Policies & Procedures

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

 Applicants pursuing a campus or online degree must submit the following to be considered for admission:

APPLICATION  

A complete application for admission must be submitted either online through the school’s admissions portal (apply.lafilm.edu) 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: lafilm.edu. 

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 below, 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. 

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. 

GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION

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. 

LEGAL HISTORY

The Los Angeles Film School is committed to providing an outstanding student experience within a safe learning environment. As part of that commitment, students with legal history must provide a written explanation of that history (misdemeanor traffic offenses are not included in this requirement).  Based on the response, a background check may be requested.

READINESS ASSESSMENT 

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS

Applicants for 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 program’s portion completed before withdrawal.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY  

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 and Full Bachelor’s Degree Programs (with the exception of the Bachelor of Entertainment Business and the Bachelor 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)
  • A raw score of 66 and an adjusted score of 81 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency (MTEP)
  • A score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
  • A score of 53 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
  • TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) — Must complete both exams below:
    • Listening/Reading: 700
    • Speaking/Writing: 7 or 270
  • Accuplacer— Must complete all of the following with the minimum scores below:
    • Listening: 70
    • Reading: 82
    • Sentence Meaning: 82
    • Language Use: 88
    • Write Placer: 4
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE) 
    • FIRST Certificate with an overall score of C or higher (equivalent to CEFR B2)
    • Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
    • Must achieve ISE II (must pass both exams)
  • EIKEN
    • Must achieve EIKEN Grade Pre-1
  • Oxford Tutorial College Certificate (Oxford TCC)
    • Must achieve C1 (Independent User Level)
  • Oxford ELLT test 
    • Must achieve a minimum score of 7 to fulfill English proficiency requirement 
  • DUOLINGO English Test
    • Must achieve a minimum score of 110

Bachelor of Entertainment Business and Bachelor 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)
  • A score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • A score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
  • A score of 53 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
  • TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) — Must complete both exams below:
    • Listening/Reading: 70
    • Speaking/Writing: 7 or 270
  • Accuplacer ­­— Must complete all of the following with the minimum scores below:
    • Listening: 70
    • Reading: 82
    • Sentence Meaning: 82
    • Language Use: 88
    • Write Placer: 4
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE) 
    • FIRST Certificate with an overall score of C or higher (equivalent to CEFR B2)
    • Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
    • Must achieve ISE II (must pass both exams)
  • EIKEN
    • Must achieve EIKEN Grade Pre-1
  • Oxford Tutorial College Certificate (Oxford TCC)
    • Must achieve C1 (Independent User Level)
  • Oxford ELLT test 
    • Must achieve a minimum score of 7 to fulfill English proficiency requirement. 
  • DUOLINGO English Test
    • Must achieve a minimum score of 110

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS 

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. LAFS requires nonimmigrant students present in the United States under a Visa Waiver, B-1, and B-2 status to change to F-1 or another qualifying status prior to enrolling in programs of study (other than avocational or recreational courses).

Important International Student Disclosure – International students attending LAFS under F-1 visas 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. No 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.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING FORM I-20 SPONSORSHIP  

International students requiring Form 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 professional foreign academic evaluation and translation service to confirm that prior training is equivalent to the prerequisite for admission.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (see English Language Proficiency Policy above).
  • 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 nonimmigrant classification must submit written confirmation of nonimmigrant status at the 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. The Los Angeles Film School does not issue visas or provide visa services.

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 at www.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.

Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits & Credentials Earned at Our Institution

The transferability of credits that a student earns at The Los Angeles Film School is at the complete discretion of the institution to which the student may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree a student earns in the program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which the student may seek to transfer. If the credits or degree that a student earns at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which the student seeks to transfer, the student may be required to repeat some or all of their coursework at that institution. The Los Angeles Film School does not maintain transfer agreements with other colleges.

For this reason, students should make certain that their attendance at this institution will meet their educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which the student may seek to transfer after attending The Los Angeles Film School to determine if their credits or degree will transfer.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Students who would like to request an evaluation of prior credit for potential transfer must submit a written request and provide official transcripts from the institution or entity awarding the credit within 30 days after their program start date. 

