Colleges In State, Out of State.. I need help!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello all! So I'm in a bit of a pickle.. I'm thinking about studying architecture in college and I can't seem to figure out where I want to go or where I should apply to.
I currently reside in n Ohio and desperately want to leave.
California is my ultimate goal but I'd be interested in anywhere with warm climate and a good school.
My parents are pushing for the typical Ohio State and Kent State because of convenience and tuition but I strongly dislike Ohio State and Kent isn't too hot on my list because of it's Ohio location.
Is Kent really that great? I've been told it's a great college and cheap tuition.. Is it hard to get into if it's so great?
Are there any schools out of state that are really good schools that have lower tuition, offer good scholarships and easier to get into?</p>

<p>What would you all recommend?</p>

<p>I want a school that:
-Offers a good program (possibly ranked)
-Offers a program that will licence me (I'm not entirely sure how it all works but someone had told me that OSU doesn't offer a 5 year program or something? Could someone explain that to me?)
-Has good location
-Reasonable tuition</p>

<p>Also, what would you recommend I do about convincing my parents to go out of state? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>If you are interested in California check out Cal Poly SLO - they have a very good architecture program. </p>

<p>[By</a> the Numbers: U.S. Architecture and Design Schools: Top 10 schools according to firms - DesignIntelligence](<a href=“http://www.di.net/articles/by-the-numbers-u.s-architecture-and-design-schools-top-10-schools-according-to-firms/]By”>http://www.di.net/articles/by-the-numbers-u.s-architecture-and-design-schools-top-10-schools-according-to-firms/)</p>

3

<p>Auburn is on that list, you might like it. Has warm weather and reasonable price.</p>

4

<p>

</p>

<p>Yes, Cal Poly has a great architecture program, but if money is an issue for OP, the OOS tuition is a killer and there is no real prospect of any merit aid. OP would have to go full pay or qualify for need-based aid.</p>

5

<p>If OP was full pay at OSU, Cal Poly would only cost $10k /yr more.</p>

6

<p>I’m currently looking at CalPoly but I need to build my list slightly… do you know of any other colleges that are ranked? What would you advise for applying to colleges in Ohio? Ohio State, Kent or Cincinnati?</p>

7

<p>How much can you pay a year?</p>

8

<p>Somewhere around 25k/yr</p>

9

<p>Test scores? Gpa?</p>

10

<p>Like around 3.8 ish and I got a 28 on my ACT but haven’t taken my SAT</p>

11

<p>If your parents continue to push you to stay in Ohio, then check out the University of Cincinnati. It has a highly-regarded architecture program.</p>

12

<p>First, clarify your financial situation. Is your family eligible for need based aid? Or will you have to rely on merit aid to make up the difference between $25,000 the annual cost of attending a private?</p>

<p>Second, clarify the type of degree you are looking for. Ranking is an indication of selectivity and prestige, but is mostly irrelevant to the path to becoming an architect.</p>

<p>The fastest route to becoming a licensed architect is to get an accredited B.Arch degree, usually a five year program which focuses narrowly on architecture. This is different from a BS or BA in architecture or architectural studies. The undergraduate schools listed on the Design Intelligence list are B.Arch programs.</p>

<p>Some B.Arch programs require portfolios, some do not. There are quite a few B.Arch programs throughout the US, but I’m not sure that the B.Arch is offered at any school in Ohio. </p>

<p>“Good location” is fairly open ended, but there are several B.Arch programs in the South and West on DI’s list. I would add Oregon and Clemson.</p>

<p>With a BS or BA in architecture, architectural studies or anything else you will need to get an M.Arch, which varies from 2.0 to 3.5 years on top of a 4.0 year undergraduate degree. At some schools you can continue on from a BS or BA to an M.Arch at the same school; at others you would have to get your M.Arch at another school. Both are commonly done.</p>

<p>The important point is that you can be admitted to a good M.Arch program with an undergraduate degree in anything from anywhere as long as you fulfill admissions requirements. </p>

<p>So if your goal is an M.Arch don’t restrict yourself on your undergraduate choices. Your immediate objective would be to get a BA or BS in architecture or whatever interests you at the best school for the least debt.</p>

<p>Licensing is a separate process from getting your degree. Some architecture schools teach to the licencing process, some don’t, but in all cases you will NOT graduate as a licensed architect. The process which includes a series of exams and verified work experience usually takes 4.0 to 5.0 years (often more) while employed by an architecture firm.</p>

13

<p>If the OP can afford $25K/year I seriously doubt there will be much, if any, FA coming.</p>