So I am currently a junior in the suburbs of Atlanta and will be graduating next year. I would really like to get into Tech and I believe I will be close. I have a 4.0 unweighted (well not really sure what my GPA is, but I have had all A's unweighted), a 100 numerical weighted average, and have taken the ACT once and got a 29 (I intend on taking it a few more times). Though I know Tech is still a long shot, I have started thinking about my majors in the future, regardless of whether I get accepted into GT. I am really interested in the humanities like history and psychology. For practicality, I've always been interested in business and neuroscience. However, I have always had a great interest in Architecture. I know Tech has a pretty good program and was wondering if anyone has some helpful advice that could help me decide a major. I feel like architecture is so different from anything else, and I'm scared that if I chose that route, it may be hard for me to switch out of my major. Should I just stick to majoring/ minoring something with Business & Neuroscience? Architecture seems amazing, but I also want to stay practical, as I have seen then the pay is not as good as other jobs, especially with a degree from tech. Also, can you minor with an architecture major? And also, would choosing a certain major help either my chances of being accepted at Georgia Tech? Any replies at all will be so helpful! I'm lost hahaha
I think choosing a major is a highly personal thing, but my father is an architect, so I do have one piece of advice to share. Yes, architecture is “different” from everything else in a way that will make it difficult to switch to another program without just starting over. More importantly, architecture is the kind of program where the work is grueling, the details are everything, and if you don’t LOVE it, you’ll be miserable. Architecture is for people who can’t picture themselves doing anything else. So my advice is to pick something else unless you are 100% positive that’s the field for you.
I switched from Architecture to Civil Engineering after my sophomore year at CMU many, many years ago. It actually wasn’t that difficult of a transition. I ended up taking Physics 1 and a math course over the summer, and receiving credit for Calc 1 from my HS DE program. I graduated after 5 semesters, so my total time at CMU was 4.5 years (one semester shorter than if I would have finished CMUs 5-yr architecture program). I can’t imagine that switching from Architecture to a Business major would be any more difficult.
How much research have you done on Architecture as a major? Architecture is different that a lot of majors in that it requires much more artistic talent than many people realize. In fact, some programs require or recommend that applicants submit a portfolio. If you don’t have the artistic skills, you could look into Urban Planning or Architectural Engineering as alternatives, with a minor in Architecture or Architectural History.
It’s also important to note that there are two types of Architecture degrees: a four-year program that will require you to get an MArch before practicing (4+2), and a five-year professional program that doesn’t require a masters (BArch). It looks like GT offers the 4+2 program, so you’re looking at 6 years of study.
You should try to sign up for a summer architecture class. There are some at U of Illinois, Tulane U, and many other colleges offer them. It will give you a chance to learn more about architecture.
Here is a large list of programs you could try to get into:
http://www.acsa-arch.org/about/special-programs/summer-programs
Once you experience some of this, you will have a much more clear idea if Architecture is for you.
Another idea: intern at an architectural firm, in your city. Offer your services for free, to answer the phone, file, or just go watch if they will let you.
Do not give up on architecture, before you have had a chance to try it out! It may be the career for you!
Go to your public library and check out books on architecture as well.
Good luck.