Applying to film school is currently a highly competitive endeavor. The art form’s enduring allure has led to a surge in applications, making admission to top film schools in 2024 even more challenging. But is attending a film school truly beneficial for students aspiring to careers in the entertainment industry? At Ivy Coach, we understand the complexities of this decision. The job market, like any other, is subject to the laws of supply and demand. If it were to suddenly be inundated with hundreds or thousands of film majors, the value of a film degree would inevitably decrease. 

Consider this: film school graduates often struggle to find employment in a fiercely competitive job market that values innovative thinking. Students with degrees in history or anthropology, for instance, often possess the creative ingenuity that film students may lack. If you were a TV executive planning a historical fiction show, wouldn’t you prefer a young adult with a history background over one with technical expertise? The technical aspects of filmmaking can often be learned on the job, but the holistic approach to learning and intellectual curiosity instilled by a liberal arts education from a top school is a highly sought-after commodity.

Top Film Schools to Consider

If you are interested in applying to film school, we at Ivy Coach wouldn’t be doing our job if we weren’t cautious about this path. For the same reason that medical school applicants who majored in English are typically more competitive than those who majored in biology, you’ll set yourself up for a much more successful career in film by setting your sights on elite liberal arts institutions for your undergraduate education. However, those not dissuaded by this sage advice had better set their sights on one of the top film schools in the country if they want any shot of making it in this fast-paced, cutthroat business. Attending a lesser school is tantamount to a death sentence for your future career before it even begins!

Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at New York University

NYU’s Kanbar Institute, within the Tisch School of the Arts, offers one of the top film BFAs in the country. Students in this program receive a comprehensive survey of the fundamentals of filmmaking and access to media internships and opportunities in the New York City area. The most crucial thing NYU can offer aspiring filmmakers is total immersion in the world’s cultural capital for four years.

UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television

Next on our list of top film schools is UCLA’s Department of Film, Television, and Visual Media within the School of Theater, Film & Television. Students who enroll in this program will have access to the many academic resources that UCLA offers and need not feel hemmed in by their chosen major. Much like at NYU, students at UCLA benefit from total immersion in a significant cultural capital, not to mention the film industry’s capital. However, there’s only one school we can think of that outdoes UCLA in proximity to Hollywood Bigwigs.

USC Cinematic Arts

Those who have read our blog on Ivy League admission for Hollywood kids should not be surprised that USC’s bachelor’s program in Cinematic Arts, Film, and television production is a favorite among the kids of Hollywood royalty. Located right next to the most prominent motion picture studios, USC is the ideal place for aspiring filmmakers who still want to benefit from a robust liberal arts education. From Will Ferrell to Olivia Rodrigo, USC claims an impressive roster of students and alumni who have made it big in the industry.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance for Aspiring Filmmakers

Don’t let us dissuade you from your dream of attending a top film school. Ivy Coach’s team of former elite college admissions officers will work with you to present the most competitive application possible. Fill out our complimentary consultation form to optimize your odds of admission to a highly selective college, and we’ll be in touch.