<p>hey does anyone know how hard they grade on the portfolio? what sort of drawings are work of art most catches their attention? thanks</p>
<p>I don't think anyone can really tell you for sure, but since I was a student member of an admissions committee at Columbia's architecture school a million years ago - I'll tell you what we did. C-M's system is likely to be different. Anyway at Columbia three people (two professors, one student) read the applications and gave them numbers 1-6 I think. We weren't told to how to weight things - it was done holistically, but grades, scores, recommendations, portfolio and essay all fed into the picture. Probably in about that order. When I looked at portfolios I was looking for someone who was comfortable with drawing. Most architects are going to need to be able to sketch floor plans and elevations sometimes in front of clients. I personally didn't care for portfolios that only had photography much less one that was all dance. (OTOH another one had some stage design that did indicate an ability to visualize things in 3-d - which is helpful.) I also looked for some indication that the applicant really was interested in architecture - so drawings, photos or sculptures of buildings was a good thing. No one is going to expect a high school student to have much in the way of architectural design experience, but if you've taken any drafting/design type classes do show that work. Finally make sure that your portfolio has a unified look to it. Each page should have the same format.</p>