Princeton vs. MIT (architecture)

<p>Currently my plan is undergrad in the Architecture school at either MIT or Princeton.</p>

<p>Could any of you guys give me unbiased details about the architecture programs at each? Just knowing more about the architecture program in both will help to make my decision as to which college I should choose.</p>

<p>I went to both preview weekends and both architecture programs seemed great. What does each have and what sets the apart from each other? (very un-opinionated of course)</p>

<p>PS. I'm more of an arsty sorta of guy, so I perfer arts over science and math (while I still can do it if necessary). What about the core requirements for math and science?</p>

<p>How about the faculty (accessible, what kind, how do they teach, lots or few, etc)? Hands on or more conceptual? Modern or Traditional? Opportunities for research? Traveling abroad? etc etc.</p>

<p>I’m not an architecture major but I have taken architecture classes including studio here at Princeton. First, I want to make sure you know that Princeton’s program is not a BArch and you would have to go to grad school to become a licensed architect. </p>

<p>Princeton is very conceptual in the beginning. You still build models, draw, learn the software etc, but its not firmly rooted in reality. Upper level classes are more applicable and focus on things like sustainable design and building systems. </p>

<p>Its very easy to travel abroad. Most do it during the second semester junior year, but if you’re able to do your requirements during freshman year(Arc 203, 204) you could easily do it sophomore year. </p>

<p>I think they just started a program in Hong Kong this year. If you’re interested in research, sometimes I see jobs listed for arc undergads assisting professors, but I’m not too sure about that.</p>

<p>The faculty is pretty decent here. We’re close to New York, so we’re able to attract some of the best, but since they live in New York, they’re not as accessible on days outside of class. All of the faculty I’ve met have been really nice and down to earth people with some really interesting stories if you care to ask.The people most helpful tend to be the grad students who are always available because they’re usually working in studio(even at night). </p>

<p>You mentioned you’re not a math/science guy. You have to take classes in “quantitative reasoning” and “science and tech” course, but its actually pretty easy to find an undemanding class that fills these requirements like Phy 115 aka “physics for poets”.</p>

<p>I don’t know anything about MIT, but I hope you find the school that is right for you.</p>