how i got into a top film school | Chapman University Dodge College

[@LynnAMV]

I just got into Chapman University's Film School with my first choice emphasis of Cinematography. Best word of advice, especially if you live near Chapman, always be in contact. My essays were pretty solid but not my strongest, however, I was the few that interviewed for Chapman University and keep sending my counselor updates of what rewards or nominations I am taking a part in. As much as grades matter, actually doing film related extracurriculars help a drastic amount. I have a weak gpa of 3.6 unweighted gpa (3.9 if it's weighted) but I always keep filming everyday. Literally every single night, I am off filming something, doesn't matter what it is but I was out there filming all the time. I filmed sport promos at first, then made short films, to eventually building a freelancing business with several clients that want me to film for them (even for small local businesses). Never stop following that passion and keep being a filmmaker, I believe in all of you! Now I just gotta find a way to make the cost of attendance affordable, so prayers for me to hopefully succeed in applying for my scholarships.

[@Slipthestrangewolf]

Hey I was just accepted for Creative Producing! Can't wait to work with you!

[@JagBoii]

No way man! I also was accepted to Chapman for Writing in Film and TV. Hope to see you around in the fall :)

[@filmbros.478]

What camera do you use?

[@bespectacled]

Proud of you! I'm applying to film schools for 2022, so this is quite helpful :)

[@BrandonDinh]

Good luck!!

[@kuhn1696]

Same here!

[@bespectacled]

(psssst I got in :))

[@CheesyHfj]

Got accepted into Chapman for animation last month! Still crossing my fingers for USC 🤞but Chapman is a close close second pick.

[@BrandonDinh]

Good luck!!

[@henryshriberfilm]

During my college application process last year, I viewed this video as I anxiously applied to Dodge College, my dream film school. I am now attending Chapman University and majoring in Film and Television Production with an emphasis on directing. Thank you for this encouraging video, you helped me believe that I could do it!

[@VelvetWoodly]

My daughter is applying to Dodge for Broadcast Journalism. We started visiting universities literally across the globe. To say that she fell in love with Chapman and Dodge is an understatement. She has a great resume and portfolio of work and is excited to apply for the fall 2024 Freshman year.

[@evlinwalsh1524]

Thank you so much for being so sincere with this video! I am just starting the application process right now and you're right, it is so daunting and easy to start second guessing everything about yourself. Your tips were great! I loved how you talked about wearing your heart on your sleeve and that you really have to "TRY" but if you push yourself, you may be surprised at what you can accomplish. I also loved the topic of comparison and how it can be so discouraging to compare yourself to others who have gotten in to top schools. What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to the story in a short film application to Chapman?

[@BrandonDinh]

Thanks so much for your comments!! Story is the most important aspect in the application by far. They don't care if you're cinematography is great or your editing is perfect, they try to see if you can be a storyteller in a video format. With 2 minutes, it's also important to have a digestible and not overly complicated story as well. hope this helps!!

[@bluebee2236]

ah its a bit dissapointing to hear that a 3.5 caused you to be so worried when I'm hovering around a 3.1 and I'm still hoping for Chapman. i know its a pipe dream right now but if I don't get in I'll just transfer in later!

[@logicfrogmedia]

Great video! I was looking for stuff like this about Chapman, and you totally delivered- plus you told a story! Congrats on getting accepted!

[@gpere328]

3:19 Bro I relate to this so much. My school has NOTHING film wise.

[@jakegunn6351]

Is there any classes you’d recommend taking during highschool? And do test scores matter? And what stuff outside of school would you recommend doing? (I’m a freshman in hs and Chapman is the college I want to get into)

[@lovemorgan6690]

i’ve been looking for something on getting into dodge with a lower gpa so this came just in time, thank you so much!!

[@BrandonDinh]

for sure! I also wished there was something like this too when I was applying so I'm glad that it reached others

[@YEARTI]

Appreciate this video so much I’m 17 right now and I have a 3.536 GPA going into senior year and been stressing over it. Even though I have done so much creatively. Working with KZbin the company itself and video editing for companies and creators. It’s just that first year really ruined my GPA and Chapman counts your GPA for all your years of high-school not like USC of UCLA which I’m not worried as much cause I average a 3.8. I’ma just try my best thanks again. One question: did you meet any other people who had similar GPAs like you and when it came to the portfolio essays and film that’s where it helped and got them in.

[@abbym9262]

i have the same gpa as u and at this point to get into my dream school i need to write a great essay and produce a great short film. i’m just rly nervous that i’m gonna get rejected i don’t know what i’ll do if i don’t go to this school lol

[@BrandonDinh]

you'll do great!

