Full Sail University Reviews of Bachelor's in Film Production

"I see a lot of negative reviews about FullSail and I’m sure everyone has their own experiences but to me it is what you make it. On thing I can say about FullSail is it is hard work. But you are provided with everything you need to complete your assignments. The instructions won’t hold your hand early on in my classes an instructor told me if I only do what the school requires I would be doing a disservice to my self and I need to shoot and do research outside of the course curriculum. Now I’m a full time worker and a parent and I didn’t at any point feel overwhelmed or felt like it was to much. Yes there was time I had to really put in work and keep myself on task to make sure I completed the work on time but that should be expected. I never had an instructor who did not make themselves available in some sort of way. Some give their phone numbers other prefer email and some only want you to communicate through the FSO site but all made themselves available. Just today I had a question and texted my instructor and was answer within the hour. Now when it comes to finding a job i already got a full time job in my career now it’s not my dream job but it’s a start to build my experience. Actually found my job but interning for FullSail. My experience here has been great and I would recommend it but remember it’s not for everyone as with anything just you get out what you put in."

"As a current student in the Film Bachelors program, my overall rating should be in the negative. Once you are in the program, responses to phone calls or emails are non-existent. I emailed the program director 3 months ago and never received a response. Financial Aid, neglects to inform you on issues pertaining to your funding until you ask questions and then they are rude. Phone calls are never returned. Instructors are previous students with little to no experience in the field to which they are teaching. Some teachers are so full of themselves and never really get to the point to which they are trying to teach. They overwhelm you with work weekly with little to no guidance or explanation on how to complete an assignment. Some months are easier than others but when you have two classes a month and both classes require tremendous amount of time to complete is nearly impossible and when you do complete it, the criticize you for not spending more time on the assignment... hello, you gave me 3 days to do it alongside another class that is also asking for something. They say you can use the studios, soundstages, etc. but make you just through hoops and make it nearly impossible. All the photos of these extravagant things are just that, photos for promoting the school which 99.9999% of the time aren't student project. My advice or my take, don't waste your $90k+ dollars to come here, go elsewhere where you will excel and succeed, you go here...you're on your own with no help...this place is a fallacy"

"Teachers are mostly made of school graduates instead of industry professionals. Teachers have given completely false information about the "real world" of film. Career development does absolutely nothing to help. They barely reached out to me once I graduated and every attempt I made to ask for advice has basically been to tell me I should have moved somewhere else or that I should work for free as an intern. Having a job after graduation was an incentive for me and I have not been able to find a job in the film industry for the past decade with this degree. I will be in student debt until I'm 38 and I'm paying 700+$ per month. You are better off looking at YouTube tutorials and finding work as a grip to get your foot in the door."

"Full Sail is a great school for a person who wants to be in the film industry, but has no idea where to start. For me, the Film Production program was eye-opening. Knowing what I know now, I should've taken a job as a PA or an intern instead of going to film school, but I wouldn't have known that without going to film school, so it all works out...I guess. When I enrolled, I knew next to nothing about how films and TV shows were made. I knew my way around a DSLR camera and I was aware of the job descriptions, but couldn't begin to tell you why each person in the credits was important. Leaving Full Sail, I felt comfortable taking an entry level gig in almost every department. I HAVE taken entry level gigs in almost every department. The best compliment I can offer is that Full Sail will accurately teach you the basic workflow and vocabulary necessary to work in the industry."

"As an online student at Full Sail, I have had numerous issues with my classes due to malfunctioning gear or software. I really like this school, don't get me wrong, but their support team is trash. They are very friendly, but rarely help solve problems. Most of the time they recommend I speak to the software/hardware companies that produce the products, or transfer me to another team, after long holding periods with no results. This does not help me in any way when it comes to turning in assignments. Most teachers are unwilling to help you out even when your software/hardware fails or is not working properly. Not to mention I have had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket to replace said software/hardware due to the warranties from the school's provided gear not even being the length of my degree program. This is a serious issue they need to work on. I'm sick of my grades being effected because of faulty hardware and lack of understanding with the professors."

"I'm really disappointed with my experience with full sail University. My experience is that this school doesn't care about it's students. Many of the teachers are lazy and unprofessional. Most of my teachers were really arrogant and not teaching me current material. They give you assignments that you can find on YouTube yourself and the school doesn't on the material. I felt misled by the Full Sail and taking advantage of. I highly recommend NOT attending full sail."

"This program taught me a lot about the ins and outs of filmmaking. Is it the best film program in the country? No but it is a good program. Most of my instructors were very professional and helped when needed. The Pros would be the launch box kit you receive from the school, it is filled with everything you need to begin your journey into the art of film. Another pro is the fact that this is an accelerated program which helps you obtain your degree in a shorter amount of time than usual. I have made a lot of contacts that Ive even worked with on other projects outside of school which is very nice. The Cons: All Of a sudden everyone in your class is an expert filmmaker. Everyone knows your vision better than you and will tell you how to create your film or project. What you have to realize is that everyone has an opinion and just let it be. You do you and nothing else. The only opinion that matters is the instructors."