Veterans receiving GI Bill® benefits while attending The Los Angeles Film School are required to submit transcripts for any previous education or training for evaluation, granting of prior credit, and possible shortening of the length of the program. 

The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

NON-U.S. INSTITUTIONS

Students with degrees from non-U.S. colleges and universities must submit an evaluation and English language translation (if applicable) prepared by a professional foreign academic credential evaluation and translation service to confirm USA equivalency.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Students may be required to provide copies of course descriptions from the academic catalog or course syllabus published by the institution awarding the credit.

ACCEPTABLE GRADES

Only courses with an earned grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher will be considered for transfer credit.

LEVEL OF TRANSFER CREDITS

Only undergraduate-level credits (100-level course or equivalent and above) taken at an accredited institution of higher education and of an equivalent credit amount will be considered for transfer. No remedial or developmental courses will be considered for transfer. Credit earned at other institutions must be of equivalent course level: e.g. lower-division (100 and 200) and upper-division (300 and 400) credits may only transfer into equivalent lower- and upper-division courses at the Los Angeles Film School.

TRANSFER CREDIT REQUEST & REVIEW PROCESS

Core Course Evaluation: (technical and occupationally related courses—non-general education) are reviewed by the Academic Program’s Director. The acceptance of credit for transfer is primarily based on the competencies achieved by the student in previously completed coursework and whether the competencies reasonably align with the coursework and the program into which the credit is to be transferred. Students wishing to receive transfer credit must provide supporting documentation (syllabus, course description, etc.) for review and complete a Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form.

General Education Evaluation: These are reviewed by the Director of General Education Programs The acceptance of credit for transfer is primarily based on the competencies achieved by the student in previously completed coursework and whether the competencies reasonably align with the coursework and the programmatic outcomes into which the credit is to be transferred. Students wishing to receive transfer credit must provide supporting documentation (syllabus, course description, etc.) for review and complete a Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form.

The student requesting transfer credit completes the Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form. The official transcript is uploaded to the school’s student information system, Anthology Document Tracking.

For transfer of credit from prior Los Angeles Film School courses:

  • In cases of a student re-entering a Los Angeles Film School Program, the Registrar Coordinator will manage and approve currently active course transfers within the same program.
  • In cases where courses have changed between the time a student left a program and is re-entering, the Registrar Coordinator will manage the process, but courses will be evaluated and be approved for transfer by the appropriate Program Director(s).
  • In cases of a student re-entering into a Los Angeles Film School Program that is different from the program in which they were originally enrolled, the Re-Entry Specialist will manage and approve currently any active course transfers that are identical between the two programs (e.g. common general education courses) and will forward any courses that differ for evaluation and approval for transfer by the appropriate Program Director(s).

PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The school does not grant credit for prior experiential learning.

PROFICIENCY CREDIT FROM EXTERNAL SOURCES

Official documents related to CLEP or AP scores or similar means to demonstrate proficiency for credit must be received by the school prior to the class start. No more than 25 percent of a program’s required credits will be considered for any type of proficiency credit.

Advanced Placement. Some foundation courses can be obtained through College Board’s AP Studio examinations. Students who take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and score three or higher on the AP exam or four or higher on the IB exam for those courses while in secondary school may receive proficiency credit. This score applies to all subjects. All materials must be received from the Scholastic College Board organization and evaluated prior to the start of the program of enrollment.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Complete the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and earn a score of 50 or higher on computer-based CLEP examinations equivalent to college courses prior to the start of the program of enrollment.
Military Experience Credits. Complete training, employment, or other educational experience in the military as measured through DANTES, DSST examinations, or as shown on an American Council on Education (ACE) transcript. The school recognizes and uses the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services to determine the value of learning acquired in military service. We award credit for appropriate learning acquired in military service at levels consistent with ACE Guide recommendations when applicable to a Service member’s program. In addition, we utilize the Joint Services Transcript in our processing of prior learning experiences for possible transfer credit.

TOTAL ALLOWABLE TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Students must earn a minimum of 25 percent of the total program credits required for graduation in residency at The Los Angeles Film School and may only be granted a maximum of 75 percent of the total program credits required for graduation through transfer credit earned at an outside institution and/or proficiency testing.