<p>I have been accepted Early Decision to the school of Arts and Sciences. However, recent events have led me in the direction of architecture, and I am beginning to think that I might pursue it as a career. My questions are:
Is there a way to transfer schools before matriculating?
If there is, is there a possibility I would not be allowed to based on the classes I took in high school? (ie Are there certain required high school classes that I might not have or might need to take over the summer before entering the A-school?) I've taken principles of technology, ap physics, and calculus 121, and my math SAT is 700, but I haven't taken architectural drafting.
OR Should I just stay in the CLAS, take the required architecture classes next fall, and if I enjoy them, switch schools after the first semester?</p>
<p>There might be a chance for you to transfer before matriculating. You should contact the Admissions Office to see if they are willing to make the switch. Otherwise, stay in the College of Arts & Sciences and take some architecture classes. This is a good way of figuring out if you truly want to go down the architecture route w/out fully committing.</p>
<p>Also, here's something that might interest you about UVA's Architecture School. Though I'm not a big proponent of rankings, I find this particular one noteworthy in that it is based on input from the people who have to hire and work with the graduates of the country's architecture schools - the professional architects themselves. </p>
<p>The Design Futures Council has ranked UVa Architecture the 3rd Best Graduate Program in the country (only after Harvard and the University of Cincinnati - who knew Cincinnati was that good?). According to the following link, "The rankings are based on a survey of the nations leading employers in the fields of engineering, design and architecture. Respondents were asked to reflect on graduates that they have hired during the past five years and to consider 'how prepared for real-world practice' those graduates have been and then to indicate from which schools those best-prepared hires had graduated."</p>