Syracuse Architecture

Anyone have some current first experience with this program and the admissions process?

My D’s major choices are 60% Architecture and 40% Civil/Structural Engineering. Therefore we are focused on schools which offer both, of which Syracuse is one. Others on the short list are: Maryland, UMass, RPI, Buffalo, RIT, Penn State, VaTech.

In some schools, I was thinking it may be beneficial to apply for Engineering and if she feels its the wrong fit, to transfer into the Architecture program. Does anyone know whether you apply for the entire University (like Northeastern) then declare major after your Frosh year or is it to each individual school? If for each school, does it allow you to chose a first and second choice (like UMass)? Syracuse is ranked 75th (US News) in engineering and 3rd in (DI) but I’m not sure whether it means that it is easier to get into the Engineering program even as a female. Looking at Naviance she sits right there in the middle of the population but I assume that its an accumulation of all majors and not a good gauge for these two majors.

Has anyone recently applied to Syracuse for Engineering or Architecture and give me an idea of there acceptance profile?
We are going up to their Engineering open house this weekend. Hope to get some of these questions answered there as well.

I don’t have direct experience at Syracuse, but my understanding is that for a BArch a student would enter the school of architecture and begin the program on day one. The curriculum – especially the studios – are sequential and although it’s possible to transfer into the program (from another Syracuse department or from outside) you may not be able to complete the curriculum in 5.0 years.

This is what they say on their website:

I don’t know the BArch acceptance rate, but Syracuse is quite open about what they are looking for in architecture acceptances. The portfolio is an important element.
https://soa.syr.edu/live/files/295-applying-to-architecture-school

I hope you and your daughter will be able to visit the architecture school and get an answer to some your questions. They offer visits during studio days on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

https://soa.syr.edu/admissions/undergraduate/meet-us.php

My general impression is that most schools of architecture are generous with their time and welcome visits and questions. They understand that it’s difficult for high school students to visualize what architecture education entails. It’s to the schools’ benefit to admit students who will stick with the program and therefore they are willing to interact with students and their families and respond to their concerns.

You should definitely visit Syracuse (or any of the other schools on your list) to understand what their architecture and engineering programs entail. Definitely speak with staff from those 2 majors, not just the admissions staff. You can ask about switching majors. BArch programs are intense and require a big time commitment from students for studio. As in the clip above from Syracuse, I think you’ll find that most or all of the schools have a sequence of studio courses that take 5 years to complete. My daughter went to Penn State and there were 10 sequential studio courses, so no way to complete in less than 5 years. If your daughter is unsure about arch vs engineering, it might be better to apply as an arch major and switch if it isn’t for her. She should know in the first year (and probably first semester) if it’s for her. FYI–we were told that admission to the architecture major was more selective than engineering.

just got back for the Engineering open house. Did get to visit the architecture building but not many students in the morning when we stopped by. A student we spoke to did mentioned, that the engineering school is a bit harder to get. I’m going to try to give the office a call next week. btw: the Carrier dome is awesome

Syracuse is wonderful. I loved the campus when I visited, and the student life was also awesome. It’s a very tight-knit community and there is some minor city life around.

As for applications, it’s somewhat competitive for architecture (not as competitive as Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Rice, etc.). I have a friend who goes to Syracuse and she said that there is a heavy influence on mathematics and science, rather than the arts.

Engineering is definitely harder to get into at Syracuse. Architecture at Syracuse is much better, and transferring from Arch to Engineering is much easier than Engineering to Arch. I don’t personally have experience but this is just something that my friend mentioned to me.

Also, Syracuse requires an architecture portfolio for undergrad admission. They like seeing unfinished pieces, pieces that are in progress, or abstract work. It won’t be too hard to throw together something last-minute if that’s what your kid is worried about.