Preparing for Graduate School

<p>I am junior at UC Santa Barbara majoring in art history with an emphasis on architectural history. I've decided to pursue a career in architecture. That means I'll need to get a M.Arch degree from an accredited graduate school.</p>

<p>I am wondering what extracurriculars I should to help me get into the school I want to go to. What do most graduate schools look for in an applicant? Are there any recommended classes to take? </p>

<p>I've started a portfolio this year, what do schools like to see in a portfolio? </p>

<p>Any other advice or comments would be appreciated. </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Factors in acceptance to M.Arch programs are your portfolio, grades, GRE scores, recommendations, and personal statement. Your portfolio and grades are the most critical.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars are not so important but demographics can be as the M.Arch programs like to assemble a balanced class by gender, academic background, ethnic group, age, life experience etc. etc. Architectural work experience is also a positive.</p>

<p>The individual programs will tell you what classes they expect you to have taken. All require some drawing and some architectural art history. Physics and calculus requirements vary by school.</p>

<p>Many of the graduate programs offer information sessions for prospective students. These usually take place in the fall. </p>

<p>I’ll have to defer to the experts on how to put together a portfolio. You’ll find a lot of advice on this topic on this site and also on many of the schools’ websites. Presentation is important.</p>

<p>My guess is that UC SB would have a grad school counselor who is experienced in architectural admissions. If not, talk to the M.Arch programs themselves. They’re quite accessible.</p>

<p>Thanks for your input!</p>