What are the major benefits of going to film school?

I am currently enrolled in the local college and getting an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts: Broadcasting.

I want to study film and try to get a career as a writer/director. I am currently working on my very first 120 page script as we speak and I would love to be able to one day write a script and be able to direct it myself.

I also have a few video pieces under my belt to make a demo reel to submit to schools including:
1. Friday the 13th Location Documentary
2. The 1st Place Stephen Lynch Halloween Music Video Contest entry
3. The submission I entered for the Jay Leno Correspondent video contest
4. 6-minute educational spoof film I entered into the New Jersey Skills USA competition for my past high school
5. 5 minute MTV Movie Awards "Saw" Spoof that I entered in that contest.

I am currently looking into the LA film school, NYFA, NYU or UCLA.

I am just wondering whether or not it is beneficial to go to a film school and, if so, which school would be the best choice? Thanks!

I’d go with UCLA. It’s right near all the major studios and some of the faculty in the film school are accomplished directors, actors, writers, etc. Plus, it’s great to gain internships. I have some film school friends who got work at ABC, Disney, NBC, WB, Fox, etc. They even had casting calls for extras for Pirates 3 on campus. Plus, a lot of celebrities hang out in the area and there’s also movie premieres right next to campus. Plus, I took a screenwriting class and it was a blast.