Should I switch my major?

Colleges & Universities A-Z The University of Texas at Austin
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<p>Hello! I just finished my 2nd year here at UT. I was undeclared/prepharmacy, and I applied this cycle for the UT pharmacy school. I had a 3.89 GPA at the time of application, with a 95 percentile PCAT score, but somehow got rejected. After licking my wounds, I decided to declare a major for a BA in Biology, because I would be able to complete the degree in the next 2 semesters and apply for pharmacy school next cycle. I've already completed all my pre-requisites for pharmacy school, so I would just have to take classes for the degree.</p>

<p>However, I've been talking with some people who gave me some advice, saying to complete all the pre-reqs for your pre-health field, but major in something you like. My parents agree with that, and to be honest, I don't really want to get a BA in Biology - there's not much I can do with that degree, and the only reason I decided to declare it was because I'd be able to complete it in the next year. The only other major I'd consider pursuing is an RTF degree (probably the film production side of it), and my family and friends all know how much I love film. I probably would have applied for it instead of biology, but I didn't know I got rejected from pharmacy school until March, and the deadline to apply for RTF was in February.</p>

<p>Thus, the earliest I could switch majors is in September, for the spring semester. The questions I have are, If I know for sure this is the degree I want to pursue, can I take the required RTF courses before officially switching over? I already have credit for RTF 314, but I would also have to take RTF 305, 317, and 318. However, most RTF courses require RTF 305 as a prereq, so could I take RTF 305 during the summer? I heard 318 is restricted to RTF majors only, so I would have to take it during the summer as well... I still have an opportunity to sign up for them in June, and then add RTF 317 during Add/drop later this summer. If I don't take them during the summer, I would end up wasting a LOT of time because most other RTF courses require these as a prerequisite.</p>

<p>Basically, can I start taking courses for the RTF degree now, even before officially switching over? The problem with this is a lot of courses are restricted to RTF majors, and I don't want to waste time next semester and the one after that while I wait to switch over and start taking required courses. (I'm currently registered for a bunch of biology courses right now, and I don't want to take them if I don't have to)</p>

<p>Another thing, and if any RTF majors can weigh in, do I have a chance of getting switched over if I applied? I personally feel like I have a good chance, not only because I just like film, but I starting writing my own screenplays at 15, my first short was produced when I was 16, and again currently by a filmmaker in India. I've written a few scripts since then, one of which I feel is rather good and has been well-received by many readers. I entered them into the Nicholl and Austin Film Festival contests, so once I hear back, even if it just makes the top 20% or something, that could be a good thing to include in the application essay. So I think I could get in, but then again, I thought I could get into pharmacy school...</p>

<p>Also, I want to make sure I would enjoy this before I switch for good. RTF majors in the production side of it, do you enjoy it or is it overly stressful? I've never made my own films, although I do write scripts, and edited a few short videos for school projects and such, but I'm just worried that by jumping into this stuff will make me like it less... Plus I know people are RTF are VERY passionate and enthusiastic about making films, and I feel like I may not be as ambitious as them. I just don't want to regret it, IF I do decide on this.</p>

<p>Another concern, is that the original plan for me was to apply again for pharmacy school this cycle, but if I change my major in September for the spring semester, I would've barely completed any of the curriculum if I get accepted to pharm school. So should I not apply next cycle and apply the year after that once I finish my RTF degree? IF I do decide to switch, of course. I just don't want to lose any more time, but I'm also cautious about paying more money either. Or should I just not continue with pharmacy?</p>

<p>Sorry for this really long post, but if any RTF and/or pre-health people could give me some advice, I'd really appreciate it... I'm just really lost right now, and the big concern about switching is being able to register for the required courses (mainly RTF 305, 317, and 318) so that I don't waste the next semester taking classes I don't need. This is a huge decision I have to make, since my time and a lot of money is on the line here.... please help! Thanks so much!!</p>

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<ol>
<li><p>Starting this year College of Communications changed its transfer process.
RTF is considered an impacted major and requires full review
[Internal</a> Transfer Information | College of Communication](<a href=“http://communication.utexas.edu/prospective/internal-transfer-information]Internal”>http://communication.utexas.edu/prospective/internal-transfer-information)
[Application</a> Instructions | College of Communication](<a href=“http://communication.utexas.edu/prospective/application-instructions]Application”>http://communication.utexas.edu/prospective/application-instructions)
So it’s not going to be easy. </p></li>
<li><p>Take RTF 305 online if you can. Whatever students take in regular class is based on online class anyway, and sitting in the class for online lectures seems like a waste of time.
This summer registration for online class is open.
Registration for RTF 318 this summer is open and not restricted.</p></li>
<li><p>RTF degree is not exactly production, they require a lot of film studies and communication/media classes that will be no use for filmmakers, but they are supposed to expand your horizons, teach you how to do research and other academic pursuits. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>If I were you,</p>

<p>I would try film minor/some kind of certificate </p>

<p>and </p>

<p>sign for semester in LA program which is open for all major. </p>

<p>Film degree is not required in film industry. You go to university for network and connections actually. Or some other resources. For example you can join Student TV or Filmmakers Alliance. It will give you experience and something to write in resume, plus you meet the right people.
[Want</a> to get involved? | Texas Student TV](<a href=“http://www.texasstudenttv.com/content/want-get-involved]Want”>http://www.texasstudenttv.com/content/want-get-involved)
[University</a> Filmmakers Alliance - About](<a href=“http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~ufa/?id=about]University”>http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~ufa/?id=about)</p>

<p>And you have to take advertising classes and think how you feel about commercials, because this is where money usually are, if you want to make decent living.</p>

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<p>Also, if you have a degree in biology you can always try to make documentaries.
Have you seen any of Olson’s movies? Flock of Dodos for example? [Randy</a> Olson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Olson]Randy”>Randy Olson - Wikipedia)</p>

<p>I am pretty sure students in Semester in LA program who have some science background would have priorities getting internships in companies like his over students with very artistic background.</p>

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<p>try to major in something that can get you a job if, for some reason you don’t get into the health program</p>