Spielberg was turned down by Film School

There was a period when one esteemed academic institution failed to recognize Spielberg's talent or promise. The prospective director submitted an application to the University of Southern California's film program but was turned down a staggering three times which is one of the interesting facts about Steven Spielberg. Following his high school graduation, Spielberg relocated to Los Angeles. His low grades led to three rejections from the University of Southern California Film School. He had no desire to pursue a career in academia and solely wanted to be a filmmaker.

Spielberg later submitted an application to California State University and was approved. Here, he joined the Theta Chi Fraternity as a brother. Later, when he was given the chance to work as an intern at Universal Television in 1968, he left California State University. Spielberg received an honorary degree from the University of Southern California Film School in 1994. He joined the university's board of trustees in 1996. Spielberg continued to make light of the fact that he eventually had to pay his way in.

The movie's impression on Sidney Sheinberg, vice president of Universal at the time, led to his making Spielberg an offer for a seven-year directing contract. Soon after, Spielberg quit school to focus solely on his career as a director. Knowing the value of education, he returned to CSULB in 2002 to finish his undergraduate studies.

Along with filmmaker George Lucas, Spielberg was recognized in 2009 with a building named in his honor at the University of Southern's newly constructed School of Cinematic Arts. An interesting turn in an uplifting tale.

Now that Spielberg has established a profession that is unmatched by many, it is clear that his interest in life goes beyond simply attending one of Hollywood's best film schools. He served as an inspiration to a whole new generation of filmmakers who now pursue their passions without the approval of industry insiders.