<p>If you're not an Arch major or Arch studies major and you plan on arch for grad school (I guess that would be the 3-3.5 yr M.Arch programs), how do you begin developing a portfolio of work to show? Are graduate schools generally quite explicit about what they require from the portfolios? What else are these schools looking for in applicants? If you have not taken a few math or physics courses, are these also required? I'm not applying just yet for grad school, still in undergraduate but trying to plan ahead. Thanks.</p>
<p>Check the websites of the schools you're interested in. UPenn's Architecture website:</p>
<p>has all the information you're looking for.</p>
<p>Thanks, the websites do give clear info about requirements but I'm still not sure how to go about building a portfolio... they say they are looking for a demonstrated design competence via college level art classes. so are they looking for your design potential? if we are coming out of a non arch program, how do we know if our designs are architecturally/structurally sound? do they even have to be? do they want to see pure creativity, no restrictions? thanks.</p>
<p>That's why they say 'via college level art classes'. Many people turn in portfolios with very little (if any) architecture in them. Paintings, photographs, sketches, furniture design, etc. are very common for portfolios coming from non-architecture students. </p>
<p>I'd say that a physics course would be very helpful, but the biggest thing that architecture schools look for is the portfolio, so if it doesn't fit in your schedule it's not the end of the world.</p>
<p>awesome, thankyou.</p>
<p>Visit: <a href="http://www.archinect.com%5B/url%5D">http://www.archinect.com</a></p>
<p>The discussions section will help you get a good idea. </p>
<p>Regarding the portfolio- what larationalist said- include anything creative you've done, don't worry about architecture specific projects. Most of the students accepted into M.Arch I programs don't have a background in Architecture, in fact most admissions committees are looking for a wide variety of backgrounds. </p>
<p>Regarding the math/physics courses- again don't worry about it, if you have time look into it, otherwise, you'll take them in grad school. Sometimes programs also offer a summer session the summer before your first year which sometimes includes such classes.</p>
<p>Hope that helped- if you want any input on your portfolio I'd be willing to look it over (I went through the process applying to Masters of Landscape Arch. programs last year), and there are many at archinect who would also be willing to help! Good luck!</p>
<p>Can one include art work done before college in a portfolio?</p>