Please help! I'm new to all of this

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>I'm a Junior in high school and I have always known I wanted to be an architect. I'm sure many of you understand that. It just feels right. I know that for sure.
What I don't know for sure is where I can get in or where to apply.
I have a 33 ACT and a PSAT that could qualify as National Merit. I am in the top 5% of my class and have some standout extracurriculars: I founded our school's green club, VP NHS, Exec. Board StuCo, President German Club, etc.
I really don't know where this puts me.
Also, do I need a portfolio? Should it be arch. work? If a school doesn't require a portfolio, should I send one anyway? I'm from Chicago and the admissions rep from Notre Dame said to include anything, what have you guys heard?</p>

<p>Sorry this is a lot of questions!</p>

2

<p>If a portfolio is required, it usually becomes a pretty important part of your application. If you’ve done arch work, you can include it, but primarily what they are looking for is whether or not you are able to think conceptually and how you are able to represent that. </p>

<p>I don’t know your stats exactly–however, it would probably be helpful to do a quick search of top schools for undergraduate architecture (BArch and/or BA) and look at their websites just to get some sense of what the field is like.</p>

3

<p>Yep, portfolios are pretty important. But you gotta have good grades and high SAT. For some of the schools, you gotta get pass the general admission first. Then your application will be sent to the School of Architecture to be evaluated and that’s when they’ll look at your portfolio. There are a lot of schools that are like that, I know Syracuse is one of them. There are also schools that look at all your application materials at the same time, such as Washington University in St. Louis.
For the portfolio, it can include a wide variety of artwork, it does not have to be architecture related. The admission want to see how creative you are and what skills you have. Well, it is definitely helpful to include some stuff related to architecture.
I think taking an architecture summer program would definitely be really beneficial. You get to have a little sneak peak at what your’e gonna do/learn as an architecture student and the work you’ll do in the summer program can also be added into your portfolio.</p>

4

<p>airnye, You start the search and selection process for architecture school the same as for any college. First, look at the money. Can your family afford full tuition? </p>

<p>If not, you need to find out how much NEED based aid you would be eligible for. Ask your parents to use an on-line calculator so you’ll know what to expect. There is also MERIT based aid, but this is like the cherry on the sundae. Don’t count on it.</p>

<p>Secondly, you need to decide if you want to go directly into a bachelor of architecture program. It sounds like you do, but be aware that many architects get an undergraduate BA or BS first then go to graduate school for an M.Arch. Both are good choices. The first is faster (and therefore cheaper) but more focused and intense. It requires a firm commitment to architecture.</p>

<p>The second takes a lot longer, costs more, but allows you to have a more balanced undergraduate experience. You can major in architectural studies, art or just about anything you’re interested in.</p>

<p>If you choose to go with the B.Arch you next have to think about whether you’d prefer an artschool (like RISD or Cooper Union) or a “full service” university like Notre Dame. </p>

<p>Third, make sure your list – no matter which course you choose to follow – is BALANCED in selectivity among reach, match and safety. I don’t know too much about the University of Illinois’ architecture program, but that would be a good place to start in searching for a safety. </p>

<p>Some undergraduate programs require portfolios, some do not. Your list will be the determining factor there, so do the list first and then tackle the portfolio. If you’re taking art classes, you’ll be able to put together a good assortment. As Kendezi says, admissions committees are looking for creativity and skill with various media, especially drawing. They are used to looking at highschool level work.</p>

<p>I’d second the idea of taking a summer architecture discovery program as that will help the architecture side of your portfolio. It would also help you decide if the B.Arch or M.Arch is best for you.</p>

5

<p>Yep, momrath basically said all the important points about the application process for architecture schools :smiley: And if ranking is an important factor for you to decide where to go, you can look here [2011</a> America’s Best Architecture Schools | Features | Architectural Record](<a href=“http://archrecord.construction.com/features/Americas_Best_Architecture_Schools/2011/schools-1.asp]2011”>http://archrecord.construction.com/features/Americas_Best_Architecture_Schools/2011/schools-1.asp)</p>

6

<p>momrath, how do you feel about the program at Notre Dame? When I visited I found it a bit old fashioned, which was disappointing for an Irish Catholic South Sider.
Also, where would you recommend for a summer program?</p>

7

<p>The portfolio is extremely important. I know people who got their professionally designed after they finished all their works.</p>

8

<p>I’m not the right person to ask for either question. I’d suggest that you start a separate thread asking about summer programs for highschoolers. It’s somewhat late to apply for this summer, but usually if you make some calls you’ll find an opening. This is Cornell’s program, which is well respected, but quite selective from what I understand.
[Introduction</a> to Architecture / Programs / Cornell Summer College](<a href=“Precollege Studies”>Precollege Studies)</p>

<p>Notre Dame wasn’t on my son’s list so I don’t have first hand experience. The program is considered the country’s top destination for traditional and classical architecture. If that isn’t what floats your boat then it’s not for you.</p>

<p>Before you can even begin making a college list, you need to address priority questions 1. Money? and 2. Which degree?</p>

9

<p>airnye, are you suburban Chicago? My son just finished his second year at USC Architecture and we are in the northwest/north suburban Chicago area. U of I is a 4+2 program. My son wasn’t interested in U of I. At one time their architecture school was considered very, very good but their reputation has diminished for some reason but they still have a very good study abroad program. If you want more info on his process of choosing an architecture school, PM me.</p>

10

<p>smarts1, do you know where I can see a portfolio someone has made?</p>

<p>thanks msheft, it sounds like a similar situation and USC is definitely somewhere I’m looking at. Do you or does anybody know how USC is thought of across the country? Are USC grads hired by only LA firms or are they all over? I heard somewhere most of the work coming out of USC is Ghery-type designs; is this true?</p>

<p>and momrath, thank you for all of your info. I don’t think ND sounds right for me.</p>

11

<p>You can look at some of the stuff I have in my portfolio on deviantart.
[Kendezi’s</a> deviantART Gallery](<a href=“Kendezi User Profile | DeviantArt”>Kendezi User Profile | DeviantArt)
Here’s another guy’s portfolio, he’s studying in Syracuse right now.
[awheeeek</a> on deviantART](<a href=“http://awheeeek.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/]awheeeek”>http://awheeeek.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/)
I’m going to Syracuse too next semester :)</p>

12

<p>I’d be willing to show you my portfolio, just shoot me a pm.</p>

13

<p>wow those are awesome. thanks! how did you send it to schools? i know some want powerpoint</p>

14

<p>The three major methods of sending portfolios:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>snail mail using printed materials. Places like Kinko’s will bind the work if needed, some schools need loose leaf</p></li>
<li><p>CD or DVD either as loose (separate) images or as presentation (powerpoint)</p></li>
<li><p>Upload digital images to the school directly or to a Flickr type site where the school can get them from</p></li>
</ul>

<p>If you’re into serious photography, using your own gear to photograph your work is the best way - don’t expect that a point and shoot camera will produce the same results,so a professional may help there especially for tricky subjects.</p>

15

<p>Well, schools normally tell you the format of the portfolio. For example, Rice wants a power point, Syracuse wants your stuff put into a binder and sent to the school, Carnegie Mellon wants you to upload your stuff onto a website (you have to pay for that too). There are also some schools that don’t require portfolio, such as UT Austin, Penn State, and U Mich.</p>

16

<p>thanks everybody! this is a big help</p>