Relevant Resources

The following are resources to assist you in your selection and decision-making process:

• Promotional materials, videos, catalogs, websites, etc.

The first resource you are likely to receive from an university is promotional materials along with the application for admission. These materials are quite helpful in learning more about the university and/or academic unit, however, recognize that these materials are created to persuade you to select their program. Review the materials while reviewing other materials not produced by the program or visit the campus to assess for yourself.

• ACSA (Ed.). (1998). Guide to Architecture Schools (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. ($19.95 - 298 pages)

Compiled approximately every five years by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), Guide to Architecture Schools provides a valuable resource for individuals seeking to pursue an architectural education. Its primary content is a compilation of two-page descriptions of the over 100 universities offering degree programs in architecture. In addition, the resource contains a 13-page introduction outlining the history of architectural education, high school preparation, selecting a school, architectural practice, and accreditation.

• Career Days in Architecture:

If you are considering an education and career in the building industry, plan to attend one of two Career Days in Architecture -- Chicago Career Day and New England Career Day in Architecture. Typically held each fall, these career days are a great opportunity to learn more about a career in architecture by interacting with professionals, attend workshops on selecting a school, career options, and financing your education, and meet with admission representatives from schools of architecture, interior design, planning, and landscape architecture.

For more information on New England Career Day visit the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) web site or call (617) 951-1433

For more information on Chicago Career Day visit the Future Scan Website or call (630) 415-3579

• Campus Visits

One of the most helpful "resources" in assisting your decision on an architecture program is a campus visit. Campus visits are an absolute must, especially for your top choices. When arranging a campus visit, consider spending the night with a current student to truly get a feeling about the school at night. If possible, request that your stay is with an architecture student. In addition, visit with a faculty member or administrator within the academic unit; ask for a tour of the facilities of the academic unit with the idea of visiting a class.

In the fall, most schools host ÒOpen HousesÓ as an opportunity for prospective students to visit the campus, meet with faculty and students, and learn more about curricular opportunities. While these are excellent opportunities, recognize that you are visiting the campus at its best; in addition to visiting campus during these planned events, visit the campuses including the design studios unannounced to see the campus in its normal setting.

• Admissions Counselor in the university office of admissions or within the academic unit.

As you narrow your choices, one of the best resources to collect information is an admissions counselor and/or an administrator from the architecture program. Remember, their job is to assist you learn more about their university and the architecture program; develop a more personal relationship with them to obtain the information you need to make an informed decision. Do not hesitate to keep in touch with them throughout the admissions process.

• Discussions with alumni, students, faculty, architects

An important resource, often neglected, are conversations with individuals associated with the architecture program, i.e., students, alumni, faculty. During campus visits, ask for an opportunity to speak with students and faculty to answer questions. In addition, request the names of alumni, both recent and older alum to ask their impressions. Finally, seek out architects and ask them their opinions on the schools you are considering for admission.

• NAAB Accreditation Program Report (APR)/Visiting Team Report (VTR)

Prepared by the architecture program for purposes of accreditation, the Accreditation Program Report (APR) is an excellent resource to review as you make your decision. The APR provides insight into the program, as well as its institutional context and resources; it is public information and is available from the academic unit upon request; it may be too lengthy for it to be sent to you, but an academic unit should make the Visiting Team Report available to you upon request.

The Visiting Team Report conveys the visiting teamÕs assessment of the programÕs educational qualtiy, as measured by the studentsÕ performance and the overall learning environment. It establishes the degree to which the program is as described in the APR, and includes documentation of 1) the programÕs noteworthy qualities, 2) the programÕs deficiencies, 3) concerns about the programÕs future performance, and 4) comments that may be helpful in preparing for future accreditation visits.

While this information about a program may be overwhelming, it is crucial to consider as it provides a overview of the program from the academic unit itself and a review of the program by an outside group, the visiting team.

• Ranking Architecture Programs: A Word of Caution

While rankings seem to be popular methods to assist in determining which architecture degree program is best for you, I offer a caution. Do you know what criteria that the book or magazine article uses when ranking programs? In my opinion, you should use your own set of highly subjective criteria when determining which school is best for you. Besides consider the following:

No rating of architecture programs, beyond their accreditation status, is attempted or advocated by any of the associations involved with architectural education. Qualities that make one school good for one student may not be as important to another. You should consider a variety of factors in making your choice among schools.