I want to become a director, and I'm looking at film production programs. The thing is we are really low on money, and I don't think I can afford an expensive school.

So I was thinking. Would it be a good idea to go to a cheaper school with a not-so-great film program for two years, and then transfer to a good school? It would also give me a chance to get a better GPA.

I want to ultimately attend one of the bigger schools (USC, UCLA, NUY, Chapman, LMU, etc.) So my questions are:

1. Is this a good idea, or would I miss out during those two years?

2. Is it easier to transfer into one of those schools once in college than going in as a freshman?

3. For a production major (directing) would I have to start as a freshman anyway?

4. How soon could I transfer into the schools listed? Could I do it after my Freshman year, or would I have to wait longer?

5. Are there any good schools that have pretty good programs, costing less than $30,000 a year (including housing and meals), that I could transfer from?

I know this is kind of complicated, but I really need the help.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Diego C,

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1. If you are low on money, yes this is a great idea
2. No it is not easier to transfer into one of these schools once in college, the admissions are usually more competitive because they have less transfer spots available.
3. No. Depending on the program, you may have production courses in the first two years but you will mostly have General Education courses, so you can make up the production courses you missed in your third year. If you had to enter as a freshman then there would be no transfer admissions into these programs (which there are).
4. Some schools have a minimum credit requirement before you can transfer (do your research), so you may not be able to enter after Freshman year (which shouldn't be the case if you are tight on money). You can only be accepted to UCLA's film major in you Junior year.

5. The cheapest school would be your local community college. Why pay $25,000 a year to go to a school that you know for a fact that you will transfer out of? You might as well save $20,000 and put any money towards funding the more expensive, top-tier schools.