I am a junior in high school trying to figure out my future. I have really been looking into studying architecture and applying architecture school this coming year. I have done a summer camp and believe that it could be right for me but i’m only 17 so things can change. I have also been a cheerleader most of my life and am not ready to give it up. Is it possible for me to be a cheerleader at schools such as Syracuse, Maryland, Penn State, UT Knoxville, Clemson, Drexel, Ohio State, Catholic University and other top architecture programs? (granted i get into these programs) Cheerleading is not the most demanding sport and i feel like even though it may be challenging it is possible. I’d love to hear feedback from other going though this or people who have seen it 
hi Alexa
I am just a mom, not a cheerleader or an architect. I do know something, however, about the demands of D1 football programs (and cheer and band) on students that participate. Several of your choices have D1 football (Syracuse, Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson…) and so you would be traveling a lot and practicing a lot which are generally thought to be incompatible with demanding majors like engineering and architecture. At the school I work at (also D1 football), they recommend a lower fall credit load for all the football types, including cheerleaders. That might be a problem for the focused architecture major…not sure. Not sure if this is helpful, but I did find your combo of interests to be really interesting and I wish you luck.
Yes, architecture is a very demanding program - lots of long hours. I think all the travel would make it really difficult and stressful.
My D is a freshman arch major and was an athlete in HS. These are her words from a recent conversation - “I could never play a sport and do this major.” If you want to cheer, find a major that does not involve a large amount of lab or studio work (one with predominately writing and tests)
@alexa1125, Another way to approach the issue would be to consider the BA/BS+MArch route instead of the BArch. As noted the BArch is an intensely focused degree which doesn’t allow for a lot of time for extracurriculars. Depending the on the school, a bachelor of science or art in architecture or architectural studies could allow you more flexibility.
With a BA/BS you would need to get an MArch in order to become licensed in most states (there are exceptions) which can take from 2.0 to 3.5 years, and can subsequently be more expensive than the BArch. It also allows more flexibility if, as you say, things change. Many architects will work for a few years before heading back to school for their Masters, and increasingly, many BArch holders also supplement their degrees with the MArch.
@1andonly If you don’t mind me asking what school your daughter now attends? Just trying to get a feel for everything
If you’re looking into architecture look into landscape architecture too!
@alexa1125 my D is at Cal Poly SLO. She is a LArch major, but her roommate was a BArch major. Both girls have spent the entire night in studio as freshman, imagine doing this and having to practice at 6 am, before class. Also, many of the Arch projects are “group” which would be tough if you’re traveling. @momrath has a great suggestion, if she is set on cheer and Arch, get a bachelor in something else and a master in Arch.
A lot of schools offer a BA or BS in architectural studies or something similar. With this degree you would still need to get an MArch in order to become a licensed architect in most states (there are exceptions) but usually with a BS/BA architecture, the MArch is only 2.0 years. The BS/BA architecture can be as demanding as the individual school requires, but as a general statement they allow more flexibility than the BArch.
This spring at the Clemson job fair I interviewed a young lady who was graduating with her BA in architecture and had been a football cheerleader all four years. Nice work and very impresssive individual. I have also hired a woman who was a varsity swimmer all four years of her undergraduate architecture studies. When I see an individual like this I know that work ethic is not going to be an issue. I think it can be done, but you have to be very focused and disciplined.
Rickdm
Like a lot of other things, it also depends on taking summer courses (or online courses) for Gen-Ed type stuff and allow some breathing room during fall/spring.
@rick12 - Yes, Clemson’s 4 yr (non-accredited) arch program is exactly what @momrath was talking about. Clemson “more or less” expects you to continue into their masters accredited program after graduation.
Something I have specific experience with! Too late for OP though 
I went to a Big 10, MArch school. I had a friend who played varsity water polo. She played for two years, but once studio classes actually started 3rd year, she had to quit.
BUT I used to work with a girl that went to a D3, BArch school and played varsity field hockey.
I also worked with a girl that went to an Ivy League MArch school and played varsity volleyball.
@alexa1125, It can be done, I know a friend of a friend who cheered professionally for the 49ers while getting her MBA at Harvard and working at a start up. While it is important to have laser focus on your studies you should also find outlets to recharge throughout the year. If cheering does that for you and can keep your school life balance, go for it. Here’s a number of ladies who have had success doing both. Good Luck
https://www.si.com/more-sports/photos/2014/11/06/cheerleaders-field#23
Cheerleading at the schools you listed, or other D1 schools, is very demanding. The cheerleaders are ambassadors of the school and often travel without the football or basketball team. They travel with the band for parades, travel with the mascot to alum functions, cheer at games.
A friend’s daughter was a cheerleader for a D1 program. It was her only activity as it took so much time.