<p>I'm a junior who's had her fair share of ups and downs the past couple years. I currently go to a large state school in the midwest, originally to study journalism. But I've had so many problems both academically and socially, that I have been failing or almost-failing (several but not all) classes the past couple years and feel so uninspired. There's just nothing at this school that I truly want to study because my true passion is both fashion journalism and fashion merchandising. My grades will probably get me kicked out of our journalism school, and I'm not sure I'd want to stay in it even if I wasn't kicked out. I hate it and my lack of interest and motivation is clearly a huge part of my problem.</p>
<p>My parents have known about my grades and problems, and when last year I brought up transferring to another school to study my true passion for fashion, they advised me to try sticking it out at my state school because it's more practical and whatnot. And I tried that. But they're used to the bright, excelling, A-student from high school, but now I'm only happy writing fashion columns for online publications outside of school. I feel in my gut I should transfer, even as a junior, and attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. It's got both programs in fashion journalism and merchandising, and I can take classes online until I decide whether or not I want to eventually move out there and take physical classes. Plus a lot of my credits will actually transfer to fulfill their liberal arts requirements, so I won't be THAT far behind.</p>
<p>The problem is HOW I should tell my parents my thoughts in a mature, rational and persuasive way. I've talked to my parents about the Academy briefly, but they didn't listen as intently since they wanted me to give my state school another shot. Also, my dad doesn't have an even temper and I'm always afraid to voice my opinions to him, since he has never found the arts to be all that worthwhile like my mom.</p>
<p>The other problem is that if I transfer, my student loan at this school will kick in. I don't know how to rationalize where that money will come from to allow me to pursue my dreams rather than stay stuck at this school studying a whole new major because my grades don't qualify me to study what I want and my school doesn't offer more artistic/fashion/merchandising options. HELP!</p>
<p>I am currently in the Textile and Apparel program as well and am very disappointed with it. I have so many problems with it, no need to go into that here, my parents know. Plus I don’t think I’ll be able to stay in the j-school because of my grades, so I’d be forced to choose a whole new major that I’m either already unhappy with (Textiles) or not applicable to what I want to do.</p>
<p>My D is a TxA grad (not Mizzou)& has an excellent design job. You are way better off getting a degree from a school like Mizzou then getting a degree from a “trade school” I am not sure the school you are interested in is one of those since I don’t have time to research it but the job prospects are uncomparable. If you can just get your grades up a bit that is the route I would advise.</p>
<p>haha toledo, I’ve read those sites. What do you expect from a school that accepts everyone and then weeds out those who don’t really love it their freshman year. Upset, winey reviews. I’ve talked to actual students there and don’t buy into the few complaints on the web–only those who are miserable feel the need to broadcast it on the web anyway.</p>
<p>Indinct, the Academy isnt a trade school where you earn your associates and thats it like FIDM and other fashion schools are, so I wouldn’t say that. And even if I get my grades up, our school is so competitive that you cannot reapply to the journalism school, so why bother staying here when I can’t study it–it’s the whole reason I went out of state and came here in the first place.</p>
<p>If I were your parent I would tell you to stay where you are and to stick it and get your grades up or drop out get a job, start paying your loans back and try an on-line class or two. I will say that I personally know a handful of 20-24 year olds that are successfully employed in fashion in NYC but only one went to FIT, the rest graduated from traditional colleges so you can get where you want but it takes hardwork…just like working hard in whatever college you are at. I think you really need to understand and not on a superficial level why your grades are poor. Sometimes you have to work harder to propel yourself to something new ansd not simply throw in the towel. You need to know if the problem is you or the place you are at…that is what I would say if you were one of my kids.</p>
<p>You’re a junior and three semesters away from graduating? I would see what major I could graduate with (communications? textiles? business? general studies degree?) and then get a job and take graduate courses online from the Academy of Art if desired. If you leave school now, there’s a chance you might not finish. I know someone who tried a switch from a state college to an art school and the art school was very unforgiving, difficult to transfer credits into and get on track to graduate, very inflexible in course selection with many time conflicts, and very expensive - for her, it did not work out; she now has tens of thousands of dollars of debt and has no degree at all.</p>
<p>At midpoint in junior year, it probably feels like you’ve been in school forever, but you’re really almost at the endpoint. Next fall, you’ll be looking for a jobs for after graduation. Right now you should be concentrating on getting a summer job or internship and in getting your grades up. It is great that you are doing online fashion journalism - it probably feels more “real” than any of your coursework, and it is, but you are so close to a college degree that will be valuable whatever your path in life will be. Like Idinct, I also know merchandisers in NYC who went to a traditional university and did very well. I hope the semester break will allow you to replenish your energy, so the rest of the year will be successful.</p>
<p>If you really don’t want to return to school, I would suggest taking a leave of absence and working, but with the economy the way it is, I would not leave without a job in hand. You may have a different opinion about finishing at Mizzou after you’ve worked for a while. Also, as you said, loan repayments will start to kick in. Personally, I think you’ll be in a better position to get a job if you stick it out and finish a degree first. </p>
