I am struggling with the same issues as Andrew, but I decided to wait for a year and have a good preparation for SAT, TOEFL and time to put together my portfolio. Actually I will apply for some finnish filmschool like The University of art and design Helsinki and after one year studies there(In case got in), I will apply for American filmschool or just take part in student change.

I`ve found out a better way of getting into Tisch.
I`ve found a ukrainian company, that helps ukrainian students to go to study in the US.
And they gave me a plan:
Step 1. College of Marin (2 year, transfer programm)
Step 2. Tisch (at least! it`s my dream).
What do tou think about this strategy?

It sounds to me a good plan

I did a similar thing. I went for one year to long island university: C.W. Post Campus and transfered into tisch. I HIGHlY recommend it. I came into tisch as a sophomore with only one gen ed left and 2 semesters of 16mm filmmaking experience....plus it was cheaper