<p>I am currently studying Interior Architecture at a school and Chicago. I currently have an accumulative GPA of 3.7, and I feel very confident in my portfolio. I was wondering if it seems like I may be able to get into some of the top MArch programs (Michigan, Harvard, Cornell, Cincinnati, WUSTL etc.).</p>
<p>A 3.7 should be more than enough to get you into the best programs as long as it is accompanied with an outstanding portfolio, good GRE scores, and impressive letters of recommendation. Each school will weigh each factor differently, but they will all be important.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>I posted this on your other thread but I’ll repeat for the record. In my observation, demographics are a big factor in graduate school admissions, especially for the most selective programs. Of course you have to have the portfolio and the grades, but other elements in your background and life experience are considered as well. The schools want a balanced class.</p>
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<p>The top rated programs – Harvard, Yale, Columbia, MIT, Cornell – are wildly selective, so have a balanced list. Michigan, Cinncinnati, WUSTL are excellent and less selective as are many of the other State Universities. </p>
<p>The key factor for admissions is a portfolio that demonstrates skill and creativity and that is well presented. You should be covered there.</p>
<p>Where you do your undergrad, your grades, your major is also important. You will need to get recommendations and take the GRE. Most programs require some architectural drawing and history classes. Requirements on physics and calculus vary so check each school individually.</p>
<p>In addition, M.Arch programs recruit diversity of all sorts. Not just ethnic and economic as undergraduate programs do, but also diversity of age, life experience and undergraduate degree.</p>
<p>Many M.Arch candidates work in architecture before applying. This is helpful, but not strictly necessary. See as much architecture as you can.</p>
<p>Most M.Arch programs have information sessions, usually in the Fall, that will give you a detailed overview of what they are looking for and what to expect. </p>
<p>Lastly, think hard about the money. Grants are available, but unless you are exceptionally valuable to the program you will receive nowhere near what you’ll need. I’m not pessimistic about architecture as a career, but it isn’t especially well paid in relationship to the cost of the degree.</p>