Application
- At first, you might think that applications are designed to be complex,
difficult forms to complete, but if you simply read the instructions,
review what is being asked, completing the application will be an easy
process. In most cases, the application is nothing more than a series
of questions related to you and your background. Regardless of your
thoughts, do not make it harder than it is; if you do not understand
an aspect of the application, contact the admissions office.
Personal
Statement: As part of the application, you may also be asked to write
a personal statement. For undergradaute applicants you may have a choice
to write on a series of topics; for example at Carnegie Mellon University,
students may write their essay on of the topics listed below:
- Evaluate
a significant experience or achievement that has speciall meaing to
you.
- Discuss
some issue of personal, local, or national concern and its importance
and relevance to you.
- Indicate
a person who has had significant influence on you and describe the
influence.
For graduate
students, the personal statement is an integral part of the application
file. Rather than a topic, most graduate programs want an essay describing
your interest in architecture and how their institution will assist
you in fulfilling your goal to become an architect.
Transcripts
- For all institutions to whom you apply, transcripts will be requested.
On one hand, the admissions review will look at the overall grade point
average; however, just as important are trends in your academic record.
If there is something in your academic background that is less than
flattering, do not hesitate to include a cover letter explaining the
situation; perhaps you were in the middle of a personal situation.
Test
Scores - SAT/ACT - Without question, you will need to take the
standardized SAT or ACT test. For many institutions, these test scores
provide an indicator to your success in college. You will want to do
your absolute best, but recognize that you may not be a good test taker.
If you do not meet the average test scores at a school you wish to attend,
be in touch with the Admissions Office.
GRE - Like
the SAT/ACT, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be a required
test to submit as part of your graduate application. It may vary from
institution to institution as to what weight the GRE will have on your
admission, but it is worth performing as well as possible on the test.
Take the practice test and study for it. You may consider taking the
GRE while you are still in school in anticipation of pursuing graduate
studies. Most schools will accept your schools even if they are a few
years old.
Portfolio
- Unlike most of other majors, applying to architecture programs may
require a portfolio; this is especially true for Bachelor of Architecture
degree programs. Requiring you to submit a portfolio does not mean that
you have to be the talented architect prior to admission, rather the
portfolio demonstrates your level of creativity and commitment to architecture.
What is a portfolio? For admission purposes, it is a compilation of
creative work that you have done on your own or as part of a class.
This may include freehand drawings, poetry, photographs, and/or photographs
of three-dimensional models or work. A portfolio is a means used by
the admissions office to determine technical skills, creative ability,
motivation and originality. To gain a better understanding of what to
include, question the admissions office. Despite the temptation, it
is typically recommended not to included any drafting or CAD work; again
check with the individual school.
Recommendations
- Again, regardless of the program, admissions offices desire evaluations
from counselor/teachers (high school students) and faculty/employers
(graduate students) to aid them in making their decision.
Counselor/Teacher:
For high school students, the admissions office will typically supply
a counselor or teacher evaluation form for you to pass along for completion.
For many high schools, this is the last step and the counselor will
forward your application, high school transcripts, and the evaluation
form to the college or university.
Faculty/Employer
Letters of Recommendation: For applicants to graduate programs, you
will need to supply letters of recommendation as part of your application
file. While most programs will allow current or former employers to
submit a letter on your behalf, you are far better off to obtain letters
from faculty that you had as an undergraduate. This may be difficult
if you have been out of school for a few years, but it is worth the
time to track them down. In all cases, these individuals should know
you fairly well, particulary your academic abilities.
Most schools
will enclose an evaluation checklist with the application materials
asking for an evaluation on specific personal qualities such as:
- Clarity
of Goals for Graduate Study
- Potential for Graduate Study
- Intellectual Ability
- Analytical Ability
- Ability to Work Independently
- Ability to Work with Others
- Oral Expression in English
- Written Expression in English
- Teaching Potential
- Research Potential
However,
most programs will also accept letters from the recommender on their
letterhead.
Well, you
now know all there is to know about selecting an architecture program.
From the various degree programs to the resources available, you have
the information to make an informed choice. Good luck!
