Hi, I’m currently in the architecture program at Michigan (4 years) under scholarship and was wondering if Taubman’s reputation is generally good with graduate schools. Specifically, I’m looking for graduate programs on the west coast, I want to shoot high for programs at schools like Cal or UCLA but any other programs would be great as well. Almost done with my sophomore yr so obviously my portfolio is still developing but my gpas about 3.5. Any input would be great!
@EugeneCrabs, a BS in architecture from UMich will put you in a good position for admissions to any MArch program.
Michigan’s school of architecture is well respected throughout the country, and throughout the world. The first thing you should do is survey current seniors in your department and find out which MArch programs they were accepted to
Your academic performance and your recommendations will have an impact on admissions, but the most important factors will be your portfolio and your personal profile – who you are, what you have done, what you can contribute to the make up of the MArch class.
It’s very difficult to get accurate and current information on admission rates for MArch programs. Few schools publish them and those that are available are generally outdated. I’d suggest that you contact the schools you are interested in directly and ask them for recent admission rates.
My understanding is that both Berkeley and UCLA MArch programs are highly competitive. On the west coast you should also look at Washington and Oregon. I believe Washington is also very selective; Oregon (which is an excellent program) is less so.
You can search MArch schools by state and by region here: https://www.naab.org/architecture-programs/school-search/
My advice would be to add a few less selectives, even if they’re not in your preferred geographic area: Arizona, Kansas, Cincinnati, WUSTL, UVA, Northeastern come to mind. These are all solid programs whose graduates end up working all over the country.
I would also be keenly aware of the number of years it will take to complete your MArch at each of the schools you are looking at. With a BS in architecture, most MArchs can be completed in 2.0 years, but that is not universally the case. Degree requirements and advanced placement rules vary widely from school to school, so you have to check each one.
The MArch can be an expensive degree. Grants are available, but difficult to predict. They are usually merit-based, not need-based.
Many prospective architects work for a year or two before heading back to school for their MArch, and this is generally a positive in admissions . If you intend to work in California, be aware that CA is one of several states that allows BS architecture holders to begin the licensing process with additional work experience in lieu of a degree from an accredited program. I don’t recommend this route as it may limit your opportunities, but short term it would allow you to start the licensing process and gain work experience, which could give you a boost in MArch admissions.
Most BS architecture programs will hold a space in their MArch class for a year or two. Find out UMich’s policy.