Hi,
I'm an international student who has just graduated from a local college with a diploma in Communications which is equivalent to like a foundation. From my extensive 2 months research, I've finally come to accept that my local diploma is non-transferable to most institutions in the States, and even if it did, I shouldn't bank on it. I've spent 2 years ( after high school) acquiring that diploma, so it is very disappointing but, it wasn't a complete waste because it did help me discover that my passion truly lies in Screenwriting and not Communications.
So right now, I'm trying to get into one of the best universities that offers an undergrad degree in Screenwriting/Scriptwriting. I didn't do exceptionally well in high school, but I've got a 3.5 GPA for my diploma. (I know the accepted students have an average of 3.7 and above) On top of that, I've had a quite a number of working experiences in the film and arts industry. Won a couple of awards in local film competitions, and was lucky enough to land a gig with Google as an artist.
SIDE NOTE : I think the only edge I have currently is that I'm very multidisciplinary and have great work ethnic. I'm a self-taught artist - I went to Comm school instead of art school because I didn't want the pressures of art school to ruin my passion for it. But I've always had a background in art and did art freelance during my diploma years. Somehow, I manage to score a lot of high profile clients who admire my work (thank God!) I do both traditional art like painting, sculpting, portrait works; as well as digital arts like animation, illustration, photography etc. Ultimately, my strength is in my creativity and ideas, instead of my technical skills. So, after much self-reflection and counselling I think I'd like to do a degree in Screenwriting.
I know my case is pretty complex, since I'm from a totally different major (Comms), I'm an international student and my high school transcripts were 2 years ago, I'm not sure if UCs or CSUs still accepts them. Also, I don't have an extensive writing portfolio as I do my art or film portfolio (add that to the disadvantages.) and I know these top schools want to see writing samples and writing achievements. My options now are down to two :
1. Going to a community college to get my GE done while working to refine a writing portfolio, then transfer to one of those institutions.
OR
2. Taking SATs, while working on a writing portfolio and then try to apply as freshman.
Questions for both options :
1. Which one will give me a higher chance of getting in? I personally prefer the CC route just because I get to explore different subjects while I'm there. I love learning and expanding my knowledge in fields that I'm not usually exposed to is a great way to enrich a writer. Whereas if I go into a 4-year institution straight, I will already be studying my 'major' related stuff from the first year itself. Correct me if I'm wrong. However, I've read countless forums and blogs and am well aware that it's harder to get in as a transfer than as freshman. Do advise.
2. Which one would save me more time? Now, I know that USC's screenwriting degree is a 4 year sequential program and if not mistaken I'm not allowed to transfer at sophomore year, I have to do it after i've completed my first year. (Again, correct me if I'm wrong.) I've already kinda wasted 2 years on that local diploma so I would very much not want to make another 'mistake' that would cause me another year etc. I'm prepared to work however hard it takes, I just need some advice to plan my pathway that would put me in the best possible position when I apply to any of those 3 schools.
3. If I take the SATs route, I'm not sure if I can choose to NOT submit my high school transcript and diploma transcript. I highly doubt I can though, because I read on one of the institution site that failure to submit all my past education transcripts is breaching the rules of something. Anyways, would like confirmation on this as well!
Lastly, I really really appreciate your help! :')
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