<p>Are you working at a job other than online journalism while you’re at school? Despite your low grades, you may benefit from personal interaction at a part-time job with those who also love fashion - even retail at the right shop may get you that. </p>
<p>I just looked at Mizzou’s general studies and interdisciplinary studies sites - if you can’t continue in the journalism department, could you perhaps design your own degree using the journalism courses you already have, with some communication, business, art, and textile courses? You could pick courses to your strengths and maybe avoid those giving you problems.</p>
<p>No, I’m in my third year so a junior technically, but I will have to be at this school for at least two more years. I haven’t even started my journalism curriculum yet, but was accepted to the journalism school for this coming spring semester. However my grades have disqualified me from entering the school this semester anymore, and you cannot reapply once admitted and kicked out.</p>
<p>No matter where I go I’m looking at 2+ years of college still–more most likely since I need to change my major now. Definitely not at the endpoint like you said.</p>
<p>I’ve applied to lots of part time jobs, especially retail ones, but so far none have hired me. I’m trying though. </p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, I’m just burnt out on this school and think I should have tried harder to convince my parents to let me transfer last year. I know I’d be in a happier, healthier, more productive place if I enrolled at the Academy of Art University. And it’s great because I could stay where I am for the meantime and start off taking all the classes online, on my own time. I’ve always done much better with my online classes at state school as well, so maybe I should bring that up with my parents. Problem is my state school only offers a couple online classes, and none having to do with my major.</p>
<p>The state school I go to is actually out of state, so I’ve got out of state tuition, etc. There is a Textile and Apparel program at the school I am at which I have been in for the past 3 years in addition to my journalism major, and am unhappy with it for lots of reasons and problems in the school. I definitely don’t want to move home and go to my home-state state university for too many reasons to list. I’d much rather stay where I am or look somewhere else in the country.</p>
<p>There are a few reasons why I want to go to the Academy of Art University over other fashion programs:</p>
<p>There I would be able to study both fashion journalism and fashion merchandising, while specializing in certain areas that interest me like styling, etc. I can’t do that at my current school, and most fashion schools only offer merchandise or design without journalism. And my current journalism classes haven’t taught me anything about fashion writing/editing/styling etc. I have a basic journalism curriculum already and have held journalism jobs, so now I’d like to go a route more geared for the fashion industry rather than a hard news industry. The knowledge, writing and skills needed are very different and I am not getting them in either the journalism or textile programs here.</p>
<p>I also love that I can start taking the classes online. I do much better when I can study on my own time rather than try to go to 18 credits in person while holding down a couple journalism jobs. Journalism isn’t a 9-5 job, and attending physical class all day makes it difficult for me to do both at once. That way I can stay in my current location and apartment for the semester and even summer if I want and work toward my degree, while not having to worry about the stress of moving, a new foreign location, finding a new job, etc. I can contemplate a move with my parents later if I want, but it’s a nonissue now. And I can earn my entire bachelors online if I so desire.</p>
<p>Lastly, because at my current state school I am paying out of state tuition, the tuition would actually be cheaper at the Academy of Art University. I just would have to make sure when I transfer my student loans don’t kick in if they know I am still enrolled somewhere.</p>
<p>Can you afford to take off a semester and do an internship in fashion merchandising or fashion journalism? It would seem that getting some actual experience might help you realize the value of basic journalism courses, or some basic business courses.</p>
<p>Ross Stores offers paid ass’t buyer internships in New York and LA, and there are many additional NY based companies that offer unpaid or small stipend internships.</p>
<p>The reason why I asked about your home state is that there are many states with schools that offer good fashion merchandising programs within their state school system (New York, Ohio and North Carolina are a few that I can immediately think of.)</p>
<p>I have extensive experience in fashion merchandising (home and apparel) and the best merchants are the ones who have great taste, but an even greater understanding of the business aspects of fashion.</p>
<p>I really can’t afford to take a semester off–I already took off last spring semester due to depression and other personal/family issues. I also doubt I’d be able to get accepted into an internship since I have hardly any classes or experience to even be considered. Internships are competitive and it’s just not probable for me and my situation.</p>
<p>I already do see the value in the basic journalism courses, I already took them and have applied them to my journalism jobs. But going forward I can no longer take advanced journalism classes here and the Textile and Apparel ones are not at all helpful for getting into fashion writing/styling/etc. Plus I have issues with the department that make me unhappy with it, I would be very discouraged if I had to stay here and major in Textiles at this school just to try and break into fashion writing.</p>
<p>So from what you say, I believe your parents want you to get a four year degree but not at a for-profit art school while you are not putting enough effort into your classes where you are to do well and want a change. I know you are at a large state university already, but I’ve heard that University of Wisconsin has a textile program that includes a year at F.I.T. in New York. Does your school offer anything like that? Can you trandfer to a school that does? Are there any schools you can transfer to that offer coop programs in fashion? What about non-art schools in New York or California, which seem to me to be more the center of fashion than Missouri?</p>