[@Sprouht]

Hey Brandon! I came across your feed from the Yes Theory channel/groups! This is an awesome video! Big big props brother I saw your previous vid and then this - incredible. Happy for you and I hope that Chapman is everything you ask for! As for a bit on myself (my name is William!), I started making content with the aim of teaching people to break free of societal norms by seeking discomfort & testing their own limits! A few months after starting, my friends told me to check out this channel called Yes Theory as they said my content reminded them of it.. and like you, I’ve been so inspired by the lifestyle they preach!! Hope you have an awesome day and you are awesome, keep being you! 😁☝🏻

[@jakeditargiani1875]

yooo I got in for film too and I'll see you there!

[@BrandonDinh]

ayyyy see ya there!!

[@tencentgames8334]

Hey man you are so same like me! Because i also get sudden ideas for film at night!

[@madediting9132]

I'm also in dodge for fall 2021!

[@andreaanahi9922]

Congrats on chapman! I'm currently a business major there 😄

[@BrandonDinh]

can’t wait to be on campus

[@rigzmoviediaries654]

Thank you so much for this, Brandon! You're a real MVP. I'm going to try applying for the dodge school of film and without this video I'd be way more lost. Your help is much appreciated and I will use it.

[@BrandonDinh]

no problem!! wishing you the best of luck!!

[@drereviews8868]

That’s awesome man, I just found out I got into to dodge as well as a screenwriting transfer major.

[@BrandonDinh]

thats awesome!!

[@vanillakitten1210]

when doing the personal/creative statement essay (especially as someone trying to get into the film/screenwriting program) would you say style or substance matters more? if your writing and ability to hook whoever’s looking over it is good, is that worth more than actually having original or insightful things to say about yourself? i ask this because i am an incredibly boring person with an incredibly boring life and a shit memory, so i genuinely don’t think i could write a personal statement that had any value *content* wise.

[@BrandonDinh]

with the personal statement essay, you really want to show WHY you are a storyteller and HOW you see the world differently. The fact that you're writing ability is great will definitely help because you can take a boring experience and write in a cinematic meaningful way, which is what they want to see. I think as you write you will find substance unexpectedly as all great writers do ;) Overall, as the prompt says, what makes YOU unique. What makes YOU, YOU

[@purplevorpal]

I’m a little reversed. I have a 3.8 but I didn’t do a lot with film in high school. I already applied ed and I’m very very nervous.

[@Tropistact]

thats neat man congrats :3

[@HarrisonLapahie]

Very good video! I hope you make it there. Chapman is a beautiful school ! It's just very expensive!

[@johnstevens1380]

I’ve got no clue what to write about for my personal statement. I just feel so stuck.

[@kimtan1598]

we only take Ws here

[@mxxatlaw]

bro big ups and congrats, i just applied for fall ‘21 for business. you made me feel a lot better about having a similar GPA fr. bless 🙏

[@BrandonDinh]

thats great to hear! good luck bro!

[@tencentgames8334]

Can you tell me how is the cost for undergraduate and about scholarship? Because i also want to study in this University!

[@BrandonDinh]

the undergraduate cost and scholarship info can be found online!

[@vaniavieira6012]

@@BrandonDinh I can't find🙂

[@thomastran6240]

Teacher part was too accurate😭

[@hannahnguyen5482]

will definitely consider these tips when i apply for college last year!!

[@BrandonDinh]

yourE welcome!

[@tatiana_films]

Hey I got an interview for dodge fall 21, do you have any interview tips!? Great video! I’m subscribing

[@BrandonDinh]

I personally didn't interview but I think its great for the admission officer to stand out even more

[@nightflower4642]

What if I don’t have a camera?

[@natalievo328]

rising youtuber coming through 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@keleara3992]

this video is so relatable😣✨

[@jilliand6642]

Thank you for making this video! Super helpful :)

[@strawberrymomo2311]

Is there a limit to how many short films you can submit in your film application or how long they have to be?

[@BrandonDinh]

one film and 2 mins max!

[@billydang4057]

ur beautiful sir

[@vanillakitten1210]

hearing ppl say 3.5 is low :(

[@heyitsjackie959]

me who has a 3.3 :c

[@nightplays7367]

Does Chapman university offer full ride scholarships for international students

[@taral1850]

👏

[@michaelmoreno6017]

I’m applying to dodge right now for fall semester 😖

[@BrandonDinh]

ayyy wishing you good luck dude!

[@michaelmoreno6017]

@@BrandonDinh Thank you!! I'm so nervous yet so excited

[@jlyn002]

congrats!! I just got admitted to Chapman but for graphic design.

[@viajera3197]

Are you allowed to use copyrighted music for the application film?

[@BrandonDinh]

yup! the film isn't posted publicly unless you do it yourself

[@hansontran6745]

those sharkbait videos really paid off huh

[@BrandonDinh]

for real