Ask me anything about applying to architecture school

Hi!

Not too late - happy to help!

There are loads of tips about making BArch portfolios if you type in Architecture Prep, either in YouTube or Google Search.

You'd get more info there than if I were to write it all out here. The brief synopsis though: make the work personal, skilled and spatial. Meaning: show the admissions team who you are, personally, through your visual work. They want to learn about you. As if it were a written personal statement in visual form. Show this with skill through a set of projects, careful drawings and a range of media (2D and 3D). And since architecture is all to do with space, make sure you're work is spatial - three dimensional, atmospheric, immersive. Don't include designs of buildings. They don't want you to come to the course with preconceived notions that they'd have to make you un-learn. Include lots of observational drawing (life drawing).

In terms of ECs these would be given a greater weighting if you were applying for liberal arts programs. BArchs are more interested in your visual skills, portfolio etc. Regardless, since architecture is a creative field with an emphasis on drawing and making, I'd choose ECs in similar areas (arts, theatre, film...)

In terms of your school choices, ask yourself where your interests lie. As I'm sure you know, for undergrad, Rice has a BArch program (NAAB accredited) and MIT does not (it has MArch programs which are NAAB accredited). If you chose a BArch program, you'd be in the studio for 5 years being creative 90% of the time. If you chose MIT, you'd take a few electives in the architecture department and leave after four years with a broader liberal arts degree. You could then do an MArch I afterwards (3.5 years) and become licensed. So, essentially, ask yourself if you're more interested in the studio environment / licensure approach, or a broader, longer (overall) education.

Lastly, Merit based scholarships are hard to come by for top top schools (and there are none for Ivy Leagues as I'm sure you know), but I've found that specialist architecture schools (Cooper Union, Pratt, etc) with BArch programs are willing to negotiate based on merit. A lot of the time this is done after you've been accepted with phone calls and emails to the right people in their departments. Sounds strange but that's how it is with smaller schools!

I hope this helps!

Thank you so much, that helps quite a bit!

If you don't mind, I have a couple more questions. I am curious if you recommend taking BArch or the 4+2. I think if I took BArch it would give me more opportunities, because I would be able to get licensed but I could also further my education and get a master's degree or any post-professional degree (right?). I wouldn't mind either pathway, but am wondering what you think; if degrees matter in this field or not.

Edit: I realize licensing is dependent on states/countries. But generally speaking, what would be the best choice? And if, hypothetically speaking, if a BArch meets the requirements to be licensed and I have the opportunity to take either BArch or 4+2, what would you recommend? I also am pretty certain I would want to take a post-professional/master's program after taking BArch. So, it's the matter of BArch + MArch/MS Arch vs BS Arch + MArch and which would give me more options in the long run.

When I graduate high school I will receive an associate degree, but I have a couple more months to choose my major and before it is concrete. I thought engineering would be an open ended pathway, however, I am pretty set on architecture and am sure I won't change my mind. What major would you recommend and would help make my application more competitive or grow my portfolio, or does it not really matter? I didn't think it was worth mentioning, but now I am questioning the difference it would make.

I appreciate your thoughts and feedback :)

No worries - all good questions.

My personal preference would be a five year BArch plus a two year MArch II. That's only because I personally value an emphasis on design work from the start, and I wanted to get licensed. I also consider myself someone with specialist architectural interests, and an MArch II can be a great place to get more specialized. I only found those interests by doing the undergraduate in the first place though.

But that's just me - its truly about what you want, and how you work. You're not going to limit yourself by choosing one track over another - honestly. The only limit would be if you were to go through a track that your heart isn't really set on - because then you won't have a driving energy to follow through.

So - crucially - I think some soul searching may be a good place to start. If you're in high school now and take loads of arts subjects and spend all your time in the art room, then I wouldn't be surprised if you went through the BArch route. If you really like STEM, I wouldn't be surprised if you did the 4-year college route with the intention of an MArch I.

In terms of subjects to make your architecture school application stronger - anything that can be used in a portfolio. Any subject with a visual and creative component. This is not a rule though - since it is possible to make a portfolio purely through independent work done outside of class. In fact, I'd recommend that at least half of your portfolio is done outside of class because that shows a level of self-initiation which is valued by admissions committees.

There's lots more advice on this topic in the 'Portfolios and Tips' section on Architecture Prep - just fyi. Happy to answer more q's!

Hello! I hope you are doing well. I have a couple more questions about building a portfolio. :)

Architecture Prep had some great advice on building a portfolio. They mentioned keeping to a theme, which is where I am currently stuck at.

Would hand-rendering be good to put in a portfolio? Just observational hand-drawing. I think hand-drawings of architecture would be too specific, and sketches in general are not going to be as competitive. It's something that interests me, however, after looking at some of the portfolio examples on Architecture Prep, it seems you have to show an understanding of an element of architecture through a hobby/interest that leads to something artistic.

With this in mind, I was thinking of how I could relate a hobby/interest to architecture, and there isn't much. I enjoy photography and taking photos of patterns (windows, arches, doorways, etc.), most of which are semi-abstract. What do you think? Would that work?

Thanks! :)

Great questions!

I think it's important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers to making a portfolio, but there are helpful frameworks by which you can construct an honest and personal account of your skills and interests. Meaning, the theme that you use to group your portfolio is merely a tool to unlocking and teasing out work to include. It's about finding the best version of your creative self and leaning into that honesty. You might find Rick Rubin's podcasts helpful! (The record producer. He works with pop musicians to tease out their creativity. It's all the same thing, and he's a fountain of wisdom).

Drawing by hand is great to include. I wouldn't worry about the distinctions between sketching and drawing. Instead, focus on the care and attention you're giving each drawing. A high quality five second sketch can communicate an idea with equal quality to a 2 hour drawing. The thing they have in common: they are both made with care. Have a look at Corbusier's field sketches in comparison to a Lebbeus Woods drawing, for example. Have a look at Dan Flavin's sketches for his installations. All of them are highly careful, despite each taking various amounts of time.

Draw your windows, archways, and doorways. But loosen up the terminology. Call them apertures, and include a more varied set of apertures around these more standard architectural elements. (Glimpses, keyholes, puddle reflections...). Group them with specific intents. Perhaps some of your drawings of apertures are more to do with light, or mass, or void, or textures... And then how do you drawings respond to these single ideas within the category of apertures? Frottage is great for textures. Poche is great for mass. Etc.

Keep it up!

Thank you so much! This is so helpful, I really appreciate your feedback and perspective on this. I'll be sure to take a look at his podcasts :) Thanks again!