Importance of art class in high school for architecture in college

Currently I am a rising sophomore in high school. I have a strong interest in architecture and have started looking into what is expected from a student applying to an architecture program at a good college in high school. I have found that many schools, such as Syracuse and Rice, recommend that I take art classes in high school. They value artistic ability a lot and expect a strong portfolio from their applicants. Problem is, I haven’t taken an art class this year and I just don’t have space on my schedule for an art class next year. It is also too late to change classes for next year, anyways. I am wondering, how important is it that I take art classes all four years in high school to be competitive in admission to architecture in college? Or is it okay as long as I take art in my junior and senior years and just keep up practicing daily like I have been until then? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I don’t think it’s terribly important to have academic-credit art classes. It’s just important to have whatever kind of creative opportunities allow you to build a portfolio. (That is, for schools that accept and/or require one - some schools don’t.) Classes in school can be great for that but it’s not the only way.

It’s also good to have experience with the critique process. Summer intensives are great for that, although not so much this year unfortunately.

Thank you for your feedback! I might look into a summer program when they are available, but it probably won’t be feasible, unfortunately.

See what’s available locally, too. My daughter took an architectural modeling class at a nearby community college campus in the summer - it was quite good, and also free!

Thanks! I try to find a free program or class. I did not know these existed.

It depends on where you are. I’m in California, where community college tuition is waived for high school students. Also, not all community colleges have specialty classes like this; there are six CC’s in my area, of which only one has an architecture program. But it doesn’t hurt to beat the bushes and see what’s out there.