I tended to lean more toward the cheaper schools for less debt after graduation, but do you plan on getting licensed as an architect in the US after school? If so I'd go for Columbia. I'm sure you can get a job with an un-accredited degree but I'd prefer to keep my options open with an accredited degree. I guess it depends on your end game. 

I've also been admitted to both these universities and would love to hear your thoughts.

It's decision day! Any more thoughts would be appreciated. :)

A friend who entered for 2 years program, decided to quit IAAC after a year and take a one year degree because of the low student profile(about softwares), they are doing group works in courses, not individual, I think it causes problems. So, it depends to your approach, my friend is individual kind of person. In GSAPP, you work individual and choose a studio by your interests(theory or parametric).

Besides, in IAAC you dont choose your research subject (in the first year), they choose it for you, like it or not. Still, their education is quite intensive and you learn a lot about parametrics and softwares like processing and grasshopper. GSAPP is crowded of ideas and students but, IAAC is less people sharing the same interests. So, it is up to you.

I definitely agree about collaboration, I believe the design process is a discussion. The more input there is the richer the project.

Anyway, I'm sure there will be room for collaboration in Columbia, I'm heading there in a couple of weeks!

hey zigmondi!!

I have applied to the same course in Columbia as well and was wondering if you could share your portfolio! Im a bit nervous about the whole waiting process so wanted to see how an accepted portfolio looks.

Also are you liking the course??

Hi Sharktank101,

Of course I can share my portfolio but only through email as I do not have it online.

I graduated last year in May and it was a fantastic experience. If you have any specific questions I would love to help.

A couple of things to keep in mind. First, being a post professional degree, the AAD is a masters that no one really needs. In other words it doesn't help in getting a license or anything. Also, after I graduated, the director for the AAD was changed from Enrique Walker to Andres Jaque. Traditionally, the director gives a very important course (metropolis) that dictates the program for all AAD students thereafter, so please be aware of this change in ideology. In my opinion the program shifted away from a deeply rooted theoretical education of architecture history and its advancements to today to a more future oriented, experimental, and political one.

That being said, you will have a choice from a very broad range of 18 studios, so you can always customise to what you want to get out of the program.

Hey Zigmondi,

I got accepted into MS AAD program at Columbia as well! So excited!! Could you tell me a little bit more about your experience there? And what I need to be prepared for!

Hi,

Do you mean the portfolio used in my application? I'll.have to dig that up. Feel free to share your email and I'll send it when I find it :)