How big is the portfolio against everything else?

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>I'm very interested in Architecture and I'm probably going to go to the University of Memphis for undergrad. I'll be applying this fall and they require an entrance evaluation, consisting of 2 essays and 5 drawings.</p>

<p>Considering that they're requiring an entrance evaluation, I'm sure that it's an important part of their decision. But how does it compare to cold cut statistics (GPA, ACT, ECs)? They don't ask for that in the evaluation. Do you think they even look at it or are they going purely off of my portfolio?</p>

<p>I'm just kinda worried that my drawings won't be up to snuff. I've been practicing drawing a lot myself and I've read a lot on expanding my drawing skills, but I've never taken a formal art class in high school (lack of room, busy me has always been hellbent on taking lots of APs). I'm really really really hoping I get in. </p>

<p>Studying architecture would be sublime for me. I know it scares people away, but I personally would enjoy spending hours in the studio working on a project. I dream of someday just finding a small architecture job. I don't have to design skyscrapers or anything. My dream job would be working for Populous, working on sports stadiums, but I'd be happy doing anything as long as I got to work in design.</p>

<p>Sorry I rambled, just kinda worried. :/</p>

2

<p>One more question, Memphis’s undergrad program is a 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, not a B.Arch. They do have a M.Arch program though.</p>

<p>I’m assuming my best bet would be 4 years of undergrad and getting a BFA in Architecture and then going for a M.Arch? Do M.Arch schools see not coming from a B.Arch program as a weakness on your app, if I were to look somewhere other than Memphis for my M.Arch?</p>

3

<p>“Do M.Arch schools see not coming from a B.Arch program as a weakness on your app?”</p>

<p>You wouldn’t need to go on to get an M.Arch if you had a B.Arch in the first place, unless you wanted to do advanced studies with an M.Arch 2 post-professional degree. Both are first-professional degrees. Going for a BFA in Arch would afford you the most flexibility, with plenty of opportunities to try out other majors.</p>