How did you shape your application?
I tried to be very honest about the stories I wanted to tell and the kinds of films I respond to. That made the essays easier to write well.
What improved your work most?
Revision and outside feedback. By the end, the portfolio felt less like a set of pieces and more like a coherent introduction.
What is your advice for younger students?
Do not wait for permission to make work. The more projects you complete, the easier it is to talk about your process with confidence.
Why USC?
I was drawn to the ambition of the program and the possibility of learning in a place where so much screen culture is happening nearby.
