<p>what are the factors that are mainly considered to get into the top architecture programs (Colombia, Harvard, MIT, and so forth)? how much weight is given to grades, portfolio, work experience, undergraduate program, extracurricular activities, leadership activities?
My daugher is currently studying Barch-5 year program at a top ranked program, and she's thinking of going to get into a arch graduate program.
Thanks!</p>
<p>From my understanding:</p>
<ol>
<li>Portfolio (>50%)</li>
<li>Recommendations/Statement (~15%)</li>
<li>Grades/GRE (~15%)</li>
<li>Diversity/etc. (~15%)</li>
</ol>
<p>In other words, if you want to maximize your chances of getting in, you should probably focus on your portfolio the most.</p>
<p>My impression: You have to have an outstanding portfolio. You also have to have a very good GPA and excellent recommendations. </p>
<p>I’m not sure about the statement, but my guess is it’s less important than the other three elements. I’ve never heard that the GRE is a significant factor.</p>
<p>The rest is equally important, but difficult to rank. Remember that these schools are building balanced classes so they’re looking for diversity just as undergraduate admissions committees do. The main difference is that they also admit older students with real life work experience. </p>
<p>So the factors that may be influential – even hooks – are where you did your undergrad, work experience, international standing, URM status, anything that makes you stand out. I would guess that extracurricular activities and leadership positions are fairly UNimportant unless they’re architecture driven.</p>
<p>All of the programs that you mention – and others – have information sessions for their M.Arch programs, usually in the Fall. Because of the recession graduate school has become very popular and applications are way up. I’d suggest that your daughter look at some of the less selectives as well.</p>
<p>try getting connections from professors at her school who are affiliated with top arch programs. it’s a small world out there…</p>
<p>I’ve also heard that the admissions committees like to see study abroad. I think it’s a nice plus rather than any type of requirement. As my daughter visited grad school open houses last year, she also heard that the portfolio is the most important factor in decisions.</p>
<p>I agree with momrath. The applications to graduate programs are way up and even top students from top programs need to apply to more schools than you would expect.</p>
<p>These are all of the "mom"s I know of who have been active participants in this Architecture forum:</p>
<p>momrath
momomom
mathmom
momoftwins
Mom112233</p>
<p>Am I missing something here or does this indicate that mothers are drawn to the architecture program? Perhaps to protect their beloved children? Come, come, my children, and suckle me under the roof of this guardian angel.</p>
<p>I’m a mom of an arch kid too but my name doesn’t show it. :(</p>
<p>^ traitor</p>
<p>^^fedmom, who isnt as active anymore, is also an architecture mom ;)</p>
<p>Gosh, this is really funny. I am an arch mom too.</p>
<p>I’m also an arch mom.</p>
<p>But we don’t sound as cool as “soccer mom.”
Wait! My arch kid also was a soccer player. LOL.</p>