Hello everyone,

I am a recent NYU-graduate with a BFA in Studio Art and a second major in Urban Design & Architectural Studies, applying to M. Arch I programs for Fall 2016.  Receiving a Masters in Architecture has always been my main academic goal, and I am seeking a program centered around modern design applications, "sustainability" (I am aware that this is a focus of pretty much any serious graduate programs, but some have a stronger focus/faculty than others), and urban health. I am seeking a school and faculty that are not as interested in traditional and theoretical practices as they are with constantly evolving design methods relevant to sustainable living and urban planning.  I am also going to need a program which provides a strong education in computer design and structural methods, since I do not have a B. Arch and most of my current architectural education is historical and some abstract studios.  I do not want to graduate without a fundamental base for future employment, but I also do not wish to be chained to traditional approaches of building spaces and solving problems.  I still am (and always will be) an artist, and my goal is to find a school of intellectuals and thinkers who work first as architects, but also as artists.

I currently have a much larger list of schools than I would like to admit, due to a combination of being worried I will not get into certain schools and a lack of awareness of every schools specific focus.  After attending the Introduction to Architecture program at Columbia and speaking to people there as well as visiting several schools, I am now aware of how different every leading program is and how specific one must be when questioning their choices.  I am also aware that many top-ranked schools are currently or have recently changed Deans, so many of the nations top programs are going through transition phases.  Please spare me the criticism of how different and varying my current choices are, it is not my final list and will be shortened to about half the size.  It would benefit me greatly to hear from recent graduates and current students in these programs as to why the school may or may not be a good fit for me.

Current List (in order of interest):

1) Harvard  - visited and fell in love with the M Arch1 program, faculty, studio space, cross-disciplinary choices, and amount of real-life opportunities available as a student.

2) Columbia  - not in love with the facilities but it is an extremely diverse program that offers a  personalized education for those who seek it, although a recent grad told me it may not be the best program for me.

3) Princeton - from what I've heard it's pretty much free if you get in, and who wouldn't go to Princeton for free? Great resources, good faculty, not sure how modern or design-oriented the program is though.

4) Yale - this is probably the most pretigious program that I know the least about.  Many threads on this site claim it has been falling as a program and is extremely traditional in approach, but it consistently ranks as one of the best programs in the country and seems to have a very strong faculty/syllabus. Seems to be the most traditional among the top-ranked programs though.

Tied 5 & 6) UCLA & Michigan - both programs seem like well-run, established programs with good facilities, faculty, and areas of focus that could meet my goals and interests.  Both seem like they prepare students well for after school.  Both are big sports schools which could be fun (if I ever leave the studios), and I think I have a good shot at getting in and receiving aid from both. However, the California state school system seems to receive a lot of scrutiny which worries me for UCLA, Sci-arch, and Berkeley.

7) SCI-Arch - very new age/techy student works which I could see myself getting into.  Not sure how much real-life projects and exposure you get at this program though, which would slightly worry me for after school.  I could also see myself settling in in Cali, although theres a lot of debate on east coast/west coast in terms of looking for jobs after school which I am worried about.

8) Berkeley - this program was originally higher on my list because of it's focus on environmental design, but has fallen after researching the program and hearing complaints about the lack of design focus and extreme focus on research.  I have no issue with strongly backed research projects and wish to include this in all my work, but am worried about being tied to traditional and non-stimulating forms of practice.  Students have also said that this program is not as sufficient as preparing students for after school as other programs are. 

9) Upenn - Do not know much about this program and have heard mixed reviews.  The program seems to be on the rise after appointing their new dean, focusing on parametric design methods.  Not sure if this program would be good for me, could use some opinions.

10 & 11)  Pratt and Parsons - Do not know much about either of these programs as they are not talked about much and are relatively new programs, but they are close to home and seem to be focused within the realm of urban design so I am choosing to apply to them and will visit/research much more in-depth if I am accepted.  Would love to hear people's thoughts on these programs as well.

Some personal information:

GPA at NYU: 3.7 (graduated with Honors and Student Excellence Award)

GRE: 570 V, 540 Q, 4.5 W

Recommendations: 4 Letters - 3 from NYU faculty (2 in the BFA program and one in Architecture) and 1 former employer

Portfolio: http://issuu.com/davidbrans/docs/david_portfolio_compressed

Have one internship at an architectural firm, went to Columbia Intro program, worked during school at NYU sculpture wood and metal fabrication shop.

***Any comments on my chances at getting into specific schools is also appreciated!  Thank you.