Got accepted by Notre Dame, UCB, and RISD for architecture, and Gtown for art.
How’s the undergraduate architecture program of ND, UCB, and RISD? Which school do architecture firms and companies prefer? On Niche ND ranks higher but the program seems traditional and focuses more on hand-drawing and neo-classic theories. On BI RISD ranks higher (#2 just below cornell), but the approach may be too artsy, and I’m not so sure about architecture as a future career. UCB, on the other hand, has a bigger name (especially in my hometown in China), though not on top of the ranking list for architecture. Is major ranking necessarily more important than the university’s prestige in the US?
And Gtown, I think I will try transferring to its SFS. As I’ve said, art and architecture is not my sole focus. Was president of MUN society and went to some real UN conferences as NGO delegate in high school. But will the major transfer be difficult for a student in the art department?
Ahhhhhh my head is soooooo messed up. Any suggestions?
I think that Notre Dame would be the best choice in terms of job prospects. Their alumni network is incredibly strong and architectural program is well known and prestigious😁
Part of the decision depends on where you expect to work after you graduate. If you return to China, the prestige, alumni network and job prospects may be very different than if you stay in the US.
If you aren’t sure about architecture as a future career, perhaps you should eliminate RISD. The other 3 schools all offer more than art/architecture so you have options if you decide to switch your focus. You may want to further research how easy it is to double major at these schools. One of my kids doubled in Fine Art and Data Science. There was no overlap in classes but, with careful planning, it was very doable.
If you do choose Georgetown, and want to do the SFS, the easiest way to switch is emailing admissions after you commit (may-june timeframe). It’s not guaranteed but I haven’t heard of anyone with issues doing it that way. You can also change later, it’s not that hard but a bit less guaranteed. Very different than the other programs you’re considering though.