<p>In the past I did 2 years EE with 3.8 GPA but was bored. I was an air traffic controller in the USMC. I then pursued a AAS in Photography/Graphic Communications with a 3.8. Then a BFA in Visual Design (UMass) with a 3.7. I scored about 1150 on my SAT years ago when my interest in education was unfocused.</p>
<p>I'm not worried about my abilities to compete. I do feel that green (sustainable) architecture is imperative at this time in earth's history and I want to contribute. Architecture also seems like the next logical step for me.</p>
<p>What programs should I consider? (I am researching as I write this) I do not want to attend "elite" schools (Yale, RISD, UVa, etc), I want to attend "practical" and somewhat open "alternative" schools where green is taken seriously - energy conservation, emerging and alternative materials, etc.</p>
<p>I just want to say that "green" is taken seriously at many of the very well known arch grad schools as well. My daughter is about to enter grad school for architecture and one of her main interests is sustainable design and her essay even focused on that (as well as socially responsible design). She applied to very well known arch grad schools and many of them do a lot with sustainable design. You do not need an "alternative" school to get this focus. Explore each grad school's arch program to see what they offer. Sustainable/green design is alive and well at many fine arch grad programs. As I said, my daughter is seeking this as well.</p>
<p>I think that you might want to consider Berkley-- I think it is pretty big on "green" ideas. and everything isn't always as it seems, be careful, because there is a more commercial idea of "green" out there too.</p>
<p>I know what you mean. The Planet Green channel is extremely disappointing. Renovation Nation and some the of Greensburg shows are OK. Too much trendy Hollywood crap.</p>
<p>Perhaps Arizona State Univ..... they have the College of Design (architecture) plus the School of Sustainability. I know the two programs tend to be collaborative.</p>
<p>Boston Architectural College has a certificate in green design as well as offering B Archs and M Archs. It has open admissions and a lot of online courses.</p>