Will taking a semester (or more) off hurt transfer chances?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>Hi there, I've got a doozy for you all.</p>

<p>I'm currently in my second year at Syracuse University (Newhouse, if anyone's interested). I'm thinking of the impossible, and considering switching out, to follow my lifelong dream of pursuing a career in illustration. I'm only doing journalism because my family initially instilled the fear of me not making a dime after art school. I've quickly learned that money seems worthless when you're not doing what you love (and have developed a new-found hatred of journalism-- doing it, that is, not the industry).</p>

<p>So, I want to transfer to art school. I'm quite aware that SU has an excellent illustration program, but the city bums me out, as well. I'm not against applying to VPA, though, but I'm still mostly looking out art schools in different areas all together. The problem is: My portfolio isn't finished, and I have no time to finish it, since I have so much work for my journalism and core requirement classes. </p>

<p>This is why I want to take a semester off. I'm miserable in ways I've never experienced before, I feel like I don't have a future unless I'm doing art. And while I'm here being depressed and busy, I have no time to focus on my art. I've talked to my mom about it, and she is disappointed, but seems somewhat supportive. </p>

<p>I just want to know, from the CC community, does anybody here think that if I take a gap year in the middle of my schooling, will it hurt my chances of transferring into an art school? I'm thinking SVA, MICA, Cornish or Art Center, in case anyone is particularly informed on those schools. I'm keeping an open mind, though. </p>

<p>My current GPA is a 2.9, but I'm doing quite well (grade-wise, at least) so far, so I'm looking to finish this semester with a cumulative 3.2. </p>

<p>Your help, banter, questions, etc. are appreciated.</p>

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<p>Hi there!</p>

<p>After reading your post, I would like to share a story with you that will hopefully cheer you up and help you make the right decision!</p>

<p>I am a 29 year old college student. I started community college last spring as an English major. I’ve always wanted to major in English. I have a love of literature and writing, and both are my passion.</p>

<p>I graduated high school in 2001. Since I was a freshman in high school I knew I wanted to major in English. During my senior year, I met with guidance counselors and told them my ambitions. I told friends and extended family of my dreams.</p>

<p>Their responses were that English is an “iffy” major and I will never make a living out of it.</p>

<p>I went into college right out of high school as an “undecided” major. I had no career path, no sense of what the heck I was going to do with my life. I was unmotivated and depressed, wanting so badly to major in English.</p>

<p>I dropped out of college after my second semester with a 2.0 GPA.</p>

<p>After this happened, I went to a school for medical billing because everyone recommended it…saying it was a good field, jobs are secure, etc.</p>

<p>I have been doing medical billing for over 8 years. I am MISERABLE. Yes, it is a secure job…but I am not happy at all.</p>

<p>Last year, it dawned on me. I will not be happy if I don’t pursue a degree in English. It took me 11 years of being out of high school to realize this. </p>

<p>Now, I am studying the subject that I love, and my GPA is a solid 4.0! Big change from my first year of college and being unhappy. I have never been happier, and my grades certainly show for it.</p>

<p>So my advice to you is…follow your heart and your dreams! If art is your passion and what you want to do in your career, go for art! Taking a bit of time off now while you’re young is way better than taking years off while you debate with yourself whether or not you’re doing the right thing, and certainly better than spending all of that money and time doing something that you know you don’t want to do. Many students take time off in the middle of their schooling for various reasons. I don’t see a reason why it would hurt your chances of transferring. Schools typically don’t look at things like that.</p>

<p>Just remember…whatever your heart tells you is always the right thing.</p>

<p>It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of your decision. It’s what makes YOU happy that matters. Because in the end, you have to be happy in your career, even if it means taking risks. Nothing is worth it in life if no risks are involved.</p>

<p>Good luck!! Be sure to update on your decision! Pursuing art school sounds like it is the right one :)</p>

<p>Again, remember…YOU are in charge of your happiness. You are exactly right…no job or amount of money is worth it if you can’t be happy earning it.</p>

<p>Hope my advice has been helpful! :)</p>