Hi guys!! I’m a senior in high school form New Jersey and I want to get into the B-Arch 5 year program at CMU very badly !! 3 members of my family are successful architects or own a architecture company so I’m pretty familiar with the job and the intensity of it, I am also pretty good at sketching and drawing and my parents and teachers always admire my new creations. I went on the CMU website and saw that 55% of the students applied were accepted to the program (even though only like 350 people applied) and also that their average UW GPA is 3.66 and ACT is 31. I want to give you my stats so you can chance me and tell me if I have a chance or not !!
UW GPA: most likely a 3.65 by the end of October.
ACT: 33
Class Rank: Top 20%
AP Classes:
•Government & US Politics
•World History
•English
•Physics
•Macroeconomics
Honor Classes:
Calculus
Chemistry
Biology
Geometry
Algebra 2
Honors Lit
Computer Science
French
Pre Calculus
Activities:
I’m involved in more than 20 activities at my school such as:
Math Honor Society
National Honor Society
French Honor Society
Key Club
Student Council
Tech Club ( For engineering and design students)
Physics Club
Science League
And so much more !!
Related courses I took:
Art 1 (Freshman Year)
Sculpture (Sophomore Year)
Engineering and Design (Junior Year)
Volunteer Hours: 100+ Volunteer Hours !!
Also My profolio will be ready by November when I apply !!!
Should I even bother applying ?? Do you think I have a chance ?? Any advice or comments will be appreciated
I think it is obvious you have a good chance. I got into this program with similar stats (SAT 2260) and a mediocre portfolio.
I have some tips though
Focus on quality not quantity of activities. It sounds like you are involved in a lot but focus on what you are passionate about.
Definitely apply to other 5 year programs unless there is some specific reason you want to go to CMU. I applied to a bunch of 5 year programs and CMU ended up being by far the most expensive. But if money isn’t an issue it is a solid program.
@listroider thank you for your response !!! It really helped !! I have visited other schools such as Virginia Tech but couldn’t feel the same thing because I fell in love with CMU’s campus from the start !! I’m applying to VT, Purdue and Boston University but CMU is my top choice I hope all this work pays off
@eagle2426, If CMU’s School of Architecture really admits 55% of its applicants, then I’d say your chance of admission is very good. Depending on your financial situation, you might consider applying ED (though I wouldn’t recommend it if you need to compare and negotiate aid offers).
Are you aware that neither Boston University nor Purdue offers a 5.0 BArch (or even has an architecture department)? BU has a history of architecture major as part of their History of Art department. Purdue has a BS in Landscape Architecture, part of the College of Agriculture.
Either would be a reasonably good foundation for an MArch, but they’re quite different from CMU’s BArch program. If CMU is your top choice I think you could do better in finding other similar BArch programs.
I’m kind of surprised that CMU only gets ~358 applications a year. It’s a highly regarded program and #13 on 2017 Design Intelligence rating (#9 last year). At any rate, 55% acceptance is good news for you!
@momrath yes !! 55% is very good for me !!! I’m surprised too that last year only 385 people applied !! But at the same time my uncle (who owns a architecture company) told me that the architecture major is not really popular because of the amount of time students have to spend working and the job industry for architecture is very low according to my uncle. CMU is my top choice and I have visited the school two times and every time I fell in love more and more !! I really like to see what happens !!! And thank you for your response
Actually, architecture jobs are experiencing a growth surge right now. But, for sure, the industry experiences up and down cycles, and entry level jobs are low paid in relation to the education required.
I’d still suggest that you add a few more BArch programs to your application list. One other point to consider: the drop out rate for BArch students is fairly high. You need to think about other options at the schools on your list just in case it turns out that architecture isn’t for you.
Great! Thank You for your help !! My top choices are CMU, Virginia Tech, City College of NY and maybe Cornell (but probably will get rejected form Cornell anyways ) haha @momrath
Given having to put up with Pittsburgh Steelers fans, I’m surprised it’s only 55% :).
Purdue offers Interior Architecture 4 year and some interesting Interior Design and Industrial Design programs but not a 4 year BA/BS Arch or 5-6 year professional program. The 4 year IA program is pretty good for preparation to a professional program. But Purdue OOS is not inexpensive. They also have a Landscape Arch program that is very well regarded.
I would say expend your search a bit, keep costs in mind, and cast a wide net. You have the numbers, and with a decent to good portfolio you should do well in any of the top 20 type schools. Since you’re in the East Coast, travel should be considered also.
Also consider the 4 vs 6 year issue - BArch or March 5 year straight requires phenomenal, epic level of work. The 4+2 years is easier and more flexible.
