<p>I really want to study architecture in college, bu I'm now finding out that most architecture schools require portfolios and my school doesn't even offer art class as an elective unless you drop a major class (like bio or foreign language) and i also haven't had a chance to take physics. basically, i'm screwed over since i only have middle school art experience and there's no chance i can create a standout portfolio. now i have to find a new major...any advice?</p>
<p>start drawing. if you are really passionate about architecture, compose one piece a week and gradually build up your portfolio.</p>
<p>the second option is, pick a major such as engineering and switch over to architect as you build your portfolio. This is assuming you are positive you want to be an architect and will go through with it. Otherwise pick a completely different major and run with that.</p>
<p>You could take a gap year and use it to take some art courses at local art studios, museums, or community colleges.</p>
<p>Schools that require portfolios for entering fr usually have 5 year BArch programs. This is just one of three routes to becoming an arch. Many schools that have a 4 yr BA or BS in Arch Studies accept students into the arch program as jrs, thus giving you time to take college classes to develop a portfolio. If you have a 4 yr degree, you will have to follow up by getting a MArch to become certified.</p>
<p>I’m moving this to the Arch subforum where people there can give you further comments. The people that frequent the arch subforum are very experienced in this field, so it is a much better place to start your arch related threads than in the general admissions forum.</p>
<p>My daughter was in the same boat. She is pretty creative and artistic, but had no art classes in high school. She applied to 4 schools that offered the BARCH but did not require a portfolio. She was accepted to all 4, including Penn State and VA Tech (which have good reputations for their arch programs). There ARE programs out there that don’t require a portfolio for admission. I think that these usually look for high stats since they are not relying on a portfolio. Good luck.</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon has an “optional portfolio of creative work”. Given that they recommend that you submit it, I doubt it’s really optional.</p>
<p>My son never learned how to draw, so his portfolio was photography and graphic design. He was admitted to the school, so, it’s not always about drawing.</p>
<p>I think a lot of public universities do not require a portfolio. Consider Penn State, and for co-op, U of Cincinnati. Also 5-year MArch programs like U of Kansas and Kansas State.</p>
<p>Also: look at your local park district for art classes and also local art schools that usually have classes for K-12 and even adults. </p>
<p>My son took art classes at a local art school (artists who open schools and also have their own works on display) since he was 5. He took art in high school but also at the local art school to enhance his portfolio. He also took a class at the park district. My son also took some private lessons (art teacher at the art school) came over after school on Friday for 1 1/2 hours for 4 weeks. He also set up a still life in the dining room and sketched that and used it in his portfolio.</p>
<p>There is no reason to give up your dream of becoming an architect. As others have noted, there are many architectural programs that do not require a portfolio for admission and there are other schools that delay formal admission into the architecture major until the junior year, giving you time to create our portfolio. Apply to those schools.</p>
<p>However, being able to draw/sketch is a really important skill for architects so you should start practicing as much as possible. Consider art classes outside your high school as well – perhaps at a local art school or community college or programs offered by your city’s parks/recreation dept. – so that you can get professional instruction and feedback on your work.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Also talk to the art teacher at your high school. If he/she is a good teacher, he/she should be willing to give you advice or help out. If not, go back and talk to your middle school teacher. He/she is another good source of advice. your middle school art teacher would be thrilled to have you come back for advice (I am an 8th grade math teacher and I would be excited if a former student came back for advice or help).</p>