I’m having a bit of a dilemma. I’m in the process of signing up for my 10th-grade classes and can’t decide whether to take 2 AP classes, one of which I have no interest in, or 1 AP class and an advanced art portfolio class. The reason I’m really considering the 2 AP’s is that I can’t take it after 10th grade (I think), while an advanced art portfolio class I can take any of my high school years, AND some people have told me that an AP class would be much more beneficial. What I’m worried about is not having room in my schedule in 11th or 12th grade for an art class. I really love art so much, and I’m aware that architecture is not all about art, but an art portfolio class would be very beneficial for applying to schools. I’m also wondering if it would be more useful if I put the art class off until later because I won’t need a portfolio until maybe 11th grade. So should I take the 2 APs, or the 1 AP and advanced art portfolio class (that I want to take eventually in my high school years).
Depending on where you live, if you’re in proximity to an art school you might be able to take a summer portfolio course (or studio intensive which would build your portfolio).
Any kind of class that can help improve your course rigor and make you look good. Architecture seems to attract high achieving kids (academically) and portfolio be darned, a higher GPA helps. A single art class isn’t going to make your entire portfolio, so you really need to plan for a couple of summers’ worth of art classes.
It also depends where you’re going to apply. If your tuition friendly local state schools are portfolio based vs don’t “bother sending us a portfolio we use it for kindling” there is no point in a lot of effort if it is not needed. If you have your sight on a place that is portfolio heavy like RISD, that’s a different story.
Also spend some time scouring the Internets to find people who post portfolios to such and such schools so you can get a good idea of what they want.
@tinydo, I think ninth grade is a bit premature to be strategizing college acceptance. A lot can change over the next 3 years.
Different architecture programs have different application requirements. Many 5.0 year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) programs do not require a portfolio submission, and most BA/BS Bachelor of Arts or Science in architecture or architecture studies do not require a portfolio.
Whether you end up majoring in architecture, art or something else altogether, art is a good extracurricular activity and a serious art supplement can boost your application. You do not, however, need to take a portfolio preparation class to assemble a strong portfolio.
Since it’s something you enjoy doing, you should try to continue taking art courses in high school. Is “advanced art portfolio” the only art class available to you next year? Why won’t you have room in your schedule for an art class in grade 11 or 12?
If you’re applying to academically rigorous colleges then it’s a good idea to have an academically rigorous high school curriculum; however, taking an AP course in a subject that you have “absolutely no interest in” could end up being counter productive.
I would strongly suggest that that you enroll in an architecture career exploration course the summer after 11th grade. This would help you understand what to expect from architecture school and to build your portfolio.