<p>(I posted this in College Search, but no one replied, so I am posting it again here)</p>
<p>I'm looking for universities with decent architecture programs, preferrably B.Arch. I don't mind the location or size, as long as it's strong (and well-rounded) in academics and is well-known in the field. My reaches are MIT, Columbia, Rice and Cornell, but I'm having a hard time coming up with good matches.</p>
<p>I have a pretty strong academic record (4.00 unweighted, 10 APs, 2330 SAT, 800 Chem, 800 Math 2, 760 French) and a moderate amount of EC (Speech and Debate, MUN, Co-prez of National Honor Society, Robotics). I have a what I consider technically competent but creatively challenged (at least for now) art portfolio (i.e., all pieces are observational). </p>
<p>I am also an internationally student with Canadian citizenship.</p>
<p>Let's say that my essays and my recommendations do not work against me; what are some good matches for me? I am unsure especially because I am international, and don't know how competitive some universities can be for me. Any ideas?</p>
<p>I just want to point out that Columbia and MIT do not offer a BArch degree program. I am positive of this. MIT offers a BS in Art and Design in the School of Architecture. Columbia offers a BA in Architecture. You may be a bit confused as both have MArch programs. </p>
<p>As far as Rice goes…they have a BA in Architectural Studies. They also have a BArch program BUT…you cannot enter into it as a freshman applicant. Their website states:
<p>Well, while all top schools must be considered reaches, because there is no automatic acceptance, you are a very qualified student and should apply to wherever you want (with those academic credentials). </p>
<p>I would suggest:
Syracuse
RPI
Notre Dame
Washington University in St. Louis</p>
<p>soozievt: yeah, I know that Columbia and MIT does not offer BArch, but I am making an exception for these school because the quality of their arch program is pretty well-known and would probably get me into a good MArch program. I think I would go to graduate school eventually anyway, although a BArch gives me the option of working in the professional field for a few years as soon as I graduate.</p>
<p>I’ve checked Rice’s website, and undergrad admissions there is an option to apply to the architecture school for the BArch program. I think you can apply as a freshman… unless I misunderstood. Where did you get your information?</p>
<p>I think that you have a solid list, but you could include Syracuse (it is #4 in the architecture college rankings) and Washington University in St. Louis. With your credentials, I would suggest looking at more competitive schools.</p>
<p>xkkathy, I am not that familiar with Rice’s offerings, but I looked it up last night and cut and pasted a quote off their website when I was reading about the arch degrees that they offer there. A poster named Rick is more familiar than I am about Rice. But go back and look at their site.</p>
<p>Your list looks pretty good. You may want to check out Syracuse and Washington University of St. Louis. Maybe USC. If you are not tied to BArch, then maybe Penn or UVA.</p>
<p>For Rice, you would apply to the Architecture school. If admitted it is more or less a formality to progress to the B.Arch after graduating with a 4 year BS degree. My son asked that specific question before deciding to attend Rice, and was assured that they generally take 23-24 of the 25 or so admittees through to the B.Arch. The one’s that do not go to the end are few, and either decide architecture is not for them, or are informed early on that they are not meeting the rigors of the program.</p>
<p>You guys are right about Rice. I’m glad that you pointed that out to me… because now I have a question: what is the benefit of going for a BArch, as opposed to going for an MArch, after getting going through a pre-professional program? Why should I spend another 4 yrs earning a BArch when I can get an MArch in 2 yrs at other schools?</p>
<p>I would assume that MArch looks better to an employer than BArch… but is that the case? Is there any difference at all?</p>
<p>You have misunderstood re. Rice;
the B.Arch requires 1 more year of school after the 4 year degree is obtained. There is a 1 year gap during which you would be employed by a major architecture firm, following that, you return to Rice for your 5th year.
In total, 6 year program, 5 years of school, one year of employment.</p>
<p>You have really great stats, did you ever consider Washington University in St. Louis, Cal Poly SLO, UPenn, Syracuse, RISD, Cooper Union? They all have very strong programs, if youre really into architecture.</p>
<p>Don’t forget the University of Cincinnati. They have a highly ranked B.S. program with co-operative experiences. With your stats you could be eligible for merit aid.</p>
<p>Also, several have mentioned Washington U. in St. Louis. This is an extremely impressive program with the strong and well-rounded academic opportunities you’re seeking.</p>