SDSU vs. Purchase College

G

gazoo

New member
Hello,

I just didn't know where to put this, but as this is a cinematography I think it's the best.

I'm a danish student planning to apply for the Film & Television undergraduate at San Diego State University (SDSU). This is mainly due to it's fine reputation and most important of all, LOWEST TUITION COST in California. I already completed a filmschool program in Denmark and doing TOEFL soon, so I should have no problem getting in.

Although I did also ran into Purchase College, which offers BFA programs in Filmmaking, and I must admit that it looks good.

I just don't know what to put as my #1 priority and #2 priority. What do you think I should chose?

Any suggestions for great film majors in the US with same low out-of-state tuition?

Thanks...

NB: Just so you know: My main field is defiantly cinematography. I am planning on doing my MFA (after undergraduate) in Cinematography at UCLA or AFI.
 
I have never heard of Purchase College for what it's worth. If you are looking at colleges, check out Chapman. Seems to be an up-and-coming cinematography program. Don't get me wrong, they are good now, but I think things will get even better. It's a great alternative for UCLA or USC, however I don't know how affordable it is past that price point. :P
 
I have heard of Chapman, as Ryan mantioned. I got my BA from San Dieog State in Math... but the Film & Television department was 'significant' even then, as the Public Broadcast System affiliate is there. So students in at least TV could have potentially access to more 'real' programming activity.

I've never heard of Purchase College either...

I occasionally take classes at a local junior college, and the instructor that is teaching now, is finishing her MFA in Film at SDSU. She seems to be pretty happy with it. But her emphasis is more long the lines of directing/producing.

(I did enter SDSU as an art major... at that time the dept. didn't recognize 'photography' as a 'fine art'... so, I moved on... The Film & Televlision dept. always did strike me at the time to be more 'tv' than 'film', but I think things have changed these days...)

Note: looked up Purchase College... New York State College... no wonder I've never heard of it... its on the other side of the planet... something Europeans may find 'interesting' is how 'big' distances are in the US...
 
I graduated from SDSU with BS and MA degrees in Television, Film, and New Media Production. I enjoyed my time there, learned a lot, and as you say the price is right (at least for California residents). Admission to the program is pretty competitive so don't get cocky. If they had a MFA program I'd go back again . I don't know anything about Purchase College. The other places you mentioned are highly regarded. I think Chapman is pretty expensive if that's a consideration for you. Happy hunting.
 
I believe Hal Hatley came out of SUNY Purchase. Like others I don't know much about SUNY Purchase. As far as cal state uni's , some of the state budget issues might have an impact on how long it takes one to get an undergrad degree (as in some needed classes may not be offered as frequently as they were in the past and will be in high demand and tricky to get into). Just another factor to consider.
Good luck.
 
j1clark@ucsd.edu said:
...I did enter SDSU as an art major... at that time the dept. didn't recognize 'photography' as a 'fine art'...
Click to expand...

That would be strange. Perhaps they just didn't have anyone qualified on the faculty to teach and manage it. When I got my BFA here in Canada which is decades ago, photography was a fully recognized fine art even at that time.
 
I have a sibling at Chapman, but rather attending their business program. The film part of the school is called Dodge college. It is supposed to be, as mentioned, one of the upcoming top film schools. Great program, her roommate is in the film studies there. Talking to her roommate about the program makes my trips down to visit her worthwhile :D
 
craigbowman said:
That would be strange. Perhaps they just didn't have anyone qualified on the faculty to teach and manage it. When I got my BFA here in Canada which is decades ago, photography was a fully recognized fine art even at that time.
Click to expand...

I did a quick check, and in the mid-70's 'photography' in the list of fine art department classes... was pretty minimal/absent. Did a recent check, and SDSU seems to now have a 'multimedia' category in the
Art Dept.

I also check UBC, and in their BFA program there are classes in Photography that pretty much match the more traditional media like painting and sculture...

What this indicates... I should have headed to Canada to avoid the draft... and find a school that was more in keeping with my then goals...

Ah well, such is life...
 
Purchase College is great for film, but is more of a "do it yourself" than a "work with big crews" type of program. Their film program is part of their art conservatory, which is near impossible to get into. They let in about 5 students a year. I wasn't one of them the two times I applied!
 
I'm a Chapman business alumn. The one thing you pay for at Chapman is good networking. Even after graduating they take care of you and give you exposure to influential people. That might be better served for your MFA. SDSU I would think might feel like you are herded through their program.
 
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