<p>i didn't think umich requires a portfolio..? I applied to LSA there, but plan to apply to arch after sophomore year, which is the typical route there, i believe.</p>
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am really impressed by our portfolio. My son is looking at architecture schools and has applied to several already. I am just wondering what your SAT scores were - if you don't mind sharing it. I am trying to weigh if your admissions were based on the strong portfolio you have or if it is SAT scores or both.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Padma</p>
<p>well, I think a stunning portfolio is a sure hook anyday, esp. into the more prestigious [so-called] programs.
schools which do not require pfs look at the scores, eg, miami, cincinnati...
in my case, my pf was really woeful [in retrospect], and i got in for fall 2005 at USC, IIT, washU, and NeU[if that counts] with a 710/710[sat1] and 730/740/740[sat2].</p>
<p>feeling very unsure/uneasy, i postponed college, changed location, worked very hard on the pf during this summer, making huge improvements, retook tests, etc, but now, it seems like i've lost the interest in arch...</p>
<p>but decent scores + decent pf, should do the job. and the last thing, which i think is the most important of all is: passion. honestly, i think someone with a not-to-good pf, but shows a passion to learn more and more, a great passion for arch [enthusiasm], will make a very good impression.</p>
<p>conclusion: i don't know which schools your son applied to but i hope this will help. in my case, i think i had the passion [something i could live or die doing, crazy about design, i could relate to it], my scores/grades/recs, and last, the pf [i think my background + relative inexperience + energy made it seem amusing/interesting].</p>
<p>bottomline, i guess, is just having the perfect balance between passion, pf[=portfolio], and scores [which i think matter less relative to transcripts/recs]</p>
<p>any ideas on my cornell arch chances.. i know arch admissions is more complicated b/c of portfolio</p>
<p>2310 SAT
800, 780, 800 SATII
5,5,5,5 AP Scores
3.98
but mediocre portfolio.. not a huge art person, but i love architecture!
im applying regular, so i have a two months to finish my portfolio, which needs a lot of finishing, but i really don't have the time to make it much to talk about.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE=Fallinwater0328]
Don’t put some stupid CAD and photoshop stuff in your portfolio.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Why do you say this? Aren’t they looking for design skill? By CAD/photoshop stuff, I assume you mean anything that required the use of a computer to produce, including models, web design and manipulated photography (even if the manipulation was just a change in the contrast).</p>
<p>this is the principle behind no cad/draft work/photoshop things in portfolio. </p>
<p>They want to teach you how to draft and use those things. You will have lectures on these and they are not necessary skills to have yet. In fact, they might want you to do things in a totally different system. </p>
<p>Additionally, portfolios are meant to demonstrate you creative ability and also ability to think three dimensionally and convey 3D things in a 2D medium. this is why they really like still-life draws. architects will have to have the ability to express 3D concepts using 2D, and this is so easy to teach. While some places have classes on drawing and watercolor, other schools do not, so there is less time to teach you this.</p>
<p>You say they would like to see both spatial awareness and creativity. But after looking at many portfolios and anecdotes, I get the impression that spatial awareness overrides creativity in importance. So in choosing between two pieces to put into a portfolio, I am better off putting in the piece demonstrating greater spatial awareness relative to creativity. Am I right?</p>
<p>i would say yes. It is good to demonstrate creativity in some of the pieces, but definitely not all. </p>
<p>take syracuse for example, they require 8 still-life or spatial drawings. so it is clear that top schools want you to be able to take a 3D object and draw it with a 2D medium and be successful. </p>
<p>that being said, schools with artsy names/reputations may like more creative drawings, but still need to see that spatial ability.</p>
<p>btw, you also are required to take an interview if applying to architecture in cornell.
and they weight this interview heavily. </p>
<p>i think i read somewhere admissions to cornell arch is basically based on: 1/3 academics, 1/3 portfolio, and 1/3 interview</p>
<p>also, if you live overseas and can’t make it to the interview during the fall they send interview essay questions.</p>
<p>I know this is an old thread, but I couldn’t resist commenting. I browsed through jimminy’s photos and the majority of his works aren’t well…architectural pieces?</p>
<p>I was under the impression that the portfolio had to consist of like…buildings, you know? So…it can just be random works of art in your portfolio?</p>
<p>^ I wouldn’t say random, but many colleges specifically ask for <b>non</b>-architectural pieces. RPI, for example stresses that they don’t want to see drafting or cad.</p>
<p>I was accepted into USC, Pratt, and RPI with a digital art focused portfolio with zero architectural work and only a few freehand drawings.</p>
<p>Gotta agree with Arctic. My portfolio was zero architectural pieces, mostly traditional artwork and a couple very conceptual 3-dimensional pieces.</p>
<p>Most schools like to see that you can take what you see and put it down on paper (observational work). I’d say thats what got me into Syracuse.</p>
<p>So far my B.arch school acceptances are USC and Syracuse. I didn’t apply to very many schools though. The only portfolio-required school that I’ve been rejected by so far is Cornell.</p>
<p>Absolutely true, I would say that my portfolio did not have any architectural pieces.</p>
<p>Accepted to Syracuse and Pratt so far–still waiting on Cooper from my top 3 choices.</p>
<p>Also can’t resist chiming in on an old thread - most arch. schools require the portfolio, and for most it’s one of the most important pieces (if not the most important). It shows your ability to look, to create, and to think visually and spatially.
Photos are good for spatial composition, drawings and paintings to show your “hand” (technical skill). The overall format is also important - it shows graphic composition skill and rigor and attention to detail (critical in architecture).
Most schools have old portfolios available - definitely ask to see them for examples. Also check out Harold Linton’s “Portfolio Design” - textbook in many arch. programs</p>
<p>Do I need to send my original art works to Syracuse as a portfolio? Does anyone know what a portfolio should be like? Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>The first place to look for answers about admissions portfolios at a specific school is always that school’s website.</p>
<p>Little bit of Googling takes you to: <a href=“Syracuse Architecture”>Syracuse Architecture;
<p>Hello. Im a senior from El Salvador. I got into Notre Dame and UVA and I’m planning on studying architecture. Which is a better school? Im so confused I don’t know where should I go! Please help! I also applied regular to Upenn and WashU.</p>
<p>I was also wondering…does the drawing have to be drawn on a specific paper or something? or can we freely draw on a regular white sheet of paper and it’ll be acceptable?</p>
<p>The school’s website will have the requirements listed generally. Regular white piece of paper probably won’t do, there’s dozens of variations depending on what you want to draw with, weight, all kinds of choices. </p>
<p>I know this thread is mostly old, but I saw a comment that said you shouldn’t submit arch plans in a portfolio. Is that really true? My son took a arch drafting class at the local CC and he has some really lovely plans and did great in the class. Should he only submit art work. If so, he has basically nothing as he’s never taken a formal art class and only has small sketches and all done with pencil and no color. He also has some animation projects since he also took an animation class at the CC, but I don’t think those would be appropriate if he was applying for an arch major.</p>