<p>I’m in a similar situation. I have to decide between USC CNTV Critical Studies and NYU Tisch Cinema Studies… On the whole, I like things about each school. USC’s mix of production and theory even in Critical Studies definitely beats out NYU’s strict separation between the two disciplines. However, I’m much more into indie films than those coming from Hollywood, which is a point for NYU if the general consensus as to the two school’s focuses is correct. Also, it seems to me that CNTV is much more competitive (in terms of admissions) than Tisch, but it’s difficult to say how much or if that really matters. I think it matters to me a bit (CNTV also seems to be much smaller as a result, something I think I like), but I don’t know how much I want to base my decision on it. As far as the general living stuff, it’s difficult for me to give an edge to one or the other. NYU’s independent atmosphere sounds nice, but so does USC’s traditional college experience.</p>
<p>One unexpected thing is that NYU was actually quite a bit more generous with financial aid than USC (50K costs, 20K non-loans/work study from NYU, 47K costs, 11.5K non-loans/work study from USC).</p>
<p>Yesterday, I was leaning toward NYU. Today, after a call from a Critical Studies student who answered a few questions, I’m leaning toward USC. I’m sure I’ll similarly change my mind several more times before I actually have to decide. >_<</p>