<p>Hello, I'm a rising high school senior and it's that time when I start applying to colleges (whoo!). In general, I'm quite overwhelmed, confused, and even a bit clueless, so I apologize in advance for my ignorance.</p>
<p>I've recently become kinda-sorta interested in architecture, and honestly I have no idea why. This interest literally came out of nowhere.</p>
<p>Is it possible to just "try" an architecture class? For instance, could I apply to a college with an undecided major and simply register for an Intro to Architecture class or something similar, just to see if it's right for me?</p>
<p>The reason for my confusion is that the two schools I'm looking at (NC State and UNC-C) have their own Schools of Architecture with a very rigid track schedule, ending with either a B.Arch or an M.Arch. Applications for both of these schools require some sort of creative portfolio, of which I have none (the only arts class I ever took in high school is Theater).</p>
<p>I'm afraid that if I somehow figure out that architecture is my true passion, I'll then have to apply to the appropriate School and then bust my tail trying to catch up to everyone else.</p>
<p>I'm just so confused. Help?</p>
<p>It’ll depend. Try to look at the school’s course catalog for architecture courses, and see what prerequisites they have and if they are restricted to architecture majors. There are probably some intro courses that are open to non-majors, but it will depend on how the architecture department structures their classes.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t recommend the B.Arch for anyone who is undecided. It is an intensive and narrowly focused program that doesn’t allow for much trial and error.</p>
<p>Many colleges/universities offer a BA or a BS in architecture or architectural studies major. Usually you wouldn’t have to declare your major until sometime in your sophomore year. </p>
<p>If you do this you’d still have to get an M.Arch, but it would give you more time to make sure that you’re committed architecture (and to build your portfolio). This path, the BA/BS + M.Arch, takes longer – and costs more – than the B.Arch, but it’s quite commonly done. </p>
<p>If your college of choice doesn’t offer an architecture major, then any major will do as long as you fulfill the requirement for admissions to the M.Arch program. These are usually art studio, art history, calculus, physics. </p>
<p>Along the way, a summer program in exploring architecture can be very helpful as are summer internships at architecture firms.</p>