<p>My D is interested in a 4+2 architecture program and has been accepted to Yale undergrad. While Yale is known for it's graduate program in architecture, how is it for undergrads? Is there much opportunity for study abroad? Internships in NYC? The fact that you may not get your first choice track (arch & design, arch & urban planning, arch & history) when you apply at the end of sophomore year seems like a potential problem, anyone with experience with this issue? Any input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>It probably wont' be, but even if so, getting another degree for your undergrad is not bad at all. And if Yale arch grad school is what your D wants to go to, make sure she is willing to stay at yale for 6 years. If money is an issue, it might be hard to pay off 6 years of yale tuition on an architect's salary and the 5 year b.arch might be the cheaper option. </p>
<p>yale's arch school is very good and i'm pretty sure the undergrads can also take advantage of the many resources of the grad school. personally if i were planning on getting a M.Arch, I would major in something else at Yale and take advantage of its other fields that are really well known for, so you can have two different degrees...which can be nice.</p>
<p>Hi sashimi,
Thanks for the input. I'm not sure I worded my question very well, she likely wants to go the route of a 4+2 rather than do a Barch degree as she's not really ready to commit to a 5-year program, and she's wondering how the BA in arch is at Yale since she's been accepted there. She most likely wouldn't do the MA part at Yale even though it's good, due to cost as you point out. </p>
<p>I agree with you about the cost, my feeling is that she needs to go to a cheaper school for one of the degrees. Here are a couple of options that she has and maybe you can tell me possible pros and cons on both:</p>
<ol>
<li>Get a BA in Arch studies at Yale, go to UOregon (instate) for a MA.</li>
<li>Get a BA in Arch studies at UMichigan (full ride scholarship), go to Yale/Harvard/etc. for a MA.</li>
</ol>
<p>you should check the curriculum of the BA at Yale to see how arch-focused it is. Most of the architectural classes are probably connected to the architecture school, particularly the studio courses. However, because it is a B.A and not a B.Arch, it is not as studio-intensive and would certainly give your daughter more opportunities to take other courses outside of architecture. keep in mind also, that in case your daughter pursues another degree for undergrad, she can always take architecture classes at yale, though i doubt they will be studio classes.</p>
<p>if your daughter wants to become an architect, an M.Arch at Yale is regarded much higher than than a M.Arch at U.Oregon because employers look at the professional architecture degree and much less of her undergraduate degree because the undergraduate degree is not a professional degree. </p>
<p>The Umichigan school of architecture is good as well but doesn't carry the prestige that it has at yale. of course, I wouldn't base everything off of prestige and rankings. The umich full ride tuition sounds like a very good offer and personally I would go with number 2 if my goals are to become an architect. </p>
<p>yale arch grad school is not easy to get into either, so make sure your daughter begins making her portfolio during her undergraduate year.</p>
<p>I would encourage her to do route #2, as it would yield better results than route #1. In architecture, the school that matters is the last one you went to (except when you have a professional + postprofessional degree, then it's both). If she went route #1, employers would see her as a UO graduate, while route #2 they would see her as a Yale (or wherever else) graduate.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if she isn't really sure that she wants to be an architect, it's hard to argue with the undergrad choices at Yale.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your comments, they really help. There are still a lot of unkowns out there, and of course I don't in any way assume that she would get into a high caliber MA program like Yale. But I am trying to look at various approaches to so that she can go into this with the best information possible. </p>
<p>She has had a long term interest in architecture and has some design/artistic talent, but that's a long ways from having the skills and drive needed to become an architect and enjoy doing it, as I know it's a demanding (and rewarding) profession.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>Personally, I don't think she should go to UMich over Yale for undergrad. </p>
<p>The future client base at Yale is an enormous factor to bear in mind--particularly if your D is an extrovert and will leave college with one thousand friends. The future client base in Michigan...mostly lives in Michigan. </p>
<p>Architecture is a profession that depends on the largesse of patrons--be they corporate, institutional or individual. Traditionally, architecture has been a profession that serves the wealthiest part of society. </p>
<p>A Yale experience is worth taking ayear off to earn the money, signing up as an RA--and any other thing she can think of to reduce that cost. Becoming a female architect is hard work--finding the money to pay for that Yale degree will test her creativity and her tenacity--both of which she will need in great supply in the years to come. Tell your kiddo to design her way over that money obstacle. If she wants to be a big time partner in an architecture firm, she must develop the ability to stare down and meet those huge money threats. She needs what I call, the "it's only money" attitude. Architecture is NOT for the feint of heart or the timid. Timid architects end up hating the profession.</p>
<p>The 4 + 2 degrees have inbuilt professional difficulties but if that's the route and she has a ticket to Yale, then my advice would be to sign up for Architecture + design and if she doesn't get that, try for a switch to sculpture. Lay that option out and see if she could make it work. To get into a great MArch I program she will need a great portfolio and a sophisticated understanding of conceptual design. She could get that as a sculpture major. Also, she should find out how the decisions are made regarding the split of the class.</p>
<p>During the summer, she needs to figure out how to turn herself into a CAD whiz. Once she is a CAD whiz, she will be able to access internship possiblities in NYC through her Yale connections.</p>
<p>cheers,
Thanks for adding your input, this is the type of information one can only get from working architects!</p>
<p>Yale will have a lecture series. Your D would learn a ton by attending all fo those lectures from the start. Also, she should consider sitting in on the MArch II juries and MArch I juries to contrast the two programs.</p>