<p>If you quit school without a full time job, wouldn’t you move home? Why would you add to your expenses and stay where you are for a semester if you are already worried about loans? Are your fashion journalism jobs for pay? If so, I’m impressed. Did you talk to your employers about the value of a college degree or availability of full time jobs?</p>
<p>Not sure, but no way would I be competitive enough to get in. Plus I don’t want to study Textiles here as I’ve stated. I really wish I enjoyed it and wanted to–it would make things a lot easier. But I absolutely hate that program here.</p>
<p>I suggest you look a little closer at jobs and internships available. Here are the<br>
“QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED” for the Ross Stores internship job. No mention of GPA or academic major:</p>
<pre><code>Strong organizational skills
Strong retail math skills
Highly effective written and verbal communication
Strong analytical and PC skills, with an emphasis on spreadsheet applications
Desire to work as an Assistant Buyer upon Graduation
COMPETENCIES:
Business Acumen
Communication
Problem Solving
Results Orientation
Vendor Relationships
Analysis & Judgment
Collaboration
</code></pre>
<p>Do you just want to get out of Mizzou? If so, figure out another way to have that discussion with your family. Because if you really want to work in Fashion merchandising, or in Fashion journalism, then you’re in an OK place to be able to do that.</p>
<p>Reading on Mizzou’s journalism page I am reading this:
“Students who are rejected for upper-class status through this process must transfer to another MU division and will no longer be considered Journalism or pre-Journalism students. If, however, a student subsequently spends a semester taking non-journalism courses and raises his or her MU cumulative GPA above 3.0, the student may reapply. No such application will be accepted after a student has completed 70 or more hours of college credit.”</p>
<p>Were you accepted? If so, have you actually started taken upper-level journalism classes? If not, it appears you may be able to buckle down and get in with a higher GPA and suitable work in your field. It seems taht you have been doing the extra work in the field, so talk to an advisor. I know that you are not really happy there, but you need a four-year degree in order to start banging on doors while you continue to write for online publications. If you hate textiles, then get out of it. In the long run your best option is to get you grades up in order to transfer somewhere reputable or to just finish.</p>
<p>OP- I sympathize. It must be tough to be in a program you dislike.</p>
<p>I don’t know your parents, but if you were my kid and came to me to tell me you wanted to transfer, that you weren’t doing well in your current program and wanted to study fashion but you “hated” the textile program at your current college, and that you haven’t been applying for internships and retail/fashion related positions because they’re really hard to get, etc… well, I’d be banging my head against the wall.</p>
<p>You need a plan. Transferring to another school where you really haven’t done your homework as to why you’ll do better there than where you are currently is not a plan. Taking classes online – and thinking that you’ll perform better in them-- doesn’t sound very realistic to me. If your problem has been motivation- how the heck will you get motivated to log on and actually do the work without the impetus of a real live professor and other students sitting in the classroom? Moreover, racking up more debt without a concrete plan which says, “I have four more semesters until I get a BA which will cost me X dollars which I plan to pay off in the following way” sounds to me like a recipe for a slow slide down the drain. You’re going to take 5 years to get a degree from an online university? That sounds crazy to me.</p>
<p>If you were my kid… we’d be sitting down with the big old policy manual from the college where you are currently enrolled. We’d be making the list of questions you need to be asking your adviser, or the dean of students, with some help from the financial aid officer. Those questions would be, “here’s my transcript. Here’s my debt. Here’s what my parents can contribute going forward. Here’s what I don’t like about what I’ve done so far. Please help me craft a plan to graduate with a degree in two years. Tell me what I need to do to make that happen.” And then you’d sit and take notes and go from there.</p>
<p>There are thousands of people employed in the fashion and apparel industries who have degrees in something other than fashion or journalism. You can be one of them. Get yourself a college degree-- hopefully by learning something or other in the next two years- and get moving. Going further into debt to get a degree in a field which you’re not sure you’re going to want to be employed in (since you haven’t done a bunch of internships which actually introduce you to what these folks do all day) seems to me to be foolhardy.</p>
<p>Have you actually sat down with your parents to figure out why your grades are where they are? Have you not been going to class? sleeping late? partying too much? Not doing the reading?</p>
<p>Hating your classes is one thing. Letting your performance lag to the point of cutting off a bunch of viable options is something else. I’m sure you are loving the online writing. But at some point the world of grownup employment needs to know you can wake up, get to class, do the work, etc. as a good predictor of how you will do as an employee. So far you aren’t giving them much to go on.</p>
<p>If you’re serious about working in the fashion industry, I second parentoftwo’s recommendation to go to New York! FIT is a good school for all things fashion related with plenty of opportunities for their students to intern and make connections in the industry, which is key to finding a job after graduation. It’s part of the SUNY system, so tuition and fees would be lower than the for-profit in SF. It looks like most of their students gain an associate’s first (you might be able to do this with a few online classes) and then progress to a bachelor’s degree. </p>