Admissions Requirements (2024)

At The Los Angeles Film School, we accept students who are serious about pursuing their careers in the world of entertainment media.

The Los Angeles Film School has an open enrollment policy, with new start dates every four weeks. Prospective online and campus students are encouraged to take a virtual tour and discuss their personal, educational and occupational goals with the Office of Admissions.

Enrollment is open to high school graduates, or equivalent, who are interested in entering the entertainment industry. We do not require any previous experience in the entertainment field for admission. Find out more about our admission requirements below.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Applicants must submit the completed application and fulfill all the requirements therein.

ONLINE READINESS ASSESSMENT

Students applying to distance learning programs are required to complete an Online Readiness Assessment. The assessment asks a comprehensive series of questions to determine whether the student is prepared for distance learning programs.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OR THE EQUIVALENT

The Los Angeles Film School requires all applicants to have completed high school and received a standard high school diploma or an equivalent credential. The following are acceptable for fulfilling this requirement:

Standard High School Diploma

• General Educational Development (GED) passing test scores and/or the GED diploma, other equivalent, state-approved diploma examination scores.
• Completion of an associate’s or higher-level degree from an accredited postsecondary educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Confirmation that the applicant has successfully completed the California HiSET (high school equivalency test) received directly from the testing center.
• Home School. Documentation of the completion of secondary school through homeschooling as defined by applicable state law and the student satisfies compulsory school attendance requirements in California or is exempt from such requirements.
• Documentation of successful completion of a state-authorized examination from a state other than California that the jurisdiction recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma; or
• For non-U.S. transcripts or diplomas, an evaluation prepared by a professional foreign academic credential evaluation and translation service to confirm that prior training is equivalent to the prerequisite for admission.

HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION DOCUMENTATION

• Applicants must provide documentation of high school completion or the equivalent prior to starting a program.
• The Los Angeles Film School may request additional documentation to verify the successful completion of high school (such as, but not limited to, student transcripts) and/or to assess the preparation provided by the issuing institution.
• In all cases, The Los Angeles Film School retains the sole discretion to determine whether or not the secondary training completed by the applicant is sufficient to satisfy the high school graduation admission requirement.
• Applicants who are unable to provide high school completion documentation due to the unavailability of academic records (such as a natural disaster or closure of the issuing institution) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors for consideration may include, but are not limited to, confirmation from a reliable authority that the institution cannot produce the records or that the records are not attainable.

VALIDITY OF HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION DOCUMENTATION

Additional documentation is required if The Los Angeles Film School has reason to believe that the high school diploma provided by the applicant is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education.

• The Los Angeles Film School will request additional documentation to verify the successful completion of high school (such as, but not limited to, student transcripts) and/or to assess the preparation provided by the issuing institution.
  The institution, from which the high school diploma was earned, must provide documentation that confirms the validity of the student’s diploma.
• Confirmation or documentation from a relevant department or agency, in the state in which the secondary school is located, that the secondary school is recognized as a provider of secondary school education must be provided.
• If applicable, confirmation of current accreditation from a recognized agency must be provided.
• In all cases, The Los Angeles Film School retains the sole discretion to determine whether or not the secondary training completed by the applicant is sufficient to satisfy the high school graduation admission requirement.

PRIOR COLLEGE DEGREE

For any bachelor’s degree completion program, applicants must also submit an official college transcript issued from the institution to LAFS, documenting completion of an associate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the equivalent.

Applicants must submit a government issued photo ID. The following are examples of photo identification that are accepted by the school:

• Copy of a Valid State Issued Driver’s License
• Copy of a Valid State Issued Identification Card
• Copy of a Valid Passport

Note: Copies of military identification cards are not accepted.

APPLICATION

A complete application for admission must be submitted either online through the school’s application portal or in person (Admissions Department, 6353 Sunset Blvd., 1st Floor, Hollywood, CA 90028) in order for a student to be considered for admission. No student is guaranteed admission and LAFS reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to approve or deny an application for admission consistent with applicable laws and requirements. The Los Angeles Film School does not discriminate against students enrolled at the school on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, disability, or national origin. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the school and/or attend a webinar prior to or during their preferred program of study. Arrangements for a tour of the school may be made by contacting the Admissions Department or scheduling directly via the website.
The school reserves the right to request any additional information necessary to evaluate an applicant’s potential for academic success and deny admission to applicants who cannot demonstrate that they are capable of successfully completing and benefiting from the program, are prepared for postsecondary coursework, or lack interest in the program of study. In all cases, LAFS retains the sole discretion to determine whether or not the prior secondary or postsecondary training completed by the applicant is sufficient to satisfy the admissions requirements.

MINIMUM AGE

Provided the applicant possesses one of the required forms of high school completion documentation listed above, there is no minimum enrollment age. However, the student must be of legal age at the LAFS program graduation date to be eligible to work within the chosen profession. A parent of an applicant under 18 years old must sign the applicant’s enrollment agreement.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

All applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate competence in the English language. This requirement can be satisfied if the applicant (a) has successfully completed coursework in high school in the United States; (b) submits a diploma from a secondary school in a system in which English is the official language of instruction; (c) has completed an American standardized test (SAT, ACT, or GRE) exam evidencing English comprehension; or (d) has completed one or more years of postsecondary education at an English-speaking institution and can demonstrate completed coursework in English courses. If the applicant does not meet one of the English language proficiencies listed above, the applicant must provide the minimum acceptable proof of English language proficiency through one of the following:

Associate’s and Full Bachelor’s Degree Programs (with the exception of the Bachelor’s of Entertainment Business and the Bachelor’s of Entertainment Business Completer programs)

Presenting the Level 110 certificate of completion of ELS coursework or official documentation from an accredited ESL program that the applicant has completed an equivalent college-level English language program, or presenting an official minimum score on one of the following English proficiency exams:

• A score of 61 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based (iBT);
• A score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
• A raw score of 66 and an adjusted score of 81 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency (MTEP).

