Transferring to an Architecture Program

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>(NOTE: I posted this on the transfer forum, but it might have been the wrong place to put it as nobody responded. If this is not the right forum either, please let me know.)</p>

<p>Hello all. This is my first post here, though I have been lurking for quite some time. Let me start off by saying this: I know I have shot myself in the foot. I became aware of that fact a few months ago, but it was far too late to do anything about it. That being said, here's what's going on.</p>

<p>This is the short version of the story. I am a first semester freshman currently attending a local public research university in Tennessee (For the sake of etiquette, I will refrain from mentioning which one exactly) and I absolutely hate it. I am an excellent student, and the only reason I am attending this school in the first place is because I had an enormous confidence issue (It has since been resolved...I think) when it was time to apply for colleges, and this is the only school I applied to. I can see clearly now that this was an incredibly stupid decision, but nevertheless it is a decision I cannot reverse. I have 9 credit hours going in due to dual enrollment classes, and I am taking a full load (15 hours) this semester. Unless something goes horribly wrong, I am on track to maintain my 4.0 GPA. I was undecided on a major, but then I realized that I had far less time than I thought to choose, as many of the majors I was considering required specialized general education requirements. I always figured I would transfer out eventually, but the time is coming sooner than I had anticipated.</p>

<p>I have decided on Architecture. My current university does offer an architecture program (4+2) but it is not very good. It is much more an urban planning/interior design program than it is an architecture program, and so I want to transfer to a different school to study architecture. This presents many problems, the most significant of which I will list here.</p>

<p>1) I cannot draw. I am a quick learner however, and I have spent the last few days taking some YouTube mini drawing lessons, and have so far been incredibly pleased with my progress (Please don't misunderstand me. I know that there is much more to it than that, but the fact that I can see visible improvement over just a few days gives me a little hope). This unfortunately means that I will be unable to transfer to any school requiring a portfolio as my portfolio is basically non-existent. Which brings me to my next point...</p>

<p>2) I cannot find a program that I am qualified to transfer to. Most of them require Calculus and some basic architecture classes, none of which I have completed. I am taking elementary calculus next semester (Basically Calculus I minus one hour. You take the last hour during the summer, but only if you make an A. If the class is unavailable they just let you take Calculus II, unless you didn't make an A, then you must take Calculus I which is basically the same class. It's a terrible system, but testing in to Calculus I is remarkably difficult here.) but there are no entry level architecture classes as those are only offered during the fall semester. Academically, I am qualified for many fine programs; practically, I am not.</p>

<p>3) I have no idea what other classes I should take next semester as the requirements vary from one architecture program to the next. This is an enormous problem. Registration opened Wednesday, and if I don't hurry I won't be able to take the classes I need. So far I have already taken Composition I & II, Speech, Intro to Film, Music Appreciation, Psychology, Literary Heritage, and World Civilization II (This list includes all the classes I am currently enrolled in). Like I said before, I am very much on track to maintain my 4.0 GPA.</p>

<p>Well those are the negatives. Here are some of the positives.</p>

<p>1) I'm sure it's what I want to do. I love buildings, and I love the creative process. I have been a musician my whole life, and I am well acquainted both with how to learn something quickly, and how to learn something properly (Repetition and plain ol' hard work). Up until recently I was strongly considering structural engineering, but I came to realize that my strengths are much more hands-on and much less mathematical (In other words, when I look at a building I don't see a bunch of distinct structural components as much as I see how those components fit together to make a whole, complete, piece of very functional art). I have thought carefully about this and sought advice from my parents and my close friends, and I remain convinced that this is the path for me.</p>

<p>2) I am willing to start from the ground up if necessary. I am glad I have taken the classes I have, and I am the better person for it, but if I am forced to throw it all out and start from zero I will do it. Meaning if I was able to transfer to a five year program, but ended up a year behind where I would be if I had applied as a freshman, I would accept that. One year of "wasted" time is well worth a lifetime of doing something I actually enjoy rather than getting cold feet and majoring in something easier. I'm not sure if any university would actually offer this as an option (Transfer what I can, but basically start as a freshman) but it is an interesting thought. </p>

<p>3) I am willing to do what it takes to make this work. If I have to send a letter to every admissions counselor, faculty member, department head...whatever, I will do it. I am proud (bordering on arrogant unfortunately) of my ability to communicate well in writing, and I will rely on that if it comes to it. I truly believe that given the right motivation and the proper amount of practice, it is possible for any person to learn anything they want, and so I am prepared to do any and all difficult work that comes my way to make this work.</p>

<p>I apologize for being so long winded. I don't want there to be any miscommunication or confusion. I know that I screwed up in the beginning, and I am willing to own up to that mistake, but now I seek to correct it. If any of you can offer any advice on any of the issues posted above, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and answer my questions.</p>

<p>-J</p>

2

<p>I usually don’t comment on these things, but, I was really touched with your post. After reading your post, and contemplating what information I have that might help you, I must will tell you that I am not a college Arch student, but a high school student who has researched many different colleges and programs.</p>

<p>Because you lack a portfolio, but an interest to learn, U of Cincinnati and Ball State University come to mind in particular. Both do not require a portfolio, but I know U of Cincinnati has certain math requirements (I know they require pre-calc or an equivalent for high schoolers, I’m not sure what it is for transfers) that you should look up. Both are public universities, so I don’t know if that is a big factor in your decision. Also, contrary to popular belief, architecture students do not need to know much past Calc 1. Everyone I’ve talked to (Professors and graduates) both say all that is needed is some advanced math and physics- so do not feel you are behind in math at all. Math past Calc 1 is usually reserved for architectural engineering degrees and civil engineering. Another one you may want to look into is U of Kentucky, but I’m not sure if they want a portfolio or not (I’m only aware that they just make you sit for a creativity test). </p>

