Which university to choose?

<p>Hi, I am an international student now studying in a community college. I am planning to major in architecture and transfer to a university (like UCLA, UCB, USC) in 2012. But the requirements for admission is very different for each university and I want to focus on one. Which university should I aim for?</p>

<p>I like learning which focuses more on innovations. Staff quality is important too. Is UCLA better? Ot UCB? Is there any other university?</p>

<p>I should have asked my counselors at school but they don't ever give a clear answer so that's why I am asking you guys. Haha! Thanks! :></p>

<p>I’m not too familiar with the different approaches of these schools, but I do know that this IS a very important choice. </p>

<p>1) One suggestion I have is to research the department heads, and see if you can find examples of their work, and what their design philosophies are. </p>

<p>2) I would definitely contact the architecture departments and ask to speak to someone about the schools’ emphases - don’t be shy! </p>

<p>3) One more idea would be to phone a big architecture firm, and ask if a principal or creative director would be able to talk to you about architecture schools for five minutes. Don’t worry, they are used to being asked to give informational interviews. If they are too busy, they’ll say no, but you just might get some good info. Have your research done before you call (names of who you might want to talk to, where they went to school, what projects they’ve worked on, etc.) Have a short list of schools that you wish to ask about.</p>

<p>Also, San Luis Obispo has a good reputation - not sure what their approach is in any detail…there are a couple of small private arch schools in SoCal too.</p>

<p>Thanks hanaviolet! These are really good suggestions. :>
My friends also say that Cal Poly (it’s in San Luis Obispo, right? :D) has a really good reputation in architecture. So yea, I think I need to do more research on their design philosophies and approaches first. Haha!</p>