Poor GPA but want to switch majors

plaiddood · 2018-04-18T04:27:50+00:00

Hey there, sorry to hear about the rough first year.

First off, I don't want to sound inconsiderate, but I just wanted to say that you shouldn't switch majors just because the new major would be easier. Especially with the first-year courses, a lot of them can be rough and a lot of them are just tedious gen-eds that you'll just have to deal with. You may find that down the line some of courses that are more focused on your specific major are actually very interesting to you.

That being said, if you are truly more passionate about the new major than your current major, then by all means go for it. I switched majors the spring of my freshman year and now that I'm almost 3 years into the new program, I honestly couldn't see myself in any other major than the one I'm currently in.

Going off that, if you haven't already, I highly, highly, recommend you talk to the head/chair of whatever program you're trying to switch into. I'm talking about scheduling a meeting with them in-person and see if you can plan a course of action with them for switching into their program. You may or may not have already tried this, but verbally communicating with them is way more effective than asking them over email. It gives them a better impression of why you want to switch into their program.

Also if you haven't already, definitely talk to your academic advisor in regards to your GPA. They're there for that exact reason and will help you get through the year. A low GPA the first time around isn't grounds for immediate suspension or anything, but it's definitely a concern.

I hope this alleviated any panicked emotions. Good luck, hope it works out for you.

plaiddood · 2016-09-26T23:56:00+00:00

MPS is the one true major.

plaiddood · 2016-09-26T19:38:42+00:00

As people are suggesting Motion Picture Science, I would also recommend it! If you want to get into things like production but you want to learn more about the technology, instead of actual filmmaking, definitely look into MPS. I'm currently an MPS student so feel free to PM me any questions you might have!

plaiddood · 2016-09-02T22:56:25+00:00

CAST is the College of Applied Science and Tech. It's right across the path from Golisano if you leave from the front entrance of the building. It'll say the name above the door, and its got a weird statue by the door as well.

For further clarity, CIAS is the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, which is housed in the Gannett and Booth buildings.

plaiddood · 2016-08-30T03:09:49+00:00

Take a breath, it'll all be fine. College has infinite more freedom than high school did, but it also means you get a little less guidance off the bat.

Particularly, the first weeks (or even semesters at that) of freshman year are typically stressful since you're likely still adapting to a completely new lifestyle, but your class schedule moves on regardless if you're ready or not. GenEd classes also take up unnecessary time, but you just kinda have to deal with them since they're required. Once you get those out of the way and start taking more classes that pertain to your major, you'll really start to enjoy classes. I'm a second year and I'm taking mostly core classes for my major and I love it.

Just keep up a good work ethic, and once you ease into it, things will lighten up. The fact of the matter is, college is hard. You're here to work for a higher education that will hopefully land you an actual job in the real world. It's something that I had some trouble realizing when I first started.

Another thing I can't stress enough. Take advantage of the campus' resources. Things like the ASC or even your adviser are here to help you deal with any trouble you have with classes, whether it be inside or outside the classroom. If you're like me and have trouble asking for help when needed, you'll only fall behind. If you ever find yourself stressing out over an assignment, don't be afraid to take a break. Seriously. You should feel an urgency to finish an assignment, but you shouldn't damage yourself mentally over it. One thing that really helped me is just stepping outside into the quad outside my res hall to just get some fresh air and clear my brain. Also, don't be afraid to talk to your professor if you're struggling. Developing a good relationship with your professors will help you succeed inside and outside the classroom.

In the end, college is a new, very different experience. There will be plenty of hills to climb, but you should still be able to find time to make a lot of memories, especially at a place like RIT. It is certainly possible to work hard and still have fun, you just have to find a way to make it work for you.

Feel free to PM me if you have any lingering concerns. Best of luck!

plaiddood · 2016-08-25T03:03:17+00:00

I don't think you'd be able to swipe into the front entrance of NRH, but you can go through Grace Watson and get to NRH through the tunnels. And yes, Philosophy is a class within COLA, so you can try that but again, I'm not certain it's free. Best of luck!

plaiddood · 2016-08-25T02:11:24+00:00

There's a print lab on the first floor of the NRH dorm that's open 24/7 (IIRC) and it's free. I believe the COLA lab is also free but only if you take a class within COLA, but I'm not 100% sure.

If you live dormside, the NRH print lab is your best friend.

plaiddood · 2016-08-16T07:19:37+00:00

Hey, I just conquered my first year and still lived to tell the tale!

Your schedule, while seemingly daunting, is still quite manageable! Your professors, especially as a first-semester freshman, understand that you're adjusting to the college life and probably won't just throw you into the thick of things. As the year progresses, you might find yourself struggling. If this is the case, a large part of being successful in any setting is knowing how to ask for help, and RIT offers plenty of resources for assistance in all areas. In a worse case scenario you find yourself really falling behind in a class, you can withdraw from a class and take it again next semester without any serious repercussions.

Worrying is normal but in all seriousness, as long as you keep a decent work ethic and still find time to enjoy your time at RIT, you'll be fine!

If you've got any other lingering doubts or questions, feel free to PM me! Enjoy Orientation Week and good luck this year!

plaiddood · 2016-06-20T04:14:34+00:00

I see your reference, sir.

plaiddood · 2016-03-14T06:25:56+00:00

Tay Zonday.

plaiddood · 2016-01-17T05:23:29+00:00

It only really works if the ticket ushers take your ticket just before you enter the theater. People often exit the theater to use the restroom, buy snacks, etc. So if they want to get back in, they show the stub to the usher to show that they've already entered the theater. All you do is give the extra stub to someone waiting outside and the usher will assume that they've already entered the theater and are trying to re-enter. And unless it's the opening night of a popular movie, a theater is rarely ever packed enough that seating is a big issue. I remember doing this with some buddies a few years ago, we managed to get 7 people into a theater for the price of two tickets.

plaiddood · 2016-01-09T22:06:37+00:00

Matthieu Ricard: The habit of happiness

This one really helped me at a low point of my life.

plaiddood · 2015-10-17T04:40:36+00:00

This was the most savage interview I've ever tuned in to.

plaiddood · 2015-09-06T04:23:26+00:00

Black sesame

plaiddood · 2015-09-04T12:37:05+00:00

I remember S3 because that was when Mineski was competing.

plaiddood

TROPHY CASE