That being said, I don’t think usc students are unsafe. Feeling unsafe is valid but it might come from being used to a certain environment&being unsettled by something different (and familiarity erases that apprehension) OR it could go deeper… would she feel comfortable after a week or two or, based on her personality, would it be durably jarring for her?
Does she “want to” like usc (meaning she… doesn’t)? Syracuse is colder, USC has excellent weather … but in every other respect both are just as good.
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I don’t know much about Syracuse. I’m just wondering how much of the above statement is impacting her (and your) decision.
I’m in California and my daughter was considering Duke in 2020. At that time, schools were canceling classes, flights weren’t available, and we didn’t know if/when our jobs would re-open. We sat down with her and had a very difficult discussion about removing Duke as an option because of location.
I’m a little confused with these two statements. The first day she didn’t feel safe on campus, but the second day she thought it was beautiful? The first day was the day before admitted student day and the second was admitted student day, right? Was that the difference?
You mentioned that she saw homeless on campus in your other thread. Does she feel that she isn’t ready to move from suburbia (mentioned in your other thread) to a very urban college setting? Is she scared, or are you scared for her? If she is scared and doesn’t feel ready for that move, then it is probably better to keep her closer to home.
Did the interest in film come after visiting USC or was it there before? USC film will definitely put an exclamation point on her resume.
Is that part of the concern? Studying journalism and film in LA may lead to internships and career opportunities in California.
Is she struggling because you prefer one over the other?
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USC has the top programs in the world for writing for TV & film. However, it is very difficult to gain admission.
USC is the better option for her interests based on faculty, courses, internships, and connections to the industry. But, the real issue is whether or not your daughter is ready to grow in a new environment. Based on your posts, it seems like neither you nor your daughter are ready to let go of the comforts of home at this time.
Our family considered USC’s program Writing for Television & Film as it truly is the best in the world and its graduates get hired in the industry.
Consider doing a year at Syracuse to see how your daughter enjoys Newhouse.
https://cinema.usc.edu/writing/index.cfm
My understanding is that all admitted to the Writing for Screen & Television major must start at the beginning–even transfers must do the full 4 year program. However, USC also offers a related masters degree. Admission is tough.
USC Writing For Screen and Television (MFA)–incredible number of courses available to program participants (2year MFA programs); Writers recognized outside the field of screenwriting can earn a certificate after one year.
Also, consider Loyola Marymount:
Chapman University is another outstanding school to consider for film & TV.
And, of course, Northwestern University offers an outstanding theater major with significant LA connections (the first female to head a major studio in Hollywood was a Northwestern University grad.)
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Does not seem like a good idea to me. Can make her ineligible for many merit scholarships at 4 year colleges & universities.
Might be better to enroll in an online certificate program in an area of interest such as writing. UCLA & NYU offer non-credit certificate programs. NYU-Tisch does NOT require that the student have a script written. It is fine to be a beginner for the NYU Tisch non-credit certificate program.
Is your daughter passionate about any area of study or career ? If so, find certificate courses that will allow her to explore further her area of interest.
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I vote SU. I attended schools in LA and upstate New York. I really didn’t like LA either. I missed the change of seasons, didn’t like the warm weather, and didn’t like the LA vibe. Is she didn’t love USC, she shouldn’t go there.
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I see how those 2 statements could be confusing. what I meant was that the first day, she felt uneasy in some areas, while exploring Los Angeles (not the campus). We visited campus the next day, where the campus itself was beautiful but she definitely didn’t like that fact that there was a straggler on campus. She was more scared for herself than I was for her to be honest. and that is just it. I’m not sure she is ready for the move to such an urban area. She is used to walking around NYC and doesn’t really have any problems since we go often but I think it was the unfamiliarity of the west coast that hit her as well. I can’t predict whether it was an initial culture shock thing or was she genuinely scared. And I think visiting as an admitted student is different than pre admission that also causes more nerves as everything is becoming more real. the fact that she is entering adulthood basically
I did not know that exists! Thank you! She would love that. She is waitlisted at NYU actually so we are not banking on it, but if a spot opens, she will likely consider it heavily, although I still think Newhouse will a contender
Yes, she loves writing and film mostly. Very creative thinker and a strong writer.
I believe it’s a little late for additional applications. This is a HS senior who is trying to choose amongst her acceptances.
To the OP. Our younger kid went to college in CA, and we live on the east coast. It was her top choice school for a lot of reasons. Distance wasn’t a factor at all…and really, she loved her four years there.
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She typically does not like change. It always takes her a little time to adjust. I do think it was the culture shock that got to her. East and West coast are so different! That being said, I don’t want to take chances and “hope” that she ends up liking it because as of now, it seems like she doesn’t. She feels a lot of pressure from classmates who are telling her she is crazy not to go to USC because “no one gets in.” Not a lot of students from the east coast get in, at least not by us, so when someone does it is always a big deal. She feels like she’s throwing away an amazing opportunity, doors opening up for her just because of the Trojan network, and seems to be dismissing the strengths of Newhouse, which is one of her top choices.
Did she end up moving back to the east coast?
No, I do not prefer one over the other. I think this is a big decision that she has to make for herself and I would not have taken her all the way to L.A just to tell her she cannot go.
Not sure whether OP’s daughter is ready to apply to any of USC’s writing for tv & film programs, but awareness and goal setting can be set anytime. (OP read the three student profiles in the USC link. The third student profiled entered USC as a journalism student who was able to transfer into the screenwriting program.
Also, OP’s daughter may elect to transfer after a year at SU-Newhouse; if so, Chapman & Loyola Marymount match her current interests much better than does Newhouse.
USC’s programs attract experienced individuals. If that is her passion and she wants to play the percentages, then USC, Chapman, & Loyola Marymount are among the best options to consider.
Ours started memorizing TV & movie scripts at age 10 and still writes & acts and is very creative. Would be open to the USC MFA program even though a well established professional with multiple graduate degrees and professional certificates. If it is a true passion, then it will never be shut-off.
Creative thinking combined with strong writing skills and an interest in film will lead to Southern California eventually.
New programs are popping up. If she is committed to writing and is seeking merit money, there are programs available.
My daughter’s bff is also a spring admit. She has found roommates and will be there in fall, taking cc classes.
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Then it sounds like she has made her decision.
It is okay to turn down a Hail Mary, especially after visiting and realizing it isn’t a good fit.
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My d is going to Syracuse. You do know they have a Syracuse in LA semester, with SU classes and professors…so that gives her a taste of LA and chance to make connections while still being close to home the other 7 semesters…
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Congratulations to her!
Where will she live in the fall semester? I didn’t think they could be in housing until they are admitted in January.
Oh, sorry I thought you said you’re daughter…
Yes, I am aware of SU’s curriculum & LA semester. A semester in LA is not going to make-up the difference between the two programs (or Chapman or Loyola Marymount) for one aspiring to write for TV and/or movies.