My D took the GRE her Senior year. Her advisors told her when to take it and that it’s not really that important. It’s just a data point. They’ve been telling her all 4 years not to worry about her GPA either. It’s definitely different than applying UG. They care more about the portfolio is what they are being told.
A couple of programs DD got into for M.Arch that were rather difficult were 25% acceptance (UIUC and Clemson) back then. Or so we were told. The rest were more in the 50% range. But it all boils down to what you’re looking for, and what they’re looking for.
GRE was optional or not required in a few schools, but was common. If you plow through gradcafe over a weekend you can collect sample GRE’s and GPA’s - self reported - and get an idea of what it takes. But with portfolio being paramount, you could see people right around 3.0 GPA and ‘did you really score that on GRE’ getting into great schools.
Having a really good portfolio and great GPA for undergrad help a lot, more so than GRE. Rec letters are also important. As long as you don’t go chasing the same ten schools everyone else is chasing you’ll be fine. In terms of working first, yea, it’s a big decision. Life happens when you make other plans and all that.
Hey, I’m an international student from south east Asia.
I got accepted by Virginia tech too, and SCI_ARC ($30,000 scholarship guaranteed for my first year, I’ll have to maintain a 3.7GPA next year to maintain my scholarship).
I’m torn between deciding where I should go between the two.
I’d like to know your opinion about VT and why you want to go there?
I’d like to attend SCI_ARC as I think their students have more exposure to art and design, as well as new technology. But, VT would offer me a campus life.
I’m interested in knowing what school would be best for me to become a future architect. I want to go to a school where I’ll be groomed to create innovative designs that will be in high demand in the future (not now).
I don’t think I’d like a traditional architecture school, I’m interested in learning about new technology using it to influence our design.
Following comment #42
I’m also interested in my employability in SEA depending on which school I go to. Can any of you working in the field of architecture give me your opinion on this?
I’d also like to know about the quality of life, style of living and the environment of the area in LA (SCI_ARC) compared to Blacksburg, VA. I’m an international student so I don’t know much about these areas.
Thanks for your help:))
Wow. Nice scholarship however that GPA requirement in my opinion is unrealistic. You’d have to get straight As and it’s not common to get As in studio! It’s actually common to have lower GPAs in Architecture.
@jtan2309 Asia is still very hot though I’m not sure of the saturation of Architects there. My brother has been there for 5 years and work has been steady. He has worked in Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and China. There’s also a good out look for the small countries. He’s in hotels and gambling, if it matters.
@jtan2309 I live in SEA. I’m not an architect but I follow the field because of my son’s interest. . As @qclabrat says there’s a lot of building going on throughout the region — in hospitality, in offices and residential. Also a lot of massive urban development projects like airports and cultural centers, for which planning background is valuable.
The big global firms have regional offices in most countries, and degrees from top rated schools are well appreciated. When international firms take on big projects in Asia they like to hire people with local experience (especially language skills) and Western degrees.
Both Sci-Arc and VATech are highly rated. You’d get an excellent education at either but with different focuses. I don’t know which would have higher name recognition in Asia. If you have contacts at any firms working in Asia you should ask their opinions. You could also ask the schools if any of their alums have landed positions — or internships— in Asia.
@Mopep could you tell me your D’s stats? I am looking to apply to many to the same colleges and I want to see if I have a chance. I have an alright GPA but my SAT score is quite low
My daughter made a 1400 on her SAT and had a 3.2 GPA. She had a strong portfolio and recommendations. She is in her first year at USC. She loves it and she made the Deans List and became an architecture ambassador her first semester. She was also the only A in her studio. I wish I can say she gets her sleep but many weeks of all-nighters. She is having a blast and really enjoys her teachers. Good luck to you…