I don't know a lot about NYU (except that it is one of the "big 3" US film schools, but I graduated from USC a couple of years ago, so I can tell you a little bit about USC and UCLA. First, I was not a production major (I was critical studies), so my info comes from the student-guide that USC hired to give the campus tour. She told us that USC is generally regarded as the best school for those filmmakers interested in visual sophistication and that UCLA is the best school for those interested in depth of content. I worked on some student film projects while I was out there, and they were pretty sophisticated but shallow story-wise. So, as far as I could tell, what the guide said was pretty accurate. BOTH schools, however, have *excellent* facilities, excellent teachers, and BIG pricetags. IMHO: If your strength is in story content and you want to develop that aspect of filmmaking, you may want to consider UCLA. If you're interested in extremely cutting-edge visual effects, you may want to consider USC. On the other hand, NYU may excel in both aspects. I hope you hear from someone who can tell you more about it. Good luck -- Date sent: Sat, 10 May 1997 00:00:51 -0500 Send reply to: Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]> From: Hadley <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Film Schools To: [log in to unmask] I am interested in attending film school at USC, UCLA, NYU, or Columbia University. Can anyone help me sort out the subtleties that separate these schools from each other, as well as which are considered better than the others? For instance, I heard that USC is geared more towards preparation for a Hollywood career and NYU is more artsy. This is information that no school pamphlet will contain yet is invaluable in making the best choice of school. Also, does anyone know of an objective rating of the UNDERGRADUATE film programs (perhaps a top ten list) that specifically recognizes #1 school, #2 school, etc.? Thanks. ---- To sign off SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask] Joe Abbott, Ph.D. Freelance editor and webmaster [log in to unmask] ---- Screen-L is sponsored by the Telecommunication & Film Dept., the University of Alabama.