Decision time: Rice vs WUSTL vs Tulane vs Clemson

<p>My son has been accepted into architecture programs at Rice, Washington University in St Louis, Tulane and Clemson, with substantial scholarships at both Tulane and Clemson. Any thoughts/comments on the various schools?</p>

<p>I only know that Tulane is a 5 year program and his scholarship is good for all 5 years (assuming he maintains his grades and doesn’t get in trouble). That, and I know Tulane was recently cited by a leading design publication as a “hidden gem” or something like that. Oh, and also that many students are seeing their work actually being built as parts of New Orleans (not the Tulane area, it is in great shape) continues to recover from Katrina.</p>

<p>jdaa, we looked at Clemson’s arch program three years ago. It is a 4 yr BA in arch program. At the time, their facilities didn’t seem as up to date as some of the other schools we toured. That may have changed, though. Also, they have had an open Chair position for about a year now. Whether that is affecting the quality of the program or not, I do not know, but it is worth mentioning. Clemson is a pretty place, but much more rural than Tulane. Rick12 has always had great things to say about Rice. Good luck on your son’s decision.</p>

<p>I will add that someone that just a week or two ago was at a Tulane event for accepted students reported that they were totally blown away by the enthusiasm and energy of the Dean of Tulane’s architecture program. They said something like you came away from his talk convinced that there couldn’t be any other subjects worth studying, lol. He is an amazing professor and administrator.</p>

<p>I posted some comments about Rice in the UT vs. Rice thread. I don’t know a lot about the current situation at Tulane, but I am pretty familiar with Clemson (my son will be attending in the Fall) and WashU. I think the difference is that Rice is a very focused BArch professional program with a one year preceptorship during the fifth year. Clemson and Wash U are four year programs which allow for perhaps more exploration in other academic areas, but are going to require two more years for the MArch. The campus experience will be very different for each, particularly if you contrast a small private schools like Rice, WashU, or Tulane with a state school like Clemson. If I had the option I would pick Rice.</p>

<p>rick</p>