Bachelor’s of Entertainment Business and Bachelor’s of Entertainment Business Completer Degree Programs
Presenting the Level 112 certificate of completion of ELS coursework or official documentation from another accredited ESL program that the applicant has completed an equivalent advanced college-level English language program or presenting an official minimum score on one of the following English proficiency exams:

• A score of 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based (iBT); or
• A score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Students’ educational training takes place in a variety of production environments, including classrooms, sound stages, off-campus locations, project studios, computer labs and environments used for distance learning. While performing various activities in classes and labs, students are required to verbally communicate effectively with other students and instructors, and interact appropriately with computer systems, audio, video, lighting, and other production equipment as necessary. While enrolled, students may be subject to bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping, and lifting up to thirty (30) pounds. Students must therefore meet minimum physical requirements in order to perform the essential duties required to successfully complete their program. Applicants should contact the ADA Coordinator for the list of specific requirements for their selected degree program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE PROGRAMS

Applicants to distance education/online degree programs must have a computer during the initial months of the program that allow access to our Learning Management System (LMS) and corresponding materials along with reliable high-speed Internet connection.

STATE AUTHORIZATION DISCLOSURE FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

LAFS is authorized to enroll students residing in some U.S. states and territories in its online degree programs. A list of the states where LAFS can accept students for enrollment in online degree programs is located at www.lafilm.edu/accreditation.

If a student enrolled in an online program is going to move from an approved state to a non-approved state, he or she must notify LAFS as far in advance as possible. LAFS cannot guarantee that a student’s new home state will allow the student to complete his/her program at LAFS. If the new home state does not recognize or approve LAFS to offer instruction via distance education in their state, the student will be administratively withdrawn. Administratively withdrawn students are still responsible for the tuition and fees incurred for the portion of the program completed prior to withdrawal.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

All international students must meet the same admissions standards as all other students (please refer to Admissions Requirements above). International students applying to SEVP-certified schools and requiring the school’s sponsorship for international student visa status (Form I-20) must meet the additional requirements listed below. The school requires nonimmigrant students present in Visa Waiver, B-1, and B-2 status to change visa to F-1 or other qualifying status prior to enrolling in programs of study (other than avocational or recreational courses).

Important International Student Disclosure – International students attending the school under F-1 visas (Form I-20) are required to maintain a “full course of study” during each academic term of their programs of study. This is defined as a minimum of 12 credits per 16-week semester Not more than 1 online course or 3 online credits per semester may be counted toward meeting the “full course of study” requirement.

THIS SCHOOL IS AUTHORIZED UNDER FEDERAL LAW TO ENROLL NONIMMIGRANT ALIEN STUDENTS.

International students requiring an I-20 must submit the following items in addition to the standard documents required for admission:

• Original or official copies of all educational transcripts and diplomas (secondary and postsecondary if applicable).
• English language translation(s) of education transcripts and diplomas, if applicable.
• For non-U.S. transcripts or diplomas, an evaluation prepared by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)-member organization to confirm that prior training is equivalent to the prerequisite for admission.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (see English Language Proficiency Policy)
• Proof of financial responsibility to cover costs of tuition and fees and living expenses for at least one academic year (official bank statements, Sponsor’s Statement of Support, if required). Please note that all fees must be paid in United States currency.

Applicants for a campus-based degree program are required to obtain the proper visa in order to study full time. Nonimmigrant applicants residing in the United States at the time of application must submit a photocopy of the visa page contained within the student’s passport as well as a photocopy of the student’s I/94 arrival departure record (both sides). Nonimmigrant applicants residing in the United States at the time of application in either, F, M, or J non-immigrant classification must submit written confirmation of nonimmigrant status at previous school attended before transferring to the School.

International students requiring Form I-20 who meet all Admissions Requirements and are subsequently accepted for enrollment will be issued the Form I-20. It is the responsibility of each such international student to obtain an appropriate student visa from the U.S. Department of State for attendance at LAFS. It is the responsibility of each such international student to cover all requisite expenses associated with the acquisition of an appropriate student visa from the U.S. Department of State. The issuance of Form I-20 to an international student who has been accepted for enrollment is the extent to which LAFS will advocate for student visa status to the U.S. Department of State.

International students may contact LAFS’s International Department for additional information. LAFS maintains an International Department staffed with individuals to provide international students guidance on the acquisition of appropriate student visas per the guidelines set forth by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the U.S. Department of State.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Los Angeles Film School does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion, veteran’s status, genetic marker, or any other characteristic protected by state, local, or federal law in our programs and activities. The Los Angeles Film School provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Los Angeles Film School will not retaliate against persons bringing forward allegations of harassment or discrimination.Students with questions or concerns regarding LAFS’s Non-Discrimination Policy are encouraged to complete the student concern questionnaire found atwww.lafilm.edu/accreditation/student-complaints. Based on the nature of the inquiry, the appropriate staff/administrator will address the inquiry and coordinate the school’s efforts in partnership with the compliance department

MILITARY APPLICANTS

The military document DD214 is NOT an acceptable means of proving high school or high school equivalency certification of completion.

COMPLETION DEGREES

Applicants to a bachelor’s degree completion program must also submit an official college transcript documenting completion of an associate degree from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (bachelor’s degree completion program only).