<p>I'm sure that I'm going to be an Architecture major and my goal is to go to Rice University but I'm not sure I will get in so I'm looking for some good backup colleges just in case. Does anybody have any ideas or recommendations? I'm a Los Angeles native and I don't think I want to stay in LA unless the school is just THAT amazing. I know Syracuse is a good one as well but I don't know if I can afford to live in New York on my own and pay for their tuition.. I'm also not very fond of the idea of studying the UC system's "theory" way of teaching. But I'm willing to consider whatever you guys suggest!</p>
<p>You’re a resident of California? Then put California State Polytechic University-Pomona on your list. I understand that there is tremendous demand and competition for admission to the architecture major at Cal Poly Pomona.</p>
<p>On the east coast, there’s Columbia. And of course there’s Pratt in Brooklyn, NY.</p>
<p>Columbia’s program is a B.A., not B.Arch degree. </p>
<p>Maybe Virginia Tech for a backup?</p>
<p>haha–referring to post #2.“.On the east coast,…Columbia …And of course there’s Pratt.” AND oh, Cornell!?! </p>
<p>Usually ranked #1 in the nation, never mind east coast.</p>
<p>check out University of Oregon. . .it is very well regarded.</p>
<p>Virginia Tech has a really good architecture program that is ranked highly</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!
I’ve never heard of Pratt actually. I’ll look it up! I don’t think my chances of getting into Cornell are very high… haha. Virginia Tech sounds a little scary because the first time I ever heard about Virginia Tech was when there was a shooting there a few years ago. So my first impression of Virginia Tech makes me feel a little iffy haha. Sorry if that sounds a little stupid… 
I looked them up on their website and it sounds pretty good actually… What do you guys know about SCI-arc? I’ve just recently heard about the school but I don’t really know how well it stands up with all the other schools…</p>
<p>Well, Columbia’s program may not be a B.Arch degree but that didn’t stop the Columbia architectural department graduates I knew from getting a good start to their careers. Incidentally, when I was on Morningside Heights the head of the Architectural Department was also a NY City Deputy Commissioner and later a member of the NYC Landmarks Commission. Also, no disrepect meant to Cornell, other than the fact that I often remind my best friend, a Big Red Alumnus, that Cornell is fine STATE SCHOOL. We often argue over this fact after a few beers.</p>
<p>wendyarch, Syracuse, NY is not NYC. You can definitely manage to live in Syracuse. It’s considerably way less expensive than Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens etc. (the boroughs that make up the expensive New York city) They also offer great financial aid packages so I highly believe you should consider SU architecture program.</p>
<p>Don’t know much about these programs, but:
[url=<a href=“http://www.architecture.neu.edu/]www.architecture.neu.edu[/url”>http://www.architecture.neu.edu/]www.architecture.neu.edu[/url</a>]</p>
<p>Sorry LakeWashington. Cornell 's architecture program, ranked #1 in the country, is private.</p>
<p>Thanks for the clarification House of London! I’ll definitely relook Syracuse but I have heard that Syracuse was a little stingy regarding financial aid which is why I kind of gave it a pass but maybe I was misinformed…
And also thank you informative!! I have never heard of Northwestern U and I’ll make sure to add it to my list.</p>
<p>Hi Wendy,
Don’t dismiss your feelings about Virginia Tech as being stupid. Unfortunately because of the tragic events of April 2007, there will be sad, (and yes, even a bit scary), images of the school in some young people’s minds. That day will never be forgotten.</p>
<p>But…I strongly urge you to not to be swayed from checking into the school because of that tragedy. Virginia Tech is a wonderful university that had a very sad event occur on its campus. However, the school is still a tremendous university, is safer than ever and has a stronger sense of community and student spirit than ever. If you can visit there, do. Those Hokies are a resilient and captivating bunch! The school is lovely and if your eyes can stand to see color scheme of orange and Chicago maroon (that really HAS to grow on you :)) worn by virtually every student there, you will not regret visiting and experiencing for yourself what the school is about.</p>
<p>The arch program is ranked in the top 10 year in and year out; it is truly one of their best programs and they are very, very proud of it. Many resources are devoted to the programs in CAUS. They just won a huge international competition with their Lumenhaus Solar Decathlon entry. Am I biased? Yep. My s is a rising 3rd year LA student there and is thriving. I can’t say enough good things about his education so far. It is a tough admit, though, toughest in the school. The breakdown of typical entrance scores, etc. is in this link. Average SAT 1300, 4.1 GPA
[VT</a> · school of architecture + design · a+d · frequently asked questions-prospective students](<a href=“Student Experience | College of Architecture, Arts, and Design | Virginia Tech”>Student Experience | College of Architecture, Arts, and Design | Virginia Tech)</p>
<p>I wish you all of the best in your search, but seriously look into the arch program at Tech. Walk across the Drillfield and take a moment our in front of Burruss Hall to see the Memorial to the 32 students and professors who lost their lives that horrible day. I bet you will come away impressed by a very special place and a very special school.</p>
<p>Hey KandKsmom,
Firstly, thank you very much for such a thorough and wonderful response! I will definitely take everything you said into account and I researched the college a little bit more on College ******* and I saw many great reviews on Virginia Tech. I’ll definitely add Virginia Tech onto my east coast college visits list. The only thing I’m worried about now is the GPA part… I have a 3.8 (unweighted because our school doesn’t weight) but plenty of EC’S and a 2175 on the SAT. Also, do you know how Virginia Tech would compare with Rice University? I know the architecture program is better at Virginia Tech but as a college how would they compare?
Thanks again for your brilliant response!</p>
<p>Uh, I don’t know why they have p rowl er censored… but I wasn’t cursing or anything… haha</p>
<p>
I don’t doubt the quality of the program, but the OP should be aware that she will need either a B.Arch or an M.Arch degree to work as an architect. Going to Columbia for undergrad architecture will result in the necessity of going to grad school for architecture as well.</p>
<p>Check out the DOE’s Solar Decathalon website. Look into the schools that have competed in recent years. ([U.S</a>. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Home Page](<a href=“http://www.solardecathlon.gov/]U.S”>http://www.solardecathlon.gov/)). Cornell, Rice, and VT have fielded teams.</p>
<p>wendyarch</p>
<p>post 10 is about northeastern university in boston not northwestern university in chicago</p>
<p>Behappy7, clearly you didn’t get the joke about Cornell being a state school. Oh well.</p>
<p>Oh, oops!
I knew it was Northeastern but my brain is more used to typing out Northwestern. My bad… Thanks for catching my mistake!</p>
<p>And thanks for the link to the solar decathlon! That definitely improved my view of VT… Based on what I’ve recently learned I think VT might be knocking Rice down in my list… Well, at least in regards to their architecture program.</p>