In Los Angeles, he applied to the University of Southern California's film school, but was turned down because of his "C" grade average.[14]:548 He then applied and was admitted to California State University, Long Beach, where he became a brother of Theta Chi Fraternity.[24]
While still a student, he was offered a small unpaid intern job at Universal Studios with the editing department.[25][26] He was later given the opportunity to make a short film for theatrical release, the 26-minute, 35mm, Amblin', which he wrote and directed. Studio vice president Sidney Sheinberg was impressed by the film, which had won a number of awards, and offered Spielberg a seven-year directing contract. It made him the youngest director ever to be signed for a long-term deal with a major Hollywood studio.[14]:548 He subsequently dropped out of college to begin professionally directing TV productions with Universal.[27][28] Spielberg later returned to Cal State Long Beach and completed his BA degree in Film and Electronic Arts in 2002
