Suggest colleges for me, plz

College Majors Architecture Major
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<p>i'm class of 2011, have gpa of 4.0, straight As, and 5 from AP US history, 4 from physics b and ap calc , and am planning to take ap calc bc, ap stat, micro macro econ.</p>

<p>I recently decided to major architecture, thus i absolutely have no extra curriculum in that field, nor just about any other EC. (well, i play saxophone and tennis, but not superb)</p>

<p>i have 32~33 from act, and haven't taken any art classes at all.</p>

<p>btw, im asian and not US citizen.</p>

<p>From reading some threads, i found out that some colleges, such as cooper union have some kind of hometest stuffs. anyway, what college do you think is suitable for me?</p>

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<p>David, do you have a portfolio? If not, there are some schools that don’t require one, but you should probably try to take an art class this year.</p>

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<p>I agree that you should take an art class. Architecture relies heavily on artistic and creative aptitude. If you take a class, you will be able to see if you have an interest and/or talent in art. If not, architecture may not be for you. Penn State and Va Tech are 2 good schools that do not require a portfolio for admission.</p>

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<p>thx guys. i searched up a little and figured out that art is heavy part.oh, and im trying to learn techy stuff such as CAD or photoshop stuff like that. Any suggestions for such things?</p>

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<p>oh, and do you have the list of top tier colleges that dont require portfolio?</p>

<p>and would it be possible to start learning art and finish the portfolio in couple months?</p>

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<p>it just popped up in my mind, that it actually might be beneficial to take BA, BS, or just some kind of engineering, such as mechanical, because otherwise all of my ap credits would be lost in vain. so, if i garner more ap credits, i might be able to graduate college in 3years and take March. how does that sound? oh, and BA and BS, which are which?</p>

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<p>what about just civil engineering major + MArch ? I have narrowed down into two options : Civil engineering and Urban Planning + MArch or BArch.
Considering my inexperince in art, or lack of preparation in portfolio, what would you recommend? im shooting for 3 year graduation with bunch of ap credits, but is it that year for top tier engineering schools?</p>

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<p>according to what i saw in this forum, absolutely do not use CAD in your portfolio… just learning is fine though</p>

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<p>OP - for ANY MArch program, you will HAVE to present a portfolio. Completing an engineering degree in three years, even with AP credits, is not going to leave you with any time to take art and/or drawing classes, and still be able to complete a portfolio.</p>

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<p>By the way, here is the clearest explanation I’ve seen on the different routes to becoming an architect. This is from a posting by Archmom in another thread in this forum:</p>

<p>Quote:
That said, there are three major routes to becoming a licensed architect. All three are equivalent in the profession, in my experience. There is no bias toward one route or another.</p>

<p>First and very important step, however, is to make sure the program you are considering is accredited by the NAAB (National Architecture Accreditation Board) NAAB: Home. If the program is not accredited, it will not “count” toward licensing. There’s an easy to use list of all programs around the country and in Canada on their website.</p>

<p>Then…the three routes:</p>

<p>Route 1: 5-year B.Arch. Also know an “undergrad architecture”. Program is very intense and focused. To go this route, you should be sure that architecture is what you want to do, since you don’t get many electives, and many of your credits won’t transfer to other majors if you decide to bail. Many of the schools that have a 5-yr. program require a portfolio, but not all. Because of the intensity of the program, they feel they need to see your commitment and potential talent. Examples of this type of program in the East: Cornell, Syracuse, Penn State, VT, RPI, CMU, Pratt.</p>

<p>Route 2: The “4+2” six-year route. This is the trend in architectural education, and many former 5-year programs have changed to this. You enter an accredited program with a “pre-professional” major in architecture. After 4 years, you get either a BS or BA. Then you enter a 2-year master’s program and emerge with an MArch. Counts the same as the BArch in Route 1. Examples include WUSTL, Ohio State, SUNY-Buffalo</p>

<p>Route 3: Standard Master’s…7 or 7-1/2 years. You get your undergrad degree in any major. Then you go to grad school for architecture, most of which are 3 or even 3-1/2 years. Examples include Yale, Columbia, Harvard.</p>

<p>There are advantages and disadvantages to each route, and the choice really depends on the individual student. But make sure you check the accreditation. It’s key.
:Close Quote</p>

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<p>"according to what i saw in this forum, absolutely do not use CAD in your portfolio… just learning is fine though "</p>

<p>whom did you learn this from? I know I posted that RPI specifically said not to include CAD in your portfolio. However I am sure there are other schools that would be fine with CAD in a portfolio though. I would hate to be the source of misinformation.</p>

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<p>David,
Do you have any art talent? Although it’s very possible with hard work to obtain the title as an architect, you can never thrive and therefore barely make a living later if you cannot excel in your talent. Architecture is a difficult and competitive career, with no guarantee of financially secured life…</p>

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<p>Re: Route 2 that QT describes is a bit misleading. Unless the college/uni for the BA or BS offers studio courses, you’d be hard pressed to have an entire year/year and a half cut from the typical 3-3.5 year M.Arch program. You’re more likely to place out of the required theory/history class (for BA) or structures or EQ classes (for BS).</p>

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<p>so it would be wise of me to attend civil eng and see what happens with my arch during vacation or something? rightnow, im aiming for CU civil eng.</p>

<p>btw, i had about 4 years of art tutor in my elementary years. I dont know whether it would help me or not. Also, what people in engineering school during summer and/or winter vacation? do they chill or have some or many works to do? because im trying to learn art in vacation in order to go to March after civil engineering.</p>

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<p>Brooklynborndad, i’m really sorry for that. i realized maybe i just focused on those schools i’m interested in… but not from your post</p>

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<p>brooklynborndad, no architecture school wants to see hardline CAD drawings.</p>