I’m just about to finish my first semester of Architecture at PennState and I’m starting to realize that a 4.0 gpa doesn’t exist in Architecture. I’m fine with that but will firms, or possibly grad schools, care about my gpa? If it’s above a 3.0 will they only pay attention to my portfolio?
Hi. I’m sorry I don’t have an answer to your question but actually had questions. My daughter has applied to Penn State to study Architecture. Do you mind sharing your experience there so far? Is it what you expected? Are you able to share your stats from HS that resulted in your acceptance? Sorry for having no answers and only questions. 
My D is at WashU Architecture and her professors told her from day 1 not to worry about GPAs.
They said grad schools instead care about portfolios which makes sense.
Also ask the Seniors where they’ve been accepted and what their GPAs were.
Good luck!!
Also please let @simple0920 know what the drop out rate is. A lot of Architect students don’t realize how hard Architecture is. I think my Ds class started with 55 freshman students and there are now @ 20 seniors. So it’s a good idea to attend a college that offers other majors in case you change majors.
@simple0920 I was full of questions too so I’d be happy to help! Overall It’s really difficult, but in a good way. The professors teach you everything starting with how to draw a line and the atmosphere in studio is amazing. There are also a lot of late nights and long weekends (the first weekend of college we were given a group project that took about 14 hours to complete). The drop out rate is huge compared to other majors (somewhere around 25% after the first year). It’s a really tough program but it’s also an amazing experience and an incredible education.
My personal highschool stats are:
Gpa: 3.9
Sat:1350
AP classes: none
Undergraduate GPA is a factor in graduate school admissions, but it’s just one of many. Your portfolio is critical, of course, but also important are the rigor of your undergraduate program, your recommendations, your statement, your internships and/or work experience, your awards and accomplishments and your demographic – sex, age, economic background, life experience.
The year before you plan to apply to graduate school look into the information sessions that many MArch programs provide. These are usually held in the fall and will give you a good idea of what each school of architecture is looking for.