<p>Hi! I'm Jade (not really, but I'm a Homestuck dork :B ) </p>
<p>Here's my situation: I just graduated from an early college program, so basically I was catapulted into my junior year of college directly after high school. I should feel ahead of the game, but I just feel extremely confused about what to do since most of my life has been focused on academics and tests and all that jazz but I want a career in the arts. Now I'm taking major specific courses and so the pressure is on to declare a major.</p>
<p>I'm an aspiring animator/writer/voice actor. There are so many things I want to do with that, but I won't bog you down with all my -EXCIT------ED chatter about it. My dream school is CalArts because of the location, reputation, programs, curriculum, general atmosphere, but n0t the c0st. I was wondering how good the financial aid is there (how much it covers) because my family can literally contribute n0thing to my education. This is only if I get in, though, because I know all too well they're highly selective. I'm planning on studying art to help make my portfolio stronger and gain more experience since visual art classes weren't available at my high school.</p>
<p>I'm currently a theatre generalist major, but I want to change to graphic design and study art. I was considering drawign major, but my drawing teacher told me that in comparison to drawing, graphic design will be more helpful to a career in animation. I want to minor in theatre to get a basic foundation in entertainment production, so I would study scenic design, lighting, movement, costume design, playwriting and voice.</p>
<p>In addition to getting this arts education, I have the option of minoring in a hard science at my school. While I don't see myself getting a long-standing job in the field (maybe a job like technician or chem. tutor at a community college to help pay the bills) I am fascinated by the subject and I like learning it. I just feel like if I focus solely on liberal arts or science studies I may go insane (and I know what that's like enoughto know I don't want to do it again); I need to have a balance, to work both sides of my brain while in school.</p>
<p>So bottom line: earning a B.A. in Graphic Design with two minors in theatre and physics or chemistry. Will this be helpful to my goals? If not, why and do you have other suggestions? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m also not even sure if I’m going to finish at the school I’m currently at. I just feel so unsure about everything right now and I need to write a personal statement essay for some scholarships and if all I have is what I want long-term and don’t even have a sure major, I don’t think that’ll reflect well on me. Please, someone respond!</p>
<p>Jade, I’m just a little confused–are you still in high school now, but in one of those high schools where you graduate with an associates’ degree?
What year of school are you in now? I think if your goal is animation, finding a school where you can pursue that would be good. If you are talking about what to take now, in your early college program, to prepare you for animation, I think drawing would actually be better preparation.</p>
<p>Tell us: what year you are in NOW, when you will be applying for college, and where you live (just the State). If you have NO funding for college, you are going to need to find affordable options.</p>
<p>While it is great that you are interested in Chemistry and Theater and other things like that, you might want to keep those as electives rather than try to make minors of them. For graphic design, fine arts or animation, you will really need to focus hard on that area to build a good portfolio and get good internships.</p>
<p>I reread your initial post and now I’m thinking that you are IN the pre-college program now. Is this program affiliated with a 4-year university?</p>
<p>I’m in a 4-year uni. now as a junior because I just graduated H.S. this summer. I’m taking two theatre courses now that wouldn’t be considered elective options if I didn’t minor in it. And hard science courses don’t count as elective credits either. I’m taking drawing right now and will likely take design and drawing 2 next semester.</p>
<p>It seems like if you were going to transfer, you’d need to do it right away–may be too late even now. Most universities want you to complete at least half your credit hours at their institution. What does your college advisor say? If you are not satisfied with their advice or you haven’t gone to see your advisor lately, make an appointment NOW and go. You don’t have much time to spare, you need a plan for your next 2 years. If you are a junior you need to figure out your degree path NOW.</p>
<p>It sounds like you didn’t get much guidance during the first two years, which is too bad. But the plus side is, if you can finish your Bachelor’s degree in two more years with minimal debt, you’ll be in a good position.</p>
<p>If you really want to try to transfer to CalArts or anywhere else, the first thing to do is to call their transfer admissions advisor and talk about your goals.</p>
<p>If you are interested in possibly going to grad school in the arts eventually, I’d recommend focusing on either fine arts or graphic design and building the best portfolio possible. Be aware that either of those fields will not be high-paying initially. Both require lots of self-promotion, focus and self-motivation. You sound really motivated, and like you are a great student. Now–focus in on something specific (after deciding what that something is) and go for it!</p>
<p>I forgot to thank you for responding. Thank you! 38D You seem really helpful!</p>
<p>See, the thing is I don’t have a lot of experience. My high school was better suited for science/medical/legal/non-artsy stuff majors. It didn’t have any art classes, although some kids who always knew they wanted to study art got what they needed. I didn’t always know, well I did, but my story is complicated to explain. All I’ll say is I haven’t taken an art class since middle school, but I seem to still be pretty talented at it and, what’s more, it gives me a sense of passion and drive. </p>
<p>Anyway, that’s neither here nor there; I would probably have applied after high school, but I didn’t fully apply to any schools other than the local state school which we were required to apply to (I was going through some glubbing serious mental health problems that I’m trying to work through now with a psych). So I have no portfolio, very minimal high school experience (through my own cartoon creations, designing posters and stuff and being on the BPA animation team), but plenty faith, potential and motivation. That’s why I want to take at least basic art classes here to develop a strong portfolio and gain experience. But I will definitely go to the advisor on Friday.</p>
<p>Again, thanks!</p>
<p>Oh! And another question: my drawings are mostly done on plain copier paper (CH-EAP, I know!); for portfolios do I need better quality paper if a lot of the CalArts submissions are done online?</p>
<p>So I changed my major to graphic design concentration with a minor in theatre generalist. I told the advisor all about the classes I already took in high school and about possibly transferring and she made me feel so much better about where I am right now and building up my portfolio. Thanks for the advice!</p>