[akamia]

This is a really great point. My brother-in-law went to film school and did exactly what you described. He networked with his professors and peers, worked on lots of projects, used the software and equipment available through the school, and graduated with a strong portfolio. He has been consistently working in the field since graduating.

Obviously this is just a single anecdote but I think it does show that it is possible to succeed if you really take advantage of the resources that are available to you in school.