I'm writing to let you know the good news that my son has been accepted at his Number One choice for college, the Tisch Undergraduate Film Program at NYU. As you know, he decided at the end of September to apply only to schools that offered an undergraduate film major, focusing on those with a greater emphasis on filmmaking than on academic film studies. He also sought out colleges with a solid core curriculum in the Humanities rather than more specialized art schools. In the end he applied to ten schools: NYU, USC, UCLA, SF State, U. Texas at Austin, Syracuse, Chapman University, B.U., Ithaca College, and Bard.
In December, after college visits and considerable research, and taking into account his six weeks' experience at the USC School of Cinematic Arts summer school, he decided to go for "Early Decision II" at NYU, as he believes that, all things considered, Tisch offers the ideal program for him: great resources, and emphasis on hands-on filmmaking, and a reputation for valuing high intellectual standards and artistic originality (vs. the more commercial industry-focused program exemplified by USC).
The great news is that he was accepted at Tisch! He's over the moon, and so are his Mom and I.
The creative and intellectual guidance and support you gave to him was clearly formative and catalytic, and he continues to think of you as a great mentor, and someone who made a real difference in his life. He will never forget you, and what you gave him. Thank you.
Our son’s entire experience at Oxbow was transformative, and you and the school made a tremendous difference in his life. It was the turning point in his high school experience, and he returned to Packer Collegiate a stronger student and person as a result. I've said this before -- but his acceptance at NYU is a tangible proof that what he and we have believed since he returned is a fact.