Which LA area community college is right for me?

September 16, 2007 9:46 AM

Film major looking to transfer to UCLA via the Los Angeles area community college system. Which school would be the best fit for me?

Newbie here- I've been lurking here on MeFi for quite some time, and I finally got myself an account specifically so I could ask this question. Hi!

I currently live in Phoenix, and will be moving to to LA at the end of the year. I've been attending community college here in AZ since 2005- I have sophomore standing, fantastic grades, and 99% of my gen eds are out of the way. I initially planned on transferring to ASU's film program, but life has thrown me a curveball and the move to LA has become a necessity. Thus, I am looking to finish up the remainder of my 60 credits at an LA area community college and transfer to UCLA instead (not that I'm complaining- it is a far better school than ASU, after all).

I'm looking for a community college that offers courses in film STUDIES, as opposed to film PRODUCTION. The UCLA school of Theater, Film and Television recommends that transfer students take courses in both American and European cinema history, and I'd like to take that advice in hopes of bolstering my admission prospects. Santa Monica College seems to fit that bill, but will not offer financial aid to students with more than $10,000 in student loan debt. I'm 27 and this is my second crack at college, so I've unfortunately already exceeded that threshold.

So does anyone have any other suggestions? Most community colleges in the area (LA City College, for example) seem to be geared toward production instead of academics, but I'm wondering if there's a school somewhere I might not be thinking of.

Thanks!

posted by MiaWallace to education (5 comments total)

I was going to suggest Santa Monica College, and also wanted to let you know that just by filing a FAFSA you may be able to receive a unit fee waiver for community colleges. This happened to me for one school year where I filed the FAFSA as I anticipated going to a 4-year, but continued at a CC and ended up getting about $500-$750 in fees waived.
posted by Asherah at 10:20 AM on September 16, 2007

I believe Pasadena City College offers media/film studies classes (I'm having trouble getting past their front page on their website right now, though, so can't check out the course listings).
posted by scody at 10:47 AM on September 16, 2007

Santa Monica College is the main 'feeder' to UCLA.

I second Pasadena City College (or PCC as it's known locally).

You might also look at the California State University (CSU) system for the various campuses in LA. Dominguez Hills, Long Beach, LA, and Northridge all are full 4 years that also feed into the UC system.
posted by Argyle at 11:18 AM on September 16, 2007

Thanks guys! PCC should work out. I'm still bummed SMC isn't going to be an option, but this looks like the next best thing.

Asherah- I just looked into the fee waivers- seems like they're only granted to CA residents. But good to know for the future, thank you!
posted by MiaWallace at 11:51 AM on September 16, 2007

PCC is a fantastic community college. When I went to UCLA, I knew many PCC transfer students.

Don't go to a CSU and hope to transfer to a UC after 2 years. It's not easy. Once you are a student at a CSU, UCs don't like to accept transfer students. It's much, MUCH easier to transfer from a community college to UCLA.
posted by HotPatatta at 1:35 PM on September 16, 2007