<p>Hi there! I'm considering applying to the architecture program at WashU, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit about the student experience? I know they have a great grad program but I've never heard about the undergrad school. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey there! I’m a junior in Arts and Sciences minoring in architecture, and I entered WashU as an architecture major. I did all the major requirements my freshman year before switching to the minor, and I would say that overall washu’s program is set up very well. Architecture is a really tough degree program, because the teachers expect a lot from you and the projects are basically never finished. Kids who had an art background and were detail oriented performed the best in studio, but also got the least sleep in the days leading up to deadlines. It is definitely possible to get an architecture degree and have a social life at WashU, but you also aren’t going to have the free time that freshmen in other majors may. Your studio friends will become a loving, sleep-deprived family and if architecture is the right career for you then washu’s program sets you up very well. Plenty of people got internships as sophomores, which is a good indicator of the program’s success. That being said, the major has a pretty high turnover rate- our class of 55 dropped to 35 after the first year, and more switch out each year. Those spots get taken by students transferring into the program from other schools within WashU so the general size is normally between 50 and 60. Another thing people dont realize a lot of the time about architecture school is that it is teally expensive. You dont buy $100 textbooks, but you spend a lot on supplies for projects and on printing. Bottom line: architecture anywhere is going to be a very tough degree, and WashU is no exception. But if its what you are passionate about the work will be worth it, and WashU will provide you with a strong community and engaging classes.</p>