Expert: Valerie Broughton - 5/2/2010

Question
I need college help immediately?
I need immediate help.

I've been at the art institute for 2 years. I'm about 100k in debt.
I'm 6 months from getting my associate's.
But I don't want it. This school advertises but doesn't deliver.
"Web design and interactive development" is my major.
I don't want design. I want to develop. They advertise development classes and it's on the curriculum but they only have about 5 teachers that teach the entire degree.

Do I keep going and get a degree I don't want nor can use?
Do I transfer schools?
Do I drop out and give up?

what the hell do I do?? the advisors and counselors at the school are useless. they want me to stay, of course.

Answer
Hi Desirai,

I can't tell you what exactly to do, but I can give you some pros & cons of staying and of leaving.

Why stay?
   You've invested time and money, lots of it.  If you leave, you'll have absolutely nothing to show for it.  It's unlikely that your credits are transferable.  However, with a completed associates degree, you're likely to be able to continue your education.
   Most students get to a stage that they're unhappy with their school/program.  Sometimes it's just a phase.  Maybe developers need to know design.  Lots of colleges have only 5 teachers in a department that teach all the major courses.  Maybe, just maybe, the teachers know more about the industry than you do.
   You can access the career services department to look for work in the industry.  Don't be so sure that you can't use your degree.  Most people find work in an area not directly related to their degree anyway; it can take a while, sometimes years, before getting that perfect job.
   Never ever give up.  Even if you drop out/transfer, don't give up.  What's the alternative?

Why leave?
   If you know where you want to go, and if the school you want to transfer to will accept your transfer credits, it might be worth considering transferring.  But, if you have to start all over again, it will be a costly option, and maybe you'll find yourself dissatisfied at your new school after a while.  
   What reasons do the teachers and advisers give for wanting you to stay?  If it's because they think you're talented and that you're doing well, great.  If it's because they only want your tuition money, leaving might be best.
   
These are my thoughts.  Best wishes in making your decision.  

Valerie