Hi, I am currently confused on what university to go after being accepted. These are the universities I have applied for and some have already accepted me:
U.C. Berkeley (Bachelor of Arts)
Louisiana State University (Bachelor of Architecture and I have been accepted to this University),
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies),
U.C. Davis (Landscape Architecture master, which I was planning to use as a way to transfer to U.C.L.A. and then change my major to Architecture),
Iowa State University (Bachelor of Architecture, I have also been accepted to this University)
The University of Washinton, Seattle (Bachelor of Arts in Architecture).
Would you rate and sort them in terms of location, academics, ranking? (basically the pros and cons to study a bachelor that leads to MArch.)
Would probably have UC-Berkeley, Iowa State and LSU as the top 3 in that list. The only one that I don’t know about the program, but is an excellent location, especially for different types of architecture is Wisconsin-Milwaukee. One thing to check out is the length of the program - the Bachelor programs vary widely, from 4-6 years. Also, ask questions about getting licensed, which may be more important for jobs that a MArch.
Before comparing academic strength and rankings, you really need to evaluate the comparative costs against what your family can afford.
UC Berkeley, U of Wisconsin and U of Washington are BA/BS programs. For overall academics, architecture and environment I would rate them in the order listed; however, they are all very good schools with lively campuses. I’m sure any of these BA/BS architecture degrees would be solid preparation for an MArch program, at the same or different university.
I would note that MArch admissions are competitive and difficult to predict. Your portfolio and the internships that you hold during your undergraduate years are significant factors. Admission to the MArch program at the same university where you do your BA/BS may or may not be guaranteed depending on the school.
As I mentioned in your Berkeley thread, you really need to evaluate the total cost of the BA/BS+MArch before making a decision. Depending on your undergraduate course load and the requirements of your MArch program, you could be looking at anywhere between 6.0 and 7.5 years for the BA/BS+MArch.
As an out of state applicant you may or may not be eligible for need-based financial aid for your undergraduate degree. MArch funding may be available in the form of grants, but it is not need-based and is difficult to predict.
LSU and Iowa State are BArch programs that you can complete in 5.0 years. These would probably be the most cost efficient. I don’t have insider information on either, but Iowa State’s BArch was ranked #18 by Design Intelligence.
UC Davis’ undergraduate degree in landscape architecture is a BS. It’s an excellent program IF you want landscape architecture; however, I wouldn’t count on it being an automatic transfer platform to a UCLA BA in architecture.