Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve posted on this website. I thought I’d never need to again after getting into an MT program last year but here we are. I’m a sophomore in a musical theatre program looking into transferring and would like to transfer to another musical theatre program (hopefully in California where I’m from). I hate the location of my school which I didn’t think would matter at all before applying. I have no family or close friends in the area plus going back to my home state would get me in state tuition. Many issues I didn’t foresee ended up happening last year and it was honsetly just the worst year of my life. I guess I’m wondering are these good enough reason to transfer or should I stick it out considering it will be hard to find another program that’s as developed as the one I’m in currently as there aren’t many in California. I don’t want to give up doing theater and I don’t want to take a step down to a program that’s not challenging me. Any advice at all? What would you say to someone in my situation? Stick it out or just head home?
I don’t know what school you’re attending, and I don’t know enough current information about California schools to offer assistance but, in my opinion, it would not be a mistake to look into transferring if last year was the worst year of your life. College is supposed to be about learning, training, experiencing new things and places, making new friends, etc., all of which should be positives, and certainly not a horrible experience. There are parents here from CA that may be able to offer you some advice on schools in the state. Best of luck to you.
If you’re talking about getting “in state” tuition in CA for Musical Theatre, you’re really only talking about a few state schools that even offer the major. You should probably contact them individually to ascertain transfer requirements, and to find out if transferring will extend your time in school (thus impacting any potential savings). You can request a transfer audit to see which if any credits will actually transfer and apply to their major. UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge (theatre major with MT minor) – I don’t think there are many more state schools that offer MT…although the big list on the main page will be a good resource for you.
Aside from location, were the “worst year of my life” aspects due to the program/college specifically? Or were they “normal” unforeseen occurrences that could have happened anywhere? Freshman year of college can be tough for a lot of reasons. Same goes for freshman year of an MT program. Is the type of program you are in what you expected/hoped it would be? Would those same opportunities/problems be likely at another program of the same type? Does having the maturity of being a sophomore put some of the problems behind you? Or will they continue regardless of what year you are? Be aware that if you transfer to another school in theater it is likely that you will be entering as a freshman (essentially) at many schools. If that sounds better than dealing with what made you miserable last year, by all means, transfer. Life is short and the paths to a career in theater are many.
Thanks for the honest answers. As far as in state tuition goes that’s not the end all be all for me. Just an added perk of going to school in state. The program isn’t what I expected and I’m not sure if it’s what I want. I’ve seen some programs in California that look good but ultimately only time will tell. I wish I could make a quick decision but this is something I’ll have to think about for a while.