Hi,

I am fully committed to attending a M.Arch (first professional) program.  However, I do not have any art background whatsoever.  I graduated in 2010 with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Math (3.63/4.00 cumulative gpa, 3.75/4.00 Economics gpa).  I am pursuing architecture because of my desire to be constructive and my dissatisfaction with a career in Finance/Banking.  I am not pursuing this in search of money (if that was the case, I would certainly stay in Finance).  I am mesmerized by the structures around me and want to be a part of this industry. 

I am planning to start attending a M.Arch program in the Fall of 2013.  This leaves me adequate time to put together a portfolio that is worthy of a top Architecture program in the Northeastern U.S. 

I am asking for advice as to how to approach creating a portfolio in order to be accepted into a top institution such as Cornell, RISD, MIT, Harvard.  I was thinking about taking art courses for the next year or so to learn the skills needed to succeed in Arch. school as well as use the classes to put together a portfolio.  Or I could go to the Boston Arch. College and attend the first year program and then transfer out.  I am also considering Harvard's Graduate School of Design Career Discovery summer program in order to build a portfolio.

1.) Do I have a better chance of getting into a top institution if I attend the Boston Architectural College's Academic Only Program for a year, put together an architectural portfolio, and then transfer? 

2.) What classes do you suggest I take in order to make a portfolio, considering my background and lack of experience in art classes?

3.) Is this a realistic approach? Do I have no chance getting into a top school with my background and portfolio that will be compiled over a span of a year?

I know this is a lengthy post, but I am in desperate need of help from people who have the knowledge to advise.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much!