Senior Wanting to Transfer to Another University

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am a senior currently in my 5th year of academia in the U.S. (TX) Yes, 5th. While my graduation date is this May (2012), I currently have the desire to transfer universities. I have several reasons for this, but here are a few majors ones: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Administrative / Academic Support is minimal. Two years ago the piano program (which is my major) was almost cut and the professor was almost fired. Admin. chalked it up to lower enrollment, that was a lie - they wanted to institute a new program and didn't have the funds. I almost transferred during this period, but, with the help of the Provost, the program was salvaged. Right now, our piano program as three enrolled students. The professor just cannot recruit because there isn't any money to do it with. </p></li>
<li><p>The program is now a toxic situation for me. Ever since Admin. almost cut the rope on the program, there has been little support, if any, for the piano program. Not only has the affected me as far as academic opportunities - performances, etc - it leaves me not wanting to contribute anything to the school; my GPA has dropped since then.</p></li>
<li><p>Senior Recital. I am currently working on a senior recital; however, I am not positive, with my academic course load, I can have one solid, well-prepared "recital" ready before the senior recital hearing—which is three months before the recital is scheduled (April 5). If I don't give one, I have to stay longer - I can't imagine staying any longer. Furthermore, my professor and I haven't even worked out what is all on it. The reason I came to this school was because of the full-scholarship and the professor is famous (a Curtis student). I felt I could work well with her and that she could maintain a reputable program. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>There are pros to transferring - the opposites to those above - higher GPA, less toxic situations, a better chance at graduating in a timely manner. </p>

<p>Right now, at this very minute, I am completely confused on what I should do. I understand that it can be seen as "silly" to transfer in your last year. I understand I would lose credit hours—or at least would have to re-complete 40 hours minimum. </p>

<p>I have already applied at an other School of Music. </p>

<p>I just can't seem to sit down and make a rational decision. How will the affect me in the long run? </p>

<p>I just feel like I need to get away, fresh start, and perhaps this will lead to a better future... I made a tentative decisions that if I cannot see a hope of solid, well-prepared material (which I will do everything in my power to achieve) before December 1, I will transfer... I just don't know if that is rational.</p>

2

<p>How long would you have to spend at that other university, and do you have the money to pay for that?</p>

<p>You have one and a half semesters to go. Meet with your advisor. Create a solid plan for completing your degree on time. Finish it, and get out of there. If you want to continue studying, find an MFA program that suits you instead of transferring this late in the game.</p>

3

<p>I have been guaranteed a full-scholarship by endowment for any institution I choose to attend—even if I transfer. It is good through a Ph.d. </p>

<p>Finances are not an issue. Emotional and physical health is, however.</p>

4

<p>Keep in mind that some schools have requirements for how long you attend them (number of credits earned) in order to graduate, receive honors from them (cum laude), etc. A better GPA at another school won’t mean much since if you decide to pursue grad school, they will see your GPA at all institutions, unless you spend enough time at a new school to do something amazing. For example, if you have a 3.0 at your current school, transfer and attend another school and get a 4.0 for one semester, it isn’t going to look like your actual overall GPA for undergrad is a 4.0. If, however, you spend 1 year+, a 4.0 will start to look good because it shows an upward trend the longer you are in school. Of course, I am assuming in your field your skills and experiences mean far more than grades, so is a higher GPA really worth it? What is your current GPA? </p>

<p>Yes, emotional health is important, but how detrimental is one more semester v. spending another year+ at another school? Other schools may also have different graduation requirements for your program which could set you back in time. They may also not transfer all of your courses. Just a few things to consider.</p>