<p>How feasible is it logistically? How good are the offerings? </p>
<p>DD is accepted to RPI - architecture, wants "balanced education" is concerned.</p>
<p>I’ve heard every kid say that is important to them when choosing a college (one of my eldest’s reasons for choosing Cornell) but when they get there they find that they are so busy with what they love - their major, those factors become extremely unimportant. They also find they like the people in their majors so much the desire to branch out withers. (My kids went to a very small liberal artsy high school and a tech school fits them so much better that their priorities flip-flopped from the original desire to stay liberal artsy). </p>
<p>My son had a great political science elections class at RPI, as good as you’d find anywhere. He very involved with the music scene at RPI (performing) so that balances him.</p>
<p>Also, architecture is notoriously time-consuming at any university. All nighters are almost the norm. She should try to stick to the core to make sure that is under control before branching out. I think many RPI architecture students spend a semester abroad in Italy as well, good for “balancing”.</p>
<p>What she loves includes architecture, but also anthropology and Japanese (both of which could have their usefulness in architecture, as well as being passions) That makes schools with more liberal arts appealing to her, even if they do not have accredited architecture programs. </p>
<p>Some searching indicates Sage does not have the things she is interested in, but Albany does. </p>
<p>She may decide not to take any of that, but she does not want to be in a situation where that is not an option.</p>
<p>I know people who are in the architecture program here at RPI. If she thinks she’ll have any time at all to pursue interests outside of architecture (ie- any extra classes), she’s either nuts or doesn’t know about the program. No offense intended.</p>
<p>architecture students at RPI take nothing but architecture?</p>
<p>Here’s a sample curriculum. There are humanities electives. [School</a> of Architecture: Bachelor of Architecture](<a href=“http://www.rpi.edu/dept/catalog/restore/01-02/soa/soa-ba.html]School”>http://www.rpi.edu/dept/catalog/restore/01-02/soa/soa-ba.html)</p>
<p>But I think the common consensus on ANY architecture program that the need for sleep would prevail over getting fancy on curriculums. I think a semester abroad (Italy is common for architects) may satisfy much of the humanities, but I’m not an expert. </p>
<p>Another wonderful thing about RPI is the club system. Anyone interested in almost anything can start a club and get some funding. If she wanted to start a club in Japanese architecture or anthropology, etc she could. But that would be part of the social life, vs academic life.</p>
<p>RPI has always required a School of Humanities and Social Sciences component for all majors. In the interests of full disclosure, however, it has generally been stronger in the social sciences than the humanities. As noted, students have filled in that gap with a rather extensive set of non-academic programs such as music and performing arts groups, student publications, etc.</p>
<p>The University at Albany (formerly known as SUNY Albany) is about 25 minutes away by car. However, given the oscillating time requirements of the architecture program (i.e. periods of free time followed by 7x24 design projects) it wouldn’t be wise, in my opinion, to commit to taking off campus classes. RPI has a first rate architecture program, but it can be all-consuming and entering students should be aware of that when making their decision.</p>
<p>“But I think the common consensus on ANY architecture program that the need for sleep would prevail over getting fancy on curriculums”</p>
<p>RPI is the only B Arch program DD applied to. At other schools she would either do a BA with an Arch or Arch studies major, or major in something else, and then, presumably, get an M Arch.</p>
<p>I am beginning to think the best approach will be to talk to some Arch faculty, explain DD’s interests and how they are actually potentially supportive of her Arch career (her liberal arts interests are Anthro/archaelogy, which would seem naturally relevant, Jewish Studies, which would support her dream of designing a synagogue someday, and Japanese language and culture, which would tie to both Japenese architectural styles, and perhaps someday working for Japanese clients) and see of they can help think of some way it can work out.</p>
<p>Also look into the Design, Innovation, and Society major’s options. [Design</a>, Innovation, and Society Program - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)](<a href=“http://www.rpi.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/dis.html]Design”>http://www.rpi.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/dis.html)</p>
<p>This is my daughter’s intended major plus a dual major with mechanical engineering. The unique thing about this program (compared to most engineering schools) is the emphasis on studying society. </p>
<p>Maybe some electives from this area would satisfy her.</p>
<p>Also I did see that architecture school does have a program abroad in China. It is not Japan, but it is the high growth area right now.</p>
<p>Good plan Brooklynborndad. It’s not a unique problem and they’ve probably got some ideas on how to create a strong combination of hardcore architecture and design along with art and liberal arts studies. I remember one of my archie acquaintances going to some sort of arts program in the summer but I don’t know whether it was something formally arranged through the school or done on her own.</p>
<p>It’s my understanding that most architecture programs are all-consuming so RPI is not unique in that respect. The difference is whether it happens as an undergrad or grad student. At other schools your daughter would be signing up for a longer haul, but have an opportunity for a broader education first. Of course, that assumes she will get in to a master’s program from those other schools. If she is going to TJ (I think I saw that somewhere) she’s obviously very bright so that may be less of an issue…</p>
<p>Your daughter sounds like a great kid that RPI would love to have. Hopefully they can address her interests and needs.</p>
<p>“I am beginning to think the best approach will be to talk to some Arch faculty…” - That would be a great idea. I’ve had good luck doing email and phone calls with music faculty at two different schools. I wanted to learn more about the opportunities for amatuer musicians.</p>
<p>RPI has actually been recommending that students take those classes at HVCC (Hudson Valley Community College). It’s only about 10 min away :)</p>
<p>HVCC offers Japanese Lang and Culture I and II</p>
<p>I wonder if those courses are actually beyond AP Japanese which DD is taking now.</p>