Was My Decision to Transfer Out of My School's Game Art Program the Right Decision?

Greetings everyone,

Last Spring, I finished my first semester at OSU (Ohio State University) as a transfer student. I had a good time there (even though my mental health got worse here, I feel more depressed here for some reason and I’m having memory problems and have been very dumb), but every now and again I kept having doubts about my decision.

I transferred to the OSU after my sopohmore year at this one university in Portsmouth, Ohio called Shawnee State University. My major at Shawnee State was Game and Simulation Art. I decided to transfer mainly because I was very unsure if I would do well academically in the higher level modeling courses or the supporting math and programming courses required for the degree. The last semester I had there, I was only able to get a D+ in one of the higher level modeling classes despite trying my absolute best. I feel like I did everything I could, I went to the group tutoring sessions, I emailed the professor when I could (he’s the only professor who teaches the higher level modeling courses and he’s in charge of the Game Art program so it took awhile for him to respond), and I followed his video notes the best I could. Another reason I decided to transfer was because I heard a Game Art degree is too narrow, and so I thought getting a more broad art/animation degree from a well known school would be a better since it would allow me to branch into other industries in case I’m unable to get into the video game industry. Finally, I was feeling depressed and “lonely” my second year there, despite having a good amount of friends.

Unfortunately OSU didn’t have any animation degree programs, but the Art and Tech program has been mentioned on Animation Career Review and other sites as being a good option if you want to get into animation. The primary reason I decided to transfer to OSU is because it’s a commutable distance from home, so I can live with my parents and not spend as much for college.

So my major is “Art and Technology”, which has a curriculum made up of digtal art and animation classes with art history and traditional art classes. Even though I’m sure I can do much better academically and it isn’t as expensive, a part of me wishes I stayed since I enjoyed my major overall and felt less sad there for some reason. Do you guys think transferring was the right decision? Should I stick it out here?

You should consider visiting with a qualified medical professional regarding your memory loss & depression. You may have an easily correctable chemical imbalance.

Once your health issues are addressed by a qualified medical professional, your academic career should soar.

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Publisher is on point here. Take the time to sort out your mental health issues, and any physical causes for those issues. When those are under control you will be better able to decide on the best academic pathway.