APPLICATION INFORMATION



REQUIREMENTS

If you have completed your junior year in high school by June 2012, and would like to apply to the Film & Video Production, you must:

• rank academically in or near the top 30 percent of your high school class and submit a current transcript of high school credits

• submit results of the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), when available

• meet a high standard of character, dependability, and intelligence

• give evidence of special ability or interest in the media arts

• complete by July 1, 2012, your junior year of high school

The Film & Video Production is a competitive program, and application decisions are based on ability and merit. Enrollment is limited.

DEADLINES

Early Admission: March 9, 2012. If your application, resume, recommendation, essays and transcript are received by March 2, you will be notified no later than April 1.

Regular Admission: April 13, 2012. If your application, resume, recommendation, essays, and transcript are received by April 6, you will be notified no later than May 1.

Late Admission: Late applications will be accepted with a $75 application fee and only if space is available.

It is the applicants responsibility to make sure that ALL necessary application materials have been received in the NHSI office by the deadline dates.

If you are not sure that your application is complete, please call (800) 662-NHSI or e-mail us, nhsi@northwestern.edu.

FEES

The basic fee for this program is $4900.This includes tuition, room, board, health service (not insurance), field trips, and group events. Any additional expenses are at your discretion.

The fee for ACTING ON CAMERA is $4000.

girl camera

A $50 non-refundable application fee must accompany each application. ($75 after April 6)

If you are unable to pay the application fee, call or write us to request a fee waiver.

HOW TO APPLY

In order to be accepted into the Film & Video Division, you must complete the 5 requirements listed. 

1.Click here to apply online and for online payment of application fee

2. On a sheet of paper, describe your activities and coursework (Resume).

3. Ask your media teacher or other appropriate teacher for a letter of recommendation that gives us an estimate of your talents and abilities. The letter should also discuss your personal characteristics, such as initiative, reliability, leadership, and ability to work with others.

4. Ask your guidance counselor to send us the following items: (or you can have them give you the official copy to send to us)

  • A transcript of your high school record (OFFICIAL COPY)
  • School profile sheet
  • Your PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT scores or other standardized test scores - if available  (these can be sent directly from the student as well)

5. ALL APPLICANTS - Write a one-page statement telling why you want to attend the National High School Institute.

Animation Applicants - In a two-page essay, discuss the importance of animation to the world today and use 2 animated films you have seen to support your thoughts.

Screenwriting Applicants – Name 2 films that you think were extraordinarily well written and in a two-page essay describe what made the script excellent.

Production Applicants – Write a two-page essay, describing the contributions of the writer, director, and editor in one film you believe was particularly brilliant. Devote the last paragraph to a description of your preferred role on a production team (i.e., producer, writer-director, cinematographer, editor).

Acting Applicants – Write 2 one-page essays discussing:
1-a film that in your opinion was; 1.enhanced by the acting; 2. hurt by the acting.  Be specific and in the last paragraph tell us what you would have done differently as an actor in this film.
2-a particular actor you respect and list tendencies that make his/her performances shine brighter than most.  Use specific films to support your opinions.  What makes you want to emulate this actor?  In the last paragraph discuss consistent traits that this actor uses from film to film.

  • The application fee and all 5 parts of the application (including financial aid form and associated paperwork if applicant is applying for financial aid) are required to complete an application.
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that all pieces of the application reach the NHSI office by the deadline date.
  • All pieces of the application must REACH THE NHSI OFFICE on or before the deadline date.
  • To check on the completion of your application, please call 1-800-662-NHSI or email us at nhsi@northwestern.edu

Each applicant must:

  • Carefully read the 5  requirements of the Film & Video Division listed above
  • Complete and submit the on-line application (including application fee)
  • Send items 2 through 5 (together or separately) to:

Film & Video Division
National High School Institute
Northwestern University
617 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL  60208-4165

P. 800.662-NHSI
P. 847.491.3026
Fax 847.467.1057
nhsi@northwestern.edu