Is it a good idea to take undergrad arch there if I’m planning to go for the M.Arch there afterwards?
Or is it better to get a BS/BA at a different school and then try to apply to Berkeley for grad?
I was also considering Cal Poly SLO, but I don’t think I want to do a B.Arch because I’m afraid that I might change my mind and want to do something other than architecture during college.
So what can you guys recommend?
Also, I realized that I wanted to edit the post too late, but is it a good idea to get a BS at Cal Poly then go to grad school somewhere else because of Cal Poly’s allegedly good undergrad arch program?
I think the BA architecture at Berkeley is an excellent entree to selective, highly regarded MArch programs. I don’t know much about admissions into Berkeley’s MArch program. I’m sure they admit their own BAs but I doubt that admissions is automatic.
You could ask MArch admissions what percentage of their students have UCB architecture BAs. Often, MArch programs will give you a list of the educational backgrounds of their students. Many offer an info sessions where you can ask specific questions.
I don’t believe Cal Poly SLO offers a BA or BS in architecture. A degree in another discipline could lead to a good MArch program, but the experience would be quite different from UCB’s BA program, so you do need to think more about what you’re looking for in an undergraduate environment.
I think trying to project 5 years out how to align yourself to get into UCB’s MArch program is counterproductive; there are just too many variable between now and then. I’d suggest that you target the most academically rigorous colleges that you can afford (and make sure you have a balanced list of reach/match/safety). You’ll have plenty of time to refine your list for graduate school and hone the necessary skills for admission to an MArch program.
@momrath Alright, thank you for the advice!