Howard FULL RIDE or USC $13,000?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm a fine arts major looking to move into the game design program (new minor at Howard, established, selective major at USC), but not 100% sure of that, and looking to generally broaden my horizons. </p>

<p>I just finished up my first year at Howard. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't exactly stimulating or motivational either. Most of the professors were earnest, but it felt like curriculum was lacking in rigor and direction (for example I was immediately placed in the highest Japanese class, and did well, despite being a year or more from speaking fluently; and in an introductory drawing class, my professor was unable to explain the reasons behind doing the time-intensive exercises he'd assigned us). The rest (and the faculty and staff, very much so) seemed to be of the opinion that whatever they gave us was both satisfactory and privileged, regardless of whether it actually helped. As for my peers, it seemed as if the degree they were earning was of the most value, and not the education itself, and was the reason why they were there. </p>

<p>In terms of the social life there, I made a handful of friends, but I didn't find myself interested in any of the (few) extracurriculars that were offered. Everything seemed centered around clubbing, the "urban scene", and athletics, and while I have no problem with those things, I'd been hoping for more things that I could identify with.</p>

<p>In short, it feels as if there's not a lot of active support for the things that interest me and that I feel connected to, at Howard, both from my fellow students and the school itself. I feel like not having that support is sucking the motivation and drive out of me, things I'd need to progress in programs that I'm finding lacking. </p>

<p>And then there's USC. I haven't visited, nor attended an orientation, because of my family's financial shortcomings. However, being in contact with faculty, and general research, the school seems less rigid in it's curriculum, at least as supportive, if not more so, than Howard, better-funded, more diverse, and better academically. It was my first choice last year, and (perhaps, stupidly) the only school I applied to transfer to this year. It's been a long road getting in, that I don't want to (nor think I can) repeat. But with a 13 grand estimated contribution, plus transportation, plus food, plus shipping, plus any other random expense... I don't know if I could afford it, even with taking out lots of loans. There was no money saved for college expenses. And even if I can... Just looking at the pros and cons, USC is worth going to, but looking at it financially, I'm not so sure.</p>

<p>So, I'm trying to get an objective viewpoint on this, because I get the feeling that I'm letting my emotions drive me, and can't really thing logically. It doesn't help that I'll have to start moving into one or the other in less than 2 weeks.</p>

2

<p>if at all possible financially, then i would go to usc… otherwise, youll probably regret it for the rest of your life… i mean, just read through your post and youll probably see that you need to get out of howard…</p>

<p>id go with usc in a heartbeat, but then yea, it is all upp to finances…</p>

3

<p>I’d got to USC. It is a well known and publicly recognized school.</p>

4

<p>Not worth huge loans, especially as a fine arts major. If we were talking the business school, maybe. Figure out the total in loans you would take, then go to finaid.com and calculate the monthly payments you’ll face when you graduate.</p>

5

<p>USC by far</p>

6

<p>There are a lot of universities where you don’t need native-like fluency in Japanese in order to be placed in the most advanced class. Don’t worry about Howard’s weakness in this area. Some of the DC universities have a course exchange. Find out if Howard participates, and if you want to continue in Japanese, take the bus across town to another university.</p>

<p>Likewise, if you are unhappy with the Art/Design program at Howard, check out course offerings at the Corcoran, and at the School of Art + Design at Montgomery College in Takoma Park. Finding the right artistic mentor will help you get your mojo back. By the way, Montgomery College also has a game-design major.</p>

<p>Dropping a full-ride for a boatload of student debt is rarely a wise thing. If you are unhappy at Howard, you should take the time to select several colleges to apply to as a transfer student. You may find one that is significantly more affordable for you. If you are so miserable that you just can’t face going back to Howard this year, take a leave of absence, get a job, and think carefully about your personal and career goals for a while. It is OK to drop out of a place you hate and to take time to find the best place for yourself.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

7

<p>I remember you from last year, when you were deciding between USC and Howard back then. Back then I told you USC, and I’ll still say USC(especially if you got into the gaming design major). I would say no if you’d be transferring in as a Fine Arts major simply because it’s not what you want/wanted to do. Game Design is very specific and the opportunities that would be available because you are in LA(which i believe has some of the bigger gaming companies?) plus USC will take you further in you fulfilling your career goals. you might have to invest(take out loans) to have that luxury but the opportunities would be beneficial. I don’t think that would necessarily be true you coming out of Howard with a possible fine arts major(in a not so rigorous or specific program)</p>

8

<p>I would stick Howard out for another year. Your second year may go better than your first, so you may not have to transfer after all. It would also give you time to research different schools that offer better financial aid, allow you to solidify plans for your major, and perhaps figure out what the economy is doing. For instance, you may decide that it’s worth it to transfer to USC for video game design but not for fine arts. In addition, you could take advantage of your sophomore year to save up to visit (and even attend) USC. There have been one or two schools that I have considered that seemed perfect on paper, but were were unappealing once I visited campus. If all else fails, you can transfer for your final two years and only have to borrow 26k versus 39k. </p>

<p>One way to keep up your motivation at Howard is to remind yourself that you need to have a great college record to transfer to a school with a better fit and perhaps more financial aid. Remember, your full ride will give your more financial freedom to fulfill your dreams in the future.</p>