<p>Also, a downfall of not having a portfolio is that you are limited in your choices, so you should stay focused on finding 4 year programs opposed to 5 year accredited, which there is nothing wrong with. You could possibly fill a portfolio with sketches, however, and I recommend looking up portfolio requirements for each Arch program you are looking at, but those who do want portfolios often want to see experimentation with success or positive whether that be with medium or an idea.</p>

<p>As for what you should be taking next semester, I would recommend a regular fine arts class or at least a Art History class or survey. These classes would immensely help you as the art class you would be building up your sketching abilities as well teaching you what goes into making composition and from your art history class would receive information that would allow you to be able to communicate what architecture is about, and why it interests you. </p>

<p>Finally, you did not screw up. You are human; and this experience has made yourself more confident and has allowed you to see what you want to be doing with your life. That is not screwing up, and you should be happy to have realized your dream when you did, because nothing would be worse than getting a degree in a field you hated; or did not feel enthusiastic about.</p>

<p>Best wishes on your journey, and keep your head up. :slight_smile:
-Victoria</p>

3

<p>I’m waiting for a 2+GB map update download to complete, so here is my input as well as a former Civil Engineer with a heavy dose of Architecture coursework and a daughter that started Architecture in a 4+2 school this fall…</p>

<p>While the ability to draw is not necessarily a big problem at this point, the quicker one addresses it the better. As suggested, a school that is portfolio-optional may be a good option - but again, keep in mind that for some strange reason people headed for Architecture often have stellar GPA’s and test scores, so many portfolio-optional schools (Cincy for sure) require some pretty lofty HS GPA and test scores. Translation: Take a college level drawing class soon to learn the techniques and so on.</p>

<p>Art knowledge, again, not a BIG problem but when you get into courses (1st year even) like basic History of Architecture or Theory I and the like and everyone drops names of movements and periods and artists like they were in the same class in middle school, then knowledge of art basics comes in handy. Translation: take an art history course or two to learn more about the basics…</p>

<p>In terms of math, I would suggest checking with a real human at specific universities versus a PDF or a web page as to what is required; my daughter found out at orientation that there’s some mystery Calc I type course needed that was not really listed in the program of study but is required… Translation: if you’ll be faced with a Calc I where you’ll end up, a college algebra or precalc type course or even Calc I or baby Calc may be a good idea.</p>

<p>Finally, in terms of format, I think a 4+2 is more ‘relaxed’ to some extent and more flexible in terms of electives, but you pay with an extra year. To me, with 14 years of college, or my daughter, it’s not a deciding factor. The 4+2 allows or makes it easier to choose a different school for the MArch part. </p>

<p>Since you have an arch program where you are, I suggest you drop by the school of architecture a few times and observe the studio culture. To the outsider, it’s very difficult to explain why one spends every waking hour at the studio even for Arch 101. It’s a cult, er, a culture all of its own :-). It is a very hands-on process that may require one to instantly learn stuff that there’s no textbook for (frantic calls asking “how do I cut plexiglass” or “how do I set the router table for such and such”).</p>

4

<p>Take a deep breath and relax. If you are finishing your freshman year at a public research university with a 4.0 you will have a lot of options for transferring. I know that there are lot of questions on this site about getting into Cornell or one of the other top programs in the country, however there are many really solid undergraduate programs which do not require a portfolio. Around Tennessee you have; Clemson, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Virginia, and VT. In my area Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and UT Austin all produce outstanding graduates. Each will have different requirements for transfers.</p>

<p>Think about whether you want a 4+2 or a five year program. With a 4+2 you might be able to start straight into the sophomore design studio sequence and not lose a year. With the 5 year programs you would more than likely have to start over. As mentioned, a calculus class would be good (perhaps a summer CC course?) as well as art history. Start sketching as much as you can and download a free copy of Sketchup and start trying to model some buildings in the area. Remember that when you graduate it will be the quality of the work in the portfolio that will determine your job (and graduate school) prospects more than the name on your degree.</p>

<p>rick</p>

5

<p>Thank you all so much. Victoria, Thank you for your kind words. I was very encouraged by your post, and I really appreciate your advice. It takes some of the stress off knowing that even a stranger on the internet is pulling for me to succeed. Please know that the same is true for me, and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors. Thank you for taking the time to encourage a frustrated college student. Turbo93, thank you for your advice as well. I am actively fixing the “can’t draw” problem, and it is going well. I have always been able to “Draw” (Heavy air quotes) but I never really developed it. I at least know the basics, and from here it is just a matter of practice and more practice. Like I said, so far it is going well, and I am optimistic. Thank you for your encouragement. I have been really looking in to the 4+2 option, and it seems like that is what I’ll need to shoot for. Either way it will probably take me five years (5 year program starting from scratch, or 4+2 with the first year out of the way) so the discrepancy in time till graduation is basically removed, and that helps as well. Rick, thank you for the advice. I have seen you posting around here quite a bit, and your advice always seems to be just what the poster needs. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with me. You mentioned a few more schools I had not previously thought about, and I am seriously considering a few of them. Thank you for the encouragement and the advice. </p>

<p>I apologize if I came off as overly panicky. I wrote this at three o’ clock in the morning after a full day of studying and working, and the stress and uncertainty converged all at once into a very frantic and pessimistic mood. The sun always comes up however, and I am committed to staying positive from here on out.</p>

<p>Thank you all again for your advice and support.</p>

<p>-J</p>