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.
Student Interview
Applying To Film School: Madeline Bhaskar on USC
Madeline Bhaskar shares how she kept her USC application personal, specific, and grounded in the work she actually wanted to make.
Madeline Bhaskar’s interview is a good reminder that selective applications do not need inflated language. They need sharp self-knowledge, strong materials, and a clear sense of why your work matters to you.
Interview Highlights
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.
Keep Reading
Related articles in the same creative lane.
Film
Film College Interviews: Advice From SOCAPA Alumni
SOCAPA alumni share how they prepared portfolios, interviews, and applications for top film programs.
Film
Best Film Schools in the United States (2027 Guide)
The best film schools in the US, from USC and NYU Tisch to AFI and UCLA: what makes each program distinctive and how to choose the right one.