<p>1st of all, while USC is ranked higher, it is in contention for #1 with Tisch. When people speak of good film schools, they always talk of the “USC or the NYU.” So that ranking is de minimis. So that should not factor.</p>
<p>The thing about the USC program is that it has very little students and is highly competitive. THis is not the bad part. The bad part is that students dont go to USC and work hands on. Its not what you would like it to be. Students can have amazing talent and end up being just the guy holding the boom in another guys project. Also, you dont start until about soph or junior year i dont remember.</p>
<p>NYU in contrast has a more hands on, film film film technique in teaching. There is also a greater chance you can do your own stuff as opposed to someone elses.</p>
<p>And great, the star wars guy went to USC. Whoever is boasting that does not know the extensive list of alumni at nyu. Scorcese, Lumet, TOdd Philips who did Old School road trip, etc, Brett Ratner that did the x-men trilogy and mr. and mrs. smith, ang lee, spike lee, and many more directors including Woody Allen.</p>
<p>At NYU, you also have the luxury of using the drama kids in your film and the design kids to help make sets and costumes and etc. NYU also boasts impressive alumni in the acting departments including Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, hehe, FElicity Huffman, and a bunch more.</p>
<p>So for me, its NYU. Also, NYC is more “real” and provoking than hollywood or LA.</p>