University of Edinburgh transfer to U.S Colleges

Sorry, I thought my rationale was clear in my original post. My reason for transferring is because I have a real passio n for theatre and it wasnt possible for me to fulfil that at Edinburgh. My EC’s are full of Theatre and Performance so its support by that. The BFA colleges I am applying to have rigorous, professional conservatory programs, and the BA’s have equivalent immersion in theatre with the added bonus that I can explore other areas of study.

My main reason will come from the fact that I felt unfulfilled (both academically and creatively) at Edinburgh, and was craving a much more intense program of study. My anxiety was mainly due to an abundance of free time (Edinburgh has very limited contact hours) and not feeling a sense of belonging, as I was in a course which I wasnt passionate enough about (e.g not Acting)!

In response to the mental health thing - there will be no point where I explicitly address this. I dont want to throw a pity party for myself, but rather show admissions that I came out of the other side more motivated and more dedicated. I purely mentioned it as my school actually suggested that the best thing for me to do was to take a year out and rethink my option. Edinburgh is very supportive of me and I am in a position to resume my studies there in the future should I wish to.

my school actually suggested that the best thing for me to do was to take a year out and rethink my option. <<<<<<<<<<<

Edinburgh suggested you take a leave of absence? Is that documented?

Uh yes, of course. I went through the whole process with my student support officer and personal tutor, and they spoke through my options and explained to me what a leave of absence is and how I could benefit from me. And then they granted me one. So, yeah?

No school wants their drop our rate to be high after freshman year, so it’s actually not surprising they encouraged me to take a year out. I’m still technically enrolled at their school, and therefore they retain the chance that I might go back at some point.

You seem to harbor a great deal of animosity towards the school. I suggest you take it down a notch for the sake of your transfer application. Not being academically challenged at one of the best unis in the world sounds bizzare and thin.

What I meant is that I wasn’t being challenged in the fields I was truly interested in. And actually, the majority of first year courses at Edinburgh tend to contain a lot of similar content to that of the A Levels I studied, so it was not potentially as interesting as it could have been, hence why I didn’t feel challenged. I am absolutely in no way hostile towards Edinburgh actually; it’s a fantastic school and the support I received there has been great. A lot of people thrive there, but I happened to not be one of those people. I’m super thankful to what Edinburgh provided me with, and my recommendations are stellar. I am well liked in my small department and they wish to see me achieve what will make me happy. This will all be apparent on my application.

Thank you for calling me bizarre though, your opinion is much appreciated.

    "my school actually suggested that the best thing for me to do was to take a year out and rethink my option. "

  I suppose my question is, what does that look like on a transfer application.  It sounds like they asked you to take a LOA. How that is presented on your transfer application and transcript should be something you need to consider. You have reach schools where you are trying to sell yourself as an outstanding candidate in a highly subjective competitive angst ridden major. Why did you end up in Edinburgh? What is your major there? How did you go with your competitive drama school applications in the UK? 

I see. No, my school did not ask me to do so. They encouraged me up until the last minute to stay, after which they suggested an absence.

I am aware of the competitive nature of my desired major, but to say it angst ridden would be wrong. I am passionate about acting, and being rejected from schools is nothing to compared to what rejection in the actual business of acting is like. I’m very much aware of that; I come from a family of actors and film professionals so I have been exposed to the business. I was accepted into a top UK drama school last year but turned down the opportunity to go to attend Edinburgh instead, as I was certain at the time I wanted to broaden my horizons and gain a degree in a different field of study before committing to acting (as I knew acting was competitive and wanted to give myself a plan B). I do not regret this decision in the slightest; my experience at Edinburgh allowed me to understand that acting was my true passion, as I felt miserable not studying it. My major is International Relations and Politics. Edinburgh does not do Theatre/Theatre Studies degrees at Bachelor level.

Realistically you will be looking at starting from scratch then. Is money truly of no consequence to your parents? Scottish schools are cheap as chip even to Brits. but a US BFA or private BA school of note will easily put you 250K dollars in the hole. With zero guarantee of being able to work here, immigration being a thing. Whatever else, head to the theater major CC board and hang with your real peeps… You can splash on the audition costs and manage the logistics? Are you applying for 2019? You have already started your apps and visits? Audition schedule planned? Pre screens ready?

Have you considered an application to USC (Univ of Southern Calif)? Good school of Dramatic Arts, university offers a lot of opportunities for double majors, minors, etc., (if you still have any interest in studying a range of subjects), lots of other acting training available in Los Angeles, and they understand transfer students well, and try to support them. I see you have a thoughtful list, but maybe one more to consider.