there are lots of threads about RISD and MIT. Use the search function at the bottom of the discussions page

2 yrs work exp. is better. during the first year, you'll be learning "how" to work, and in the second year, you'll be more apt to apply those skills to projects. Also, architectural work takes a long time to do. In two years time, you'll have a better chance of seeing how a project goes from schematic design through the permit and construction document phases. Also, let's say you start working immediately after graduation in may/june. Grad apps are due in dec/jan, and so your boss would only have known you for ~6 months to write you a letter of rec. usually this is too short a time for an employer to get to know you and write a personal and thoughtful letter.

some people's advice would be to work 3 years and finish IDP before going back to grad school. depending on your career objectives (getting a licence?), 3 years is a long time and may be difficult for your mind to go back to school mode.

out of curiousity, why do you want to go to grad school so quickly?

For a lot of people it's an obvious choice to work for awhile b/f going back to school, and for many reasons. First there is the dollar factor - meaning, unless you're absolutely certain that architecture is for you, in which case you most likely have had enough prof. experience or internships to give you a sense of what the industry is actually like, you might want to give it more time b/f dropping $60,000+ for grad school. Second, the final year in undergrad arch school is hectic enough in terms of handling studio and schoolwork. In my experience, the first year was akin to being thrown into a pool and merely attempting to stay afloat. In the second year things slowly start to somewhat make sense (key work being somewhat), and it's a time where you invest a lot of time into studio work. I really don't know how those who were applying to grad school straight away took on the extra load of work that came to applying. It's difficult and rushed. Third, most likely work experience will allow time to find out what exactly about arch is of interest and how to use this experience to better effect in grad school. To me it'll make the grad school experience much more worthwhile and you will most likely be more committed. Fourth, work experience will build your portfolio and help chances of getting into the program of your choice. The above reasons are not in any particular order, and there are probably many more to be added. I am not saying any of this to discourage your aspirations, but just to shed light on important factors to take into consideration. I've had my fair share of questions about the same thing and have received good feedback which I thought I'd pass along, after all, this is a pretty big decision. Best of luck.

I'm in the same situation, had another question, would you suggest working part-time at a firm during grad-school if I have the opportunity? I am currently a 3rd year undergrad, planning on applying to GaTech for Grad school and I already have a job lined up in Atlanta for this summer and after I graduate. So would it make sense to just work full time for a year before I go to grad school, or should I try and work part-time, but go directly into grad? Anyone whos been in a similar position and can help I'd appreciate it.

Thank you Kai, SanofiS NY, and taboho. There are a few reasons to persue grad school right away for me. But with all your suggestions, i think they all make good sense to me. I have had one year of working in an arch. firm already, mostly learning the business aspects of arch. maybe another year of working after my undergrad would give more opp. to touch other areas where i was left out off.
Thank you again. and where are you all going to school now? if you don't mind telling me.

I agree with taboho - a few years of work experience after your undergraduate work will give you some time to digest all of the information you were presented with in such a short time. It will give you a chance to revisit some of your old academic projects and identify opportunities for future study. Applying to grad school is a full time job in itself. Taking time off to work will allow you to gain maturity that will be very helpful when it comes to getting the most out of your graduate education.

definitely work for awhile. for the experience and to see if you really want to do this. cuz school is very different from the day to day office routine and you may decide to do something different.

Thanks for good advices. I probably finding a job first after I graduate.
What do you think about the most important in undergrad in arch.? My school is a fine art school, I love it, I gotta do a lot of fine art classes such as wood, glass, metal, printmaking...ect...

Cvankle -

I would personally not recommend working, even if only part-time, while in grad school. It'll definitely be a challenge in terms of time management, but you have to wonder if it's worth it to strain yourself so much. Undergrad, I'm sure, is difficult right? Well, it'll be just as difficult in grad school b/c it's the same formula really of any arch school - which is a studio based (read: time-consuming) program. If you want to work I suggest taking a year off b/w schools and doing it. Believe me, it'll be worth it. For one, you'll actually have a breather and be able to experience free nights post midnight. I don't care what people say about long hours working in an office. At the worst it's what, 11:00 pm during deadlines? Compare that with endless <4 hr sleeping days and you'll be that much the more thankful for the working world. The other point to be made is that after doing some pretty bland, boring, and banal work that is almost mandatory for all young architects, you'll be much more enthusiastic and ready to get back into the academic world where issues such as zoning and minor details won't matter much.

To KoKaKeKei -

I'm not a grad student yet. Actually, I'm just a year or two ahead of you. I'm in the midst of my "gap" period.

kokakekei - what do you mean by "What do you think about the most important in undergrad in arch.?"

taboho- sorry for lack of explaination. What I meant was: is it better that undergrad curriculums should focus more on critical studies, fine arts, or other major electives. What I understand from most 5 years program, students don't get to do many other fine art classes such as glass, metal, wood, or sculpture or even painting. To me I think these classes are very important to the grow of future architects as they would have more knowledge of other materials, and generally aware of their surrounding. Again, this is me. It's personal. Thanks.

KoKa...

i'm not sure i can weigh what's more/less important, but i agree with you that taking electives in the fine arts is advantageous to the growth of an architect. i did not have that opportunity while in school but would definitely have liked to. at the same time, i found my architectural theory/history courses to be of greatest influence in my education. these courses strengthed my design fluency and rigor, and i was also able to see their "real world" application. one of my professors would say "to live is to leave traces", and that's partly why i continue to find it important to understand one's work in its historical context. sorry i can't be more conclusive, but that's my two cents.