Going back to undergrad after receiving a BFA

Hi, I was hoping for some advice and personal stories that might help me decide the best course of action for my education and life.

After having a very rough time in high school, with mistreated mental illness and addiction, I rebelled against the academic system and put my whole heart into pursuing an art degree. I absolutely loved it and don't regret it for a second; I learned a ton about myself and grew as a person. I take my art very seriously and work on it every day, thinking about it constantly, and always changing and growing. I'm proud to have received my BFA. It took me a long time to get to this point, but it took even longer for me to realize I don't want to pursue a career in art. It's painful for me to sell my work, plus the idea of taking up a "day job" to support myself while I market my work just doesn't feel like me. I also keep finding myself in social circles that feel frivolous and selfish and I'm starting to feel trapped. I've looked into graduate programs in museum studies or art conservation, but I just feel like I don't really care about that; I never read about these subjects in my spare time. Over the past couple years, I've been floating the idea of returning to undergrad in a scientific field. I really want my career to contribute to the world differently than art: more directly, more overtly. Something to make me feel like I'm really helping lives. There's a university near me that has an accomplished Forensic Science program--something I've always been fascinated with--that I'm considering applying to.

In terms of direct questions, I was wondering other's experiences with getting a second undergraduate degree in a completely different field. I have perused many queries on here about the subject, but none specifically reference turning away from the very different world of art school. Many people have suggested getting an advanced degree and pushing oneself to take the intro classes as quick as possible, but since I studied art, I fear I would be vastly behind everyone else. Especially because it's been such a long time since I was in high school.

It's troubling, isn't it, the idea of spending money on college twice. I was also so determined to be one of the few artists who would "make it" while in school. It feels like I'm giving up in a way, to pivot like this. But I've somewhat set my mind on it (depending on if input says this is a terrible idea). It's also frustrating because I know my art is good. Really good. But it's not like having a fulfilling scientific career will eliminate all my spare time for art--will it? Who here considers themselves an artist despite having another career? In order to keep myself monetarily afloat, it seems I'll have to have a job in addition to my art anyway, and I'd prefer it be something I love rather than, say, making coffee or selling shoes.

Also, what exactly is the best process to reapply to undergrad? Obviously I would transfer my gen-ed requirements, but does that mean I apply as a transfer student? Should I start by auditing classes as a non-student and then roll into the degree? Will I need to retake the SAT and ACT as an adult? Who best should write letters of recommendation? It also slightly complicates matters that I have a court-sealed name change so everything in high school may not be able to be linked to my identity; however I think my high school records are so long ago (I graduated 6 years ago) they may not even mean anything.

I'd love to hear from anyone in the same boat as me, or who knows anyone who was! Or even just similar situations. And don't hesitate away from specificity, I'm very interested. Thanks!

Submitted August 07, 2025 at 02:22PM by derHimmelUberBerlin https://ift.tt/sAwGmIv