<p>I've applied to a few colleges to study Political Science and have gotten back acceptance letters from some already, but I really find interest in architecture. Something about it is so interesting to me as I've always been able to draw good, and doing Drafting this year I've came to see that I have an uncanny ability to use CAD and to sketch scale drawings. This kinda pushed me to decide to apply for architecture, and if i do go for architecture, I want to be challenged. So I'm thinking about applying to UPenn and maybe Cornell but I have some questions. </p>
<p>I was told it was optional to submit a portfolio but I'm definitely going to. What goes in the portfolio though? I was going to put like 2-3 CAD things (3D and 2D), like 4-5 photography pieces, like 5 or so drawings/pen sketches, and 2 pictures of these old fashioned pipes I carved.</p>
<p>Is it bad that I draw most of my stuff in pen and they are not "real" drawings? (They aren't like drawings of trees and stuff)</p>
<p>Is it true that to get into art programs you don't need to have the ridiculous grades that Ivy League schools normally require? (I have a 3.5 but their architecture programs look amazing!)</p>
<p>Thoughts on the pipes and CAD stuff? Will it help to include them?</p>
<p>Sorry for all the questions, it would just be a dream come true to get into one of these architecture schools.</p>
<p>I’ve researched architecture schools so much it’s unhealthy.</p>
<p>Everything you mentioned you would put in your portfolio sounds great!.. except for the CAD drawings. A lot of schools specifically ask for you to NOT include CAD in your portfolio. Unless it’s like, ridiculously good, and that’s all you have. But obviously, you have some pen drawings and even the pipes thing sounds cool. You should be on track portfolio wise, definitely start getting everything photographed! Look up Cornell’s portfolio requirements… 15-20 pieces, in a 1/2 inch black binder I believe. And while your GPA and SAT do matter for Cornell (ivy league duh) they’re probably a little less influential than an impressive portfolio. Also, Cornell and UPenn, the two schools you mentioned, have different architecture programs (5 yr BArch vs 4 year BA), I suggest you do you own homework about that though.</p>
<p>AS wimmiett mentioned, you do need to be clear on the different degrees offered. With a B.Arch – as offered at Cornell – you’ll be able to start your architecture career after you complete the 5 year program. With a BA – or a BS – as offered at Penn and many other colleges you would still need to get a Masters of Architecture (M.Arch) which could take from 2.0 to 3.5 years depending on your undergraduate degree and the masters program.</p>
<p>The B.Arch route is shorter and therefore less expensive, but it is also more narrowly focused on architecture. The BA/BS+M.Arch route takes longer and costs more but allows more space for experimentation in other liberal arts disciplines, like political science.</p>
<p>The decision really depends on your commitment to architecture and your financial situation.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response wimmiett, I see the difference between UPenn and Cornell, it seems like Cornell is a more “pure architecture” program. A few more questions, I see i have to do an interview? My sister goes to school at Ithaca College for costume design (she loves it). I was planning to go out there with her at some point and do the interview but she is studying in England at the moment and wont go back till Mid-January, which is right after the regular decision deadline… If I schedule the interview before the deadline to do it after the deadline, would it be okay? Then I could go out in January and do it.</p>
<p>Also, Any tips on anything else I can do to wow them? My portfolio and pencil drawings are coming along great, but anything on the essay? Also I have to take the Math 1 SAT test for the program, how much does that help in the decision process?</p>