Post Secondary Plan

Description of Search Process

During the hot summer days in Zamora, Spain, I sheltered myself from the heat by laying on a couch in a stuffy apartment, scrolling through the results of college search engines. It had been about a month since time started moving faster - almost overnight I’d gone from vaguely understanding my future plans to sitting with my parents at a college informational session at 7:30am. I’d left with far more questions than when I’d arrived, and my understanding of the application process was limited and frightening. I had woken up from a seventeen-year daydream, and I had no idea how to proceed. Therefore, I dedicated hot summer days during June and July to researching my future, and I came to many important conclusions during the times my family and I lounged lazily on old sofas below overworked ceiling fans.

A big moment for me during the summer was when AP scores were released. To my astonishment, I’d received a perfect five on my AP Biology exam. It made me realize that I was ridiculously passionate about science, and that it was of utmost importance that I continue pursuing this passion. I decided that I would dedicate myself to double-majoring in both Film and Biology in college. Talking about film, I also spent hours researching the benefits of film school... the benefits being that, in fact, there are none. I remember reading one article that stated, “...if you truly have what it takes to become a highly skilled filmmaker, you absolutely do not need to go to film school... conversely, if you do not have what it takes to become a talented filmmaker, I can assure you that no film school will be able to help you, even if they taught filmmaking as a practical profession, which they most certainly do not.” Sure, film school can be helpful, but in this modern age where making movies has never been cheaper and the knowledge we need for filmmaking is at our fingertips, film school really doesn’t improve one’s chances of being successful in the business. What does this mean for me? Well, it means I can study film anywhere. It won’t make a difference whether I get into the best film school in the nation, or I study it as a minor in a community college. This was a new thought to me, because originally I’d chosen the University of Southern California as my “dream school” simply because it was rated as the best film school in the United States. After doing some more research on USC, I realized that I didn’t actually like the environment of the school at all. I could now look at schools that fit who I was as an individual, had clubs and programs I enjoyed, and where I could also pursue my interest in biology!

By the end of October I will be applying to the following three schools:

1. University of Vermont
2. New York University
3. Columbia University (as my reach school)

Primary and Backup Plans

I’m aware that three schools is less than the recommended number, but after much research and deliberation, I concluded that I wasn’t actually interested in half the schools on my list; I just felt that I needed to reach a certain quota. Plus, none of them would trump the opportunity of going to UVM tuition-free. Therefore, I narrowed it down only to the colleges I was really passionate about. I’m currently in the process of finishing my applications, and they will be submitted by November 1st. Once I receive my responses in the spring, I will review the amount of financial aid offered and then make my decision accordingly. The University of Vermont is my first choice, so NYU or Columbia must offer me a better deal than free tuition at UVM, which is unlikely. In the case where I’m considering a second college, I will travel to said college and do more research on the pros and cons. I will then make my decision by mid-spring!

If I end up attending UVM, I like the idea of potentially transferring to a more rigorous film school after two years. This way I could experience college in two different environments and amplify my learning. However, this will be decided in the following years depending on my situation.

Applications

I applied Early Action to the University of Vermont on November 1st through the Common Application. I also applied Regular Decision to New York University and Columbia on January 1st. Overall, I thought the application process turned out to be much less stressful than anticipated. The hardest part was writing the essay because I found difficulty conveying all the information I wanted to under 600 words. However, I am very satisfied with my essay, and my college applications.

Acceptance Letters and Scholarships

In mid-December I received by very first college acceptance letter for early decision at University of Vermont! It was quite an emotional experience receiving that email, it was quite a reality check.

I also received the Vermont Scholars Award from the University of Vermont!

On March 28th, I was also thrilled to learn that I had been accepted into New York University's TISCH School of Cinematic Arts! This was a dream come true. Although I cannot afford to attend NYU (see financial aid package below), I celebrate the achievement of having been accepted into such a competitive film school