I need it so i can get registered. To be honest, I probably wouldn't be getting it if that wasn't the case. What do I actually stand to gain besides a credential and being "allowed" to take the test?

In other words, besides being able to register, how will my career different after I get an M.Arch than it would be if I just started working with a BS-Arch?

The general consensus on this site is that the cost of a private grad school is not worth the degree. I tend to sidestep this issue because its your personal finances and you'll know if you can afford it or not.

I do take issue with the idea that people rarely talk about the education that you're receiving. You don't go to school to learn about the technical aspects of the profession--you'll easily pick that up in an office. You go to school to learn how to be critical about your own thought process, to create a transparency between concept and design, to learn from other people's design decisions, etc. Could I learn all this in an office? Probably not. Looking back at my work before grad school, I realize how superficial it all is. There was so much emphasis on the end result without any real in-depth exploration into my concepts.

I came into grad school without any background in architecture and I assumed I would be behind those who did. The strange thing is that they almost had to re-learn everything because their prior education wasn't sufficient enough...just something you might want to think about.

I just got accepted to a 3.5yr M.Arch program and I'm told that I am high up on the waiting list for a small scholarship and out-of-state tuition waiver. I haven't officially accepted the offer yet because I'm afraid they won't consider me for the scholarship anymore. Do you have any idea how this process works?

I'm wondering if it really is a strictly ordered waiting list? if someone declines then the next person get's it? or if it's just something they tell people who inquire?

Will you choose a different school if this one does not offer you a scholarship?

The academic and financial offers are completely separate so that shouldn't worry you. It's all based on where you are on the list. If the people above you decide not to accept, the scholarship will go to you. You can call the financial aid office and I'm sure they will confirm this.

Dear professor harpoon,

Will getting an March allow me to land my dream job as a kitchen specialist at Ikea? My friend says it's not good enough. I need to show that I am capable of being a productive member of society. Which March should I have applied to?

Signed

Bjorkfast

Ok rusty, you win. i just can't post anything on this discussion board without you berating me with your sarcastic remarks. I don't care if you think my comments are wrong or stupid or whatever, you're just plain disrespectful. Don't worry, you don't have to reply because I'm done with this discussion board. Actually, it's probably best for me--cuts down on the procrastination. Cheers!

You can't give up now! For you to be the Dan Savage of March questions, you gotta tackle on the anal beads types of inquiries.

You think Oprah gave up after 16 comments?

Get back here and answer my question! Stat.

Rusty, you have problems! 1514 comments in under 9 months??? Dude, put some more time into your own life...unless you are old and retired in which case it becomes acceptable.

With that being said, I've decided that everything you say becomes funnier when said in the voice of William Shatner.

harpoon, rusty is having fun and making pointed commentary too. DOn't be discouraged - Archinect has a long tradition of mixing the sarcastic with the helpful - it's a kind of gallows humor that we all can appreciate - I mean, what architect *doesn't* appreciate a little joke about Ikea's kitchen planners (godbless'em I loved my Ikea kitchen and that planner really did help me buy all the right pieces)?

I'll play.

I have a non-prof BS in Arch. Graduated May 09. Haven't been able to land a full time arch job. Did land a full time federal contracting job in DC working with Navy as a Business Analyst. Job is a bore but pays well (more than arch would) and good benefits. I also do some contract work doing CAD drawings from time to time. I came out of undergrad with $65k in loans got it down to $43k now.

Anyways my question. Is it worth it to get a Masters? In VA you can't become regestired without a Masters or a 5yr. I don't see the point on taking on another $25-30k in loans. And plus the field still doesn't seem to be picking up all that much. And plus I'm pretty sure im making more money at my non-arch job then some people with masters. (not braging, just saying).

Anyways, my passion is architecture. But I feel like if I don't get a full time job this yr or do Masters it wont happen. B/c who wants to hire somebody whose been out of college 2 or 3 years but no real experience. And even if they would I'm sure the pay would be crap.

So much for dreams.

I know eh? That's whopping 5 posts a day. I'd like to keep in under 1.2, but kids err architects say the darndest things. Can't help myself.

bossman, you take yourself too seriously. I said that to you before.

The most amazing, knowledgable, productive professionals in our field that I worked with had the wickedest sense of humor. You kind of have to. Architecture is often farcical. The humorless ones carry a huge chip on their shoulder, and are generally the number four (and 1/2) problem with our profession.

Take this thread for example. A new user tries to quickly establish themselves as a de facto authority on all things grad related. How can you not find this unintentionally hilarious? If you point it out, they will either laugh with you, or will be deeply offended. Either way you will know who you're dealing with.

Now stop whining and start posting more. You're not as busy as you're pretending to be.

Donna, thanks for watching my back :)

LOL!