Film & TV Production app?</p>
<p>Either the Personal Statement, the Writing Sample, the Visual Sample, or the Creative Portfolio list.</p>
<p>I think it is either the Personal Statement or the Visual Sample. What do you think?</p>
<p>@LookingUp8 I agree, I’d say the Visual Sample and the Personal Statement are the most important, and after them, the Writing Sample.</p>