<p>I'm going to be a senior in high school this year. I haven't really had the best grades in high school. I can still graduate on time and everything if I pass all my classes but I had a couple of D's throughout the years. So I know I don't really have a chance of going to a good university. So I plan on getting the best grades I can this year in high school and attending an architecture program at a community college then transferring to a University after the 2 years.</p>
<p>My questions are:</p>
<p>If I get really good grades this year and in community college would I have a chance going to a university?</p>
<p>Which community colleges do you think have the best architecture program in So Cal?</p>
<p>
[quote]
If I get really good grades this year and in community college would I have a chance going to a university?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Of course. Especially as a Californian, you can be guaranteed into more or less any CA public school except Berkeley if you perform well enough in certain programs at participating CCs. In that case, your high school grades won't matter.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Which community colleges do you think have the best architecture program in So Cal?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Typically CC programs aren't ranked, so usually one won't be "better" than another. Just go to your local CC and take the lower-division courses required for the major and then transfer. If you really want to take more arch courses and your CC doesn't offer them, you can go to a different CC and take classes there. I would suggest that you find a CC that has guaranteed transfer options with CA public schools (most will).</p>
<p>Yeah, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has really gotten a name for it's great architecture program here in California. Cousin attended the program, now works for HUGE firm, hasn't regretted a thing. Good overall school and amazingly affordable. Plus close to the beach, how can you be that? :)</p>
<p>First there are two ways to become an architect. The first is to get a bachelor's in architecture, the second is to get a Master's degree in architecture after majoring in a related major. Many students who get a bachelor's will also go on for the Master's. Do a google search for "architecture education" or "architecture careers" to learn about the specific paths.</p>
<p>If you go to the ASSIST website which is linked on the page (but can also be accessed through [url=<a href="http://www.csumentor.edu%5DCSUMentor%5B/url">http://www.csumentor.edu]CSUMentor[/url</a>], the Cal State website), you will be able to learn which community colleges offer the specific courses that Cal Poly SLO's architecture department requires of transfer students. That would be the best way to go if you are hoping to transfer for architecture. Cal Poly's suggested courses for transfer students would also be a good guide for what other architecture programs might expect transfers to have taken.</p>
<p>Once you do enroll at a community college, run, don't walk, to the advising office and ask about the Transfer Admissions Guarantee program. You will need to be very pro-active to get good advising at some community colleges, but you will get it if you actively pursue it, and pursue it regularly. Additionally, be sure to take advantage of the many academic support programs typically offered at community colleges, such as tutoring services, help with writing skills, etc. Most students who head to community college don't take advantage of these services -- yet, to make sure you have the highest chances of earning great grades and transferring where you want to go, you should make a point of it.</p>
<p>Community college can be a good way to go IF you are the type of person who is going to be pro-active about taking advantage of all of the advising and support services that are available. Be sure to also talk to your high school counselor about which community colleges in your local area have the best rate for students transferring to four year colleges. If your counselor doesn't know, call the community colleges and ask. Good luck!</p>
<p>Cal Poly is quite difficult to get into, more so than a lot of the UC's. You'd probably need a GPA in the high 3's and an SAT score of about 1300 to get into their architecture program. I think UC Davis also has a solid program, but Cal Poly's is more well known in California.</p>
<p>If you want to go to Cal Poly, but can't get in, just got to Questa Community College for two years and then transfer. You'll be like 15 minutes from the Campus. I have like 10 friends at Cal Poly and they love it. Plus it is very beautiful is SLO.</p>
<p>Many applicants get rejected from Cal Poly because of missing required hs coursework. It's possible to get in with lower than typical stats if you have good grades in certain classes. Cal Poly uses their own method to calculate your gpa. For arch it weights courses they feel are more suited to arch. That gpa (not the one calculated by your hs ) times a multiplier is added to your math and CR SAT score (so do well on that test) to rank applicants and they admit from the top down. You get a boost for having a summer job, and a significant boost if it somehow relates to your major. Visit the school, the arch department has an open door policy for visitors, while in town visit Cuesta as there is a transfer program into Cal Poly arch. </p>
<p>There is a Cal Poly forum on this site with much discussion of admissions. You must apply online in November, and should do so in early or mid November. Be sure to get your SAT done in time.</p>
<p>I heard that Cal Poly Pomona arch waitlisted nearly everyone last spring as they were unsure of what budget cuts would do to the school and concern of number of applicants and what their yield would be. My son had three classmates that were waitlisted but eventually accepted, although all three enrolled elsewhere. Not sure how or if that will affect this years applicants...</p>