Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
Tulane University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Temple University
University of Oregon
Cranbrook Academy of Art
MLA GSD or Berkeley
I only have a few days left before I need make a decision and I am having a hard time.
PRO Berkeley:
- love the location, was really set on attending when I first started application process
- their community involvement/social justice focus is in line with my own interests
- big fan of Walter Hood
- cheaper than GSD
- can see myself fit in nicely, would be comfortable for me
CON Berkeley:
- open house was a bit underwhelming
- studio felt a bit bare/empty to my liking (big believer in a energetic/dynamic studio environment)
- Walter Hood was not at open house he seems busy with own practice and not as involved with Berkeley as I'd like
PRO GSD:
- great energy in the studio, got to meet/interact with a lot more current students
- great facilities, faculty
- a bit more out of my comfort zone and think I will be pushed and challenged more, which is important
CON GSD:
- seems very very graphic oriented (which is not bad) but seems to compromise the design/substance of student work a bit (I been hearing a lot people say this and a few students seemed to confirm)
- interested in ecology, not too heavily focused
- expensive
I am fairly torn right now...If anybody had to choose between these two schools, would love to hear which you chose/why. Would love to get some advice.
Thanks!
GSD, but that's just me. Berkeley is a great school, but it doesn't carry the same weight as Harvard in the landscape architecture community.
P.S. Walter Hood is fantastic, and I'm a big fan as well.
I'd disagree with the above, Berkeley is in the same realm of top LA schools; sure, you can't drop the h-bomb on people but it's an excellent and well respected program.
That said, I would choose the least expensive option. I personally love the GSD, but you need to seriously consider the marginal cost of your $$ for a degree that'll only net you ~50-70k per year upon graduation.
Maybe the extra studio energy and 'pushing your bounds' is worth it, and that's fine! But be realistic about what the extra money is purchasing, and plan accordingly.
to the original poster, where did you end up choosing
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