<p>Hello all. This is my first post here, though I have been lurking for quite some time. Let me start off by saying this: I know I have shot myself in the foot. I became aware of that fact a few months ago, but it was far too late to do anything about it. That being said, here's what's going on.</p>
<p>This is the short version of the story. I am a first semester freshman currently attending a local public research university in Tennessee (For the sake of etiquette, I will refrain from mentioning which one exactly) and I absolutely hate it. I am an excellent student, and the only reason I am attending this school in the first place is because I had an enormous confidence issue (It has since been resolved...I think) when it was time to apply for colleges, and this is the only school I applied to. I can see clearly now that this was an incredibly stupid decision, but nevertheless it is a decision I cannot reverse. I have 9 credit hours going in due to dual enrollment classes, and I am taking a full load (15 hours) this semester. Unless something goes horribly wrong, I am on track to maintain my 4.0 GPA. I was undecided on a major, but then I realized that I had far less time than I thought to choose, as many of the majors I was considering required specialized general education requirements. I always figured I would transfer out eventually, but the time is coming sooner than I had anticipated.</p>
<p>I have decided on Architecture. My current university does offer an architecture program (4+2) but it is not very good. It is much more an urban planning/interior design program than it is an architecture program, and so I want to transfer to a different school to study architecture. This presents many problems, the most significant of which I will list here.</p>
<p>1) I cannot draw. I am a quick learner however, and I have spent the last few days taking some YouTube mini drawing lessons, and have so far been incredibly pleased with my progress (Please don't misunderstand me. I know that there is much more to it than that, but the fact that I can see visible improvement over just a few days gives me a little hope). This unfortunately means that I will be unable to transfer to any school requiring a portfolio as my portfolio is basically non-existent. Which brings me to my next point...</p>
<p>2) I cannot find a program that I am qualified to transfer to. Most of them require Calculus and some basic architecture classes, none of which I have completed. I am taking elementary calculus next semester (Basically Calculus I minus one hour. You take the last hour during the summer, but only if you make an A. If the class is unavailable they just let you take Calculus II, unless you didn't make an A, then you must take Calculus I which is basically the same class. It's a terrible system, but testing in to Calculus I is remarkably difficult here.) but there are no entry level architecture classes as those are only offered during the fall semester. Academically, I am qualified for many fine programs; practically, I am not.</p>
<p>3) I have no idea what other classes I should take next semester as the requirements vary from one architecture program to the next. This is an enormous problem. Registration opened Wednesday, and if I don't hurry I won't be able to take the classes I need. So far I have already taken Composition I & II, Speech, Intro to Film, Music Appreciation, Psychology, Literary Heritage, and World Civilization II (This list includes all the classes I am currently enrolled in). Like I said before, I am very much on track to maintain my 4.0 GPA.</p>
<p>Well those are the negatives. Here are some of the positives.</p>
<p>1) I'm sure it's what I want to do. I love buildings, and I love the creative process. I have been a musician my whole life, and I am well acquainted both with how to learn something quickly, and how to learn something properly (Repetition and plain ol' hard work). Up until recently I was strongly considering structural engineering, but I came to realize that my strengths are much more hands-on and much less mathematical (In other words, when I look at a building I don't see a bunch of distinct structural components as much as I see how those components fit together to make a whole, complete, piece of very functional art). I have thought carefully about this and sought advice from my parents and my close friends, and I remain convinced that this is the path for me.</p>
<p>2) I am willing to start from the ground up if necessary. I am glad I have taken the classes I have, and I am the better person for it, but if I am forced to throw it all out and start from zero I will do it. Meaning if I was able to transfer to a five year program, but ended up a year behind where I would be if I had applied as a freshman, I would accept that. One year of "wasted" time is well worth a lifetime of doing something I actually enjoy rather than getting cold feet and majoring in something easier. I'm not sure if any university would actually offer this as an option (Transfer what I can, but basically start as a freshman) but it is an interesting thought. </p>
<p>3) I am willing to do what it takes to make this work. If I have to send a letter to every admissions counselor, faculty member, department head...whatever, I will do it. I am proud (bordering on arrogant unfortunately) of my ability to communicate well in writing, and I will rely on that if it comes to it. I truly believe that given the right motivation and the proper amount of practice, it is possible for any person to learn anything they want, and so I am prepared to do any and all difficult work that comes my way to make this work.</p>
<p>I apologize for being so long winded. I don't want there to be any miscommunication or confusion. I know that I screwed up in the beginning, and I am willing to own up to that mistake, but now I seek to correct it. If any of you can offer any advice on any of the issues posted above, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and answer my questions.</p>
<p>-J</p>