<p>I'm now in my second year of college and will be transferring the coming fall.
I'm quite interested in architecture and problem is while I am good at designing, I'm not very good at math and physics, is architecture still an option for me? if so, is there any schools that you guys would recommend? I don't have a very high GPA due to my physics and math grades..so I know that I probably shouldn't apply to the very top schools. I think it might be better if I apply to schools that put more weight on portfolios and designing abilities. Also, I'm mostly looking for schools that have a smaller class size and good faculties. Since I;m an international student, the location of the school doesn't really matters. Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Im not an architect, just the mother of a son who is interested in ARCH but who also does well in math and science so I can only offer my suggestions.<br>
Go to the NAAB site and download the list of accredited schools [NAAB:</a> ARCHITECTURE PROGRAMS](<a href=“http://www.naab.org/architecture_programs/]NAAB:”>- NAAB Website)
They will be listed by state. They are also listed by BARCH or MARCH to further divided them. There are many “art/design” schools and you can easily identify them after searching the web because all the majors are art/design ones. </p>
<p>In Calif they are Calif Academy of art Univer, Calif college of the arts, New school of Arch and Design, and Woodbury Univ. Read about their programs, email the contact and explain your interest and concerns and see what they say. I know some of them do not require a high GPA.</p>
<p>Will you be transferring to an arch. school? Or transferring to a Uni/ LibArts Coll?</p>
<p>Thanks Lakemom and so<em>ein</em>quatsch. I have been looking at some Art schools but I heard from plenty of people that it is a lot harder to get a job if you graduate from an Art School instead of an Arch. School…so, preferably, I’d like to get into an Arch. School/Uni. But do they all require really high GPA’s? I mostly get Bs and 1C in my Calculus and Physics Class…do I even have a chance?</p>
<p>I would imagine there is a school for you even with low math/physics grades. You may need to go to the NAAB list and check out schools that do not appear on those top 10-20 lists. I live on the east coast and a boy came to speak in my son’s CAD class about his Arch program at Philadelphia University and his GPA was below a 3.0. He may have had other things that got him in but if you research and even contact those schools that meet your other needs so you could find one. In terms of art schools, there are a number on the “bests” lists so I can’t imagine that some of those art schools are not thought highly of.</p>
<p>I would look into Pratt Institute in NYC: They put a lot of weight on the portfolio, and not so much on grades. Their program for architecture is pretty high in the rankings too.</p>
<p>Thank you guys. I will definitely take a look at Pratt and other school that are among the top 10-20…actually I’m in a CC right now and my current GPA is 3.2 since i mostly get B’s for my math classes and a C for one of my Physics class…I know this looks pretty bad…do you think taking a SAT subject test on Physics and score really high on it would help? Also, would it be better if I just transfer in to a Uni with for example another design major, build a kickass portfolio and go for a M.arch?</p>
<p>Hi Grace12K, I suggest you really look into what architecture major is like before you decide to do it because a B. Arch program is very intense. I don’t know about other schools but my daughter is at Syracuse now and the kind of stuff they do is out of the world for a first year student in my opinion, plus they don’t get much sleep. So unless you are really passionate about it, you need to think hard. Plus I don’t think schools offering B. Arch program will take transfer students unless you have been doing course that fit into the program, so even if they accept you, you will probably have to start as a 1st year student. I suggest you look into a B.A degree on Architecture Studies with an Art minor to see if that is for you, then apply for M. Arch.</p>
<p>Oh, btw, don’t get too hung up on your physics grade. I don’t think they care that much.</p>
<p>golflover, thanks for your advice:) I do understand that B.arch programs are probably one of the most intense bachelor programs, but I am very determined and am willing to work my hardest to get my B.arch, if only I could be accepted…I decide to be an archi. major last year and unfortunately my college does not offers any archi. course. I am very worried about that right now, which is why I wonder if my chances will be better if I do something else for my bachelor and go for a M.arch. Right now, I am looking at schools like Pratt, BAC,Woodbury and California Institute of Art. Do you think I have any chance?</p>
<p>I think if you are determined, you should be able to get into one of those schools you listed. Just be prepared you will likely have to spend 5 years. I personally like the B. Arch program as they really teach you a lot. My advice is apply for the B. Arch but also have a back up plan. I think Pratt’s admission rate is pretty high, I don’t know about the others. Focus on sending in a good portfolio and you should be all set. You may want to call and talk to their admission officer, it will help. Gook Luck.</p>