I had a double major degree in Telecommunications (video production) and English (Creative Writing) My GPA was like 3.1 My average grades in Creative Writing were like C+. TCOM grades were like B+. I went to Ball State but I think that if a school like Ball State who takes in people with low GPAs must have really low quality graduate school programs. I'm thinking of maybe going into grad school for Urban Planning. Much to my ultimate horror Ball State is the only university in Indiana with such a program. My parents are not very supportive of the idea of grad school at all due to expenses so they will probably only make the exception for a school near Indianapolis like IUPUI or something like that. I have extremely sucky social skills which prevent me from getting normal jobs. I am mostly wanting to do grad school for more internship experience. Recommend me any school and/or program. Perhaps a program where an average grade student with fine arts experience would be interested in. Seeing that pursuing careers in video making and writing are all for nought. Nickname: I graduated with a BA in Creative Writing and Telecommunications. I have no interest in pursuing grad degrees in these areas since I've come to learn (only after graduating) that no one succeeds in getting careers in these areas (no one like me anyway). I'm looking for programs where I am guaranteed a good job. Urban Planning sounded like one that catered to my interests and seems good paying but I am worried as to whether or not I am skilled enough to survive this program. Though for quite a while I have been considering IU Bloomington's Tcom grad program (because Ball State only has one tcom program that doesnt cater to my interests or is helpful in finding a job).
Higher Education (University +) - 3 Answers
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1
Google your major and then find out which programs nationally or in the midwest offer your discipline. You may find then that certain ones also fund their graduate students. That's how I went to grad school.
2
If, as you have already found, Ball State is the only grad school in Indiana that offers Urban Planning, then that doesn't give you any choices. If you choose to change your grad major, then Indiana University and Purdue University might have appropriate programs. University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, is a prestigious school and should have programs in Urban Planning and other related majors, but I am not certain you would be accepted with your grades and lack of work experience. Edit: Wish I could help more but I know little about Midwestern colleges or Urban Planning grad programs. However, it seems to me that most state schools ought to have urban planning given its importance to the civil services. Check out schools in neighboring states like Illinois and Ohio to see if they offer the program. Good luck.
3
So far I like [My Nickname I don't know!!!]'s answer best regarding the information about schools. But I would recommend seeing a psychiatrist regarding your social skills. It is very common for anxiety issues or disorders to make it difficult to be yourself or fumble around during social interactions or situations. Agoraphobia would be the extreme end of the spectrum. There are some mild medications available that could ease your anxiety if that is the case. You could always try a medication such as Klonopin as needed before a social situation occurs. If you notice that your social skills improve then that is the best way to confirm the diagnosis. Most likely after about 6 months when you have been able to have successful social interaction, thus gaining more confidence the anxiety disorder will resolve itself to the point medication will no longer be needed. It can also be therapeutic to speak to a therapist while you are working to resolve this. I would recommend doing that regardless if medication is prescribed. The fact that it is effecting a major part of your life more then justifies seeking a professional advice. The drawback with Klonopin is that the dependency rate is high. It works in a similar way alcohol does in the brain but without any intoxication or feeling loopy side effects. So you wouldn't want to take it unless absolutely necessary and also for the shortest about of time possible. Save it for situations which require heavy social interactions. Anti-depressants work to permanently change the chemical balance in your brain and have much and unsavory greater side effects. Of course anything your medical professional prescribes overrules anything I have to say. But it is always OK to insist that your health professional give you more then one option and go over the side effect of each one. If they can't think of more then one option then you need to find another mental health professional. Never allow your primary care physician to prescribe brain altering medication such as anti-depressants. Too often then not primary care doctors without enough education in the area will try to resolve it themselves, it is arrogant and not safe. Many HMO's give their doctors kudos and sometimes even bonuses for not giving patients specialist referrals simply because it saves the HMO money. You insurance card should have right on it whether you have a HMO or PPO insurance coverage. They should be understanding if you tell them you would be more comfortable having a psychiatrist evaluate you before you are going to commit to any medications that alter your brains chemistry. If you have a PPO just find a psychiatrist on your health insurance plan and go see them. If you do not have medical insurance please add to your post including what State and City you live in. So I may edit mine and give you alternative resources for receiving care.
