<p>I hope I'm not just repeating some old questions but I looked through a few pages to make sure I wouldn't.</p>
<p>I am currently a junior in a public high school and I have always been interested in architecture. I want to apply, but the portfolio is really making me nervous. I have taken one architectural drawing class, and no other art courses since then. I am very focused on academics, and never was really interested in making a portfolio. I managed to get a 97-98 overall average, and I have done AP English, AP US History, will be taking Calc next year, and as well as physics. My SAT scores are fairly high, I am in the top 80% in all three categories and I am taking it again for a better score.</p>
<p>So I am really wondering, will my academics outweigh my inexperience in drawing, painting, etc? I'm hoping on taking summer courses to help my build my portfolio but my talent is nowhere near what I have seen. Also, I do a lot of very intricate origami work dealing with shapes and patterns, would it be smart to include this in my portfolio?</p>
<p>Many universities understand that different circumstances will prevent some candidates to become able drawers/drawing superstars when they enter an architecture program. I think it is more important to be able to sketch and draw first (learn perspective and value drawing) than learning to paint. As for origami, it would be a nice addition to your portfolio but do not fill it with just that. Origami will actually show a sensitivity to 3dimensional form and your ability to create sketch models with paper. However, I advise adding more than just “cookie-cutter” origami because really, anyone can do that if they have the pattern. Try something of your own design even if it is not realistic. Also check out Rowena Reed’s Elements of Design. Super handy.</p>
<p>Not all schools require a portfolio for admission. If you have excellent grades, but are anxious about the portfolio, you should apply to a few of those. Penn State and Virginia Tech do not require a portfolio, but have a good reputation.</p>
<p>Thank you both, I will check out that book. Are there any more you recommend? And cagb1016, I get a free ride to a majority schools in my state (NY and a few in PA), and almost all of them require a portfolio so I can’t really look at schools like V Tech.</p>
<p>Paul, Admissions committee understand that they are looking at highschool work. They are looking for creativity, “teachability,” and a comfort level with a range of media. Drawings do not need to be exclusively architectural. Sculptural forms like origami are good, but don’t get too decorative.</p>
<p>Many schools will point you toward examples of successful portfolios so that you can get an idea of what they expect.</p>
<p>One question, though: architecture involves a LOT of creativity and design, a LOT of studio time. If you “never [were] really interested in making a portfolio” are you sure it’s the field for you? Perhaps you could attend an architecture summer program before you commit yourself.</p>
<p>+1 for momrath’s comments. About the only useful thing DD1 learned from doing her massive portfolio was patience, determination, and the willpower to scrap and re-do a piece if it did not look just right, just because. </p>
<p>So, unless your portfolio includes the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids of Egypt done completely in chipboard, balsawood, or similar, in terms of useful studio skills, it does not add as much as one may think. But it does show the school that you have the determination and a basic understanding of techniques, methods, and media, etc.</p>
<p>I should have said this better, ever since I was young I loved architecture and I loved doing architectural work. When I meant I wasn’t interested I meant along the lines of working with clay, painting watercolors, etc. So my lack of portfolio interest is in stuff like that. I love to be creative and build models, work with shapes, and I really am a 3D kind of guy. </p>
<p>I am definitely doing a summer program, and hopefully that will tell me if this is what I really want, even though I have always wanted to do it. But hey, you never know.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your comments, I appreciate them a lot since I really needed some insight.</p>