<p>Suppose you compromise. Run over to a bookstore, look at Ruggs' Recommendations for majors, or see if there's a book of Performing Arts programs. List them by pencil and paper; maybe 20 or so places with the major you want. Don't buy the book (heavens, no!) Come home and look through each on the website, throw out the rotters. Maybe you'll have 5 left. THen think about geography, cost, whatever else and toss out 1 or 2 more. You can research enough in a day to choose down to a total of 2-4 other campuses. Maybe that's manageable for writing apps in the l6 or so days remaining. </p>
<p>Then, set it aside and see if you can come to like your current school while you're waiting for spring. Schedule comparison visits over the winter (which will help you think about both situations--a possible new place, or to refelct on the merits of Tulane against what you are learning. </p>
<p>Don't think you have to slice-and-dice Tulane meanwhile. You know enough to know you're CONSIDERING transferring (haven't decided to yet, don't even know if you'll get in anywerhe else) so stay OPEN to the present experince.</p>
<p>By next Spring, see what these fall apps bring your way. If you're getting nervous, toss out another few apps in springtime if you can, for the following semester if they allow spring starts (make note of "spring starts" when you review on the web, too; maybe some will back-burner that way without tossing them completely out.)</p>
<p>I met a girl from Texas who transferred from Tulane to a northern LAC, I'm not sure when, probably as a sophomore. By the time I met her she was a senior. She found the campus environment SO different and far preferred her LAC , but she also just said Tulane was wrong fit for her. She hadn't known that , and you can imagine someone from Texas as young as l7 or so--it's possible to grow and discover, once away at college. Still, she knew her LAC wasn't perfect, nor was Tulane l00 percent terrible; just was wrong for HER needs.
She said she got what she could out of Tulane for as long as she was there, but had no doubt it wasn't going to be right for a whole 4 years. No need to hate on the old school, nor to imagine the next one is perfect, as I'm sure you've realized.</p>
<p>Anyway, you don't need to "decide" to do anything yet EXCEPT pick a few schools and toss out some good applications. Can you fit it into your workload? (Say so long to socializing for the next l8 days, a small price to pay).</p>
<p>EDIT: Yes, you'll need time to figure out if you want to shift your life towards vocal performance; that's no l8 day decision, either! For right now, act "as if" you've had enough time to decide to go to vocal performance (you'll really figure that one out over the longer winter...) and apply to some places as if you already believed that was your answer. Ideally, if those places have some other avenues, such as music teaching or arts administration, that's a bonus because maybe you want to temper your skill set with some other avenues along with performing. Maybe devote one app now to a school that sounds delightful (not Tulane-like, whatever bothers you about it) in case you decide even if you don't want vocal performance, you'd STILL like a different 4--year experience than Tulane. Figure out what's bothering you most about Tulane and choose a different kind of place, even if it's weaker on music, in other words. I'm suggesting a diverse group of 2-4 transfer apps, just to open up your options in case this Tulane disliking continues past the winter.
The cost of the apps isn't wasted, because you'll still be learning something about yourself, and if you're learning you're not wasting time or money.
Just guard against wrecking your academics now over the effort to write thte apps; that was why I said give up socializing, just a moratorium until the apps are filed.
Maybe don't even mention to others what you're working so hard on. As soon as people hear you want "out" they're less likely to want to befriend you, it's human nature. And part of your plan here is not to burn any bridges.</p>
<p>If it becomes TOOO much effort now, too soon, you'll know that that in about 7-10 days and THEN you can decide to wait until you're a soph to file transfer apps.</p>