"Full Sail University is a great school in my opinion. I know many people who don't finish or have success after they graduate have plenty of horrible things to say about FSU. The truth is, if you look at ANY college you will have a huge list of graduates saying they "can't find work" with their degree. People have to realize, the degrees you get from full sail are unique. These are not "trade" jobs like construction, engineering, etc. These are degrees for the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. You have to approach our industry in a different manner, meaning you need to work on your resume and network HARDER than any of these other industries. Many students who enroll at FSU come here looking for handouts because of what perceive when enrolling. REALITY CHECK - FSU is just like other schools when it comes to the job force, you hae to work hard AFTER you graduate as well to be able to start working with these Major labels and media agencies. As far as Tuition rates go, It's pretty much the same as if you were going to LSU, Univ. of Arkansas, Ohio State, etc. Expensive, but worth it in my opinion. All books and equipment are included in your tuition, meaning you're not going out trying to order books and/or equipment for class vs any of these other colleges. FYI - For those that say FSU credits don't transfer to other schools, it's because FSU is DIFFERENT from other schools. Do your research people! The prestigious BERKLEy COLLEGE OF MUSIC in Boston ACCEPTS Full Sail University credits. I'm working on my Master's at BCM as I type this. Hope this helps some people understand FSU and the unique workforce we "choose" to be in."

"Full Sail is a very fast paced school. Before a student decides to attend here you must make sure school is your only priority. The staff is what makes this the best school in America! The networking is awesome if you have to apply yourself. I still communicate with everyone m, and my professors reach out from time to time to make sure I'm doing good."

"This school most has a lot more cons than it does pros. The pros of Full Sail University is the launch box and...... that's about it. The cons of this school is that it lacks diversity among teachers, and they expect you to teach yourself the assignments. Half the time they could not provide me the material to complete my assignments. Most of the teachers there are angry condescending has beens who peaked in the 1990's who cannot find work now. Paying 60,0000 to be taught by know it all has beens. I withdrew from the course and an now attending a new University that gives me everything that I need. Thank You."

"I loved Full Sail University for it's year round curriculum and highly dedicated instructors and staff. I gained skills that helped to propel me through my term in the military as a collateral public affairs officer and now after earning my GI bill I am planning to go back to school and earn my Masters of Fine Arts in Film!"

"I had a great experience at Full Sail University. So many great memories were made at that school. Though most importantly the amazing teachers. These teachers will stick with you all the way through even after graduation. If you have a question about anything with the industry they will keep teaching you. Even though you have them for one month they truly do become family. I look Facebook and so many success stories from classmates that I graduated with. I went off to working for my own video production company and was hired on a job based on the fact that I went to Full Sail. It's top notch! Though don't think its easy. Most people go in thinking it's easy and everything will be given to you. It's hard. Though if you show up to class on time and you should be on Lombardi time. (If you don't know what that is then look it up before you go to Full Sail.) If you do the work, participate, and NETWORK you will do just fine. The biggest flaw to the school is that their career placement department is not very good. They will keep up with you for about a week or two after graduation and then they just float out to sea and you won't ever hear from them again. Though don't worry if you go through this school and manage to succeed you won't need this department to help you. You will fall into a job fairly easy. Though it will take time but if you put all of your heart into finding a job you will get it."

"So I thought I would review my Full Sail experience, as I am currently enrolled in an online course, with a few months till completion. First, some of the bad things you hear about Full Sail are true. For me, the one major issue is the lack of communication from some teachers. Some of them don't really teach, they just outline what they want you to do and don't offer any real feedback. I have heard from some students that get very frustrated. I already had a lot of experience using much of the software needed for classes. However if it is you first time using video editing software, don't expect the teacher to show you how to operate the software. For many classes it is on you to figure out how to use the equipment provided. Which can be more challenging, but if you are not use to learning that way, I could see it becoming disheartening. Which is why I think many student become disenfranchised with the classes. That said, I have had some amazing online classes, with some great teachers. Some of them, you can really tell are very passionate. I feel it brakes down like this. 40% of the classes are great with amazing teachers. They go above and beyond to help you, if they can. 40% of classes are just okay. The teacher is fine, not great, but you don't feel lost. 20% of classes, you never hear from the teacher and maybe get a few videos explaining the concepts being covered. These are the classes in which you feel like it's all a waste of time. But even these classes can be informative, it's just on you more to teach yourself. I think, like all schools, if you put in work, it can be rewarding. If you mess around, you are going to struggle."

"A complete waste of time. I could have networked in popular film environments and landed a job. Saving me 80k in debt. Egotistical teachers and horrible learning techniques. Met nice people that's all that was interesting about that place. I wouldn't advise anyone to go here. When I was looking at colleges I thought that the bad reviews weren't a deal breaker but I was wrong."

"Great education as a technician. Not so much on the creative aspect. Fast degree and lots of debt."

"It was fast, and efficient. I wish that the courses were longer. I wish that we had been helped more after college to get into the work force."

"The Digital Cinematography BS program is great for those who are interested in the latest digital formats for filming. It's a comprehensive course, packed with lots of practical information and projects to get you up and running. It's an accelerated curriculum and is not for those who need the classroom interaction to get motivated. In order to succeed and get the most out of the course, you have to be self-motivated and really want to learn and apply the techniques and information."