<p>How influential is the portfolio in the admissions decision? Can an impressive portfolio overcome borderline test scores? Lastly how do the architecture applicants compare to the rest of the applicants with regard to class rank and test scores?</p>
<p>I believe that an excellent portfolio, like an amazing essay, will get a borderline applicant into the program.</p>
<p>I have no idea on the second part though.</p>
<p>I just know that it's very difficult.</p>
<p>Niguel,</p>
<p>A strong portfolio will help your application, but it will not make up for deficiencies in test scores, grade, or class rank. At Notre Dame, all freshmen are admitted to the First Year of Studies, not an individual college like the School of Architecture, so intended major plays a much smaller role in the admissions process. As a result, the statistics for students studying architecture are similar to those of the rest of the student body.</p>
<p>My son was admitted last year intending to study languages and science, but architecture has captured his imagination, and he is taking the first year courses in that discipline. He will be able to enroll in the School of Architecture next year despite having no idea that his path would lead him there when he enrolled in the University.</p>
<p>So, in a sense, the way to get in to the School of Architecture at Notre Dame is to just get into Notre Dame. :) Good luck!</p>
<p>There was an article awhile back in Scholastic that looked at the average SAT scores and college GPA of students in the various colleges, and I think the college of architecture had slighty lower stats than the rest of the university. However, since you apply to the University, not the college, this won't really be a factor in admissions. Of course, an impressive portfolio can definitely help your application.</p>