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M Arch 2018 - Stats + Final Results + Financial Aid + Decisions.

278
PreResultJitters

Hey guys! 

It's that time of the year again. Let's go ahead and share our stats, anxieties, questions and decisions together.

Following information would be helpful for future applicants:

- Age/Sex/Citizenship

 - Undergraduate degree/ School/ Year graduated 

GPAGRE TOEFL scores for Int'l students 

Letter of recommendations - from whom (this can be general; employer, professor, etc.)

 - Personal Essay/StatementPortfolio 

Schools (results [in, out or waitlist], any $ offered, any other pertinent info) 

Open house impressions 

Results (the school you plan to attend, waitlist, rejection.)

 - Tips

 
Feb 12, 18 11:43 am
Leafy1

I was just wondering, does anybody know when the offer holder/open house days for US unis tend to be? Are they usually all within the same time period or how do they work? 

Feb 12, 18 12:54 pm  · 
 · 
Gloominati

They're usually within a couple weeks of each school's decision deadline. But those range from March through late April/early May, depending on the school (some don't even send their decisions until early April) so they're not all at the same time.

Feb 12, 18 1:46 pm  · 
 · 
Leafy1

Thanks for the response! Ah I see, that could prove to be a bit annoying as an international applicant. I intended to fly down (hopefully) and go through a gauntlet of just checking out the different institutions.

Feb 12, 18 2:03 pm  · 
 · 
Gloominati

If I were you I'd just go visit them all when it's convenient to you. You'll get a better idea about how the schools operate on a daily basis that way anyway. Open houses, especially those for admitted students, are kind of an orchestrated show. They purposely schedule their best lectures and exhibitions during those open houses, usually try to have some edgy crits going on with impressive guest critics, and they invite hand-picked extroverted, friendly, attractive students to schmooze with the applicants, even going so far as to try to discourage the known disgruntled students from being around, or keeping them busy elsewhere. Visiting on an ordinary day, walking around the studios and picking people to talk to on your own, and seeing what's going on when things aren't on show will be more revealing.

Feb 12, 18 2:35 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur
Good time to remind everyone that no architecture degree is worth $100k debt regardless of the name on the paper.
Feb 12, 18 1:10 pm  · 
 · 
BR.TN

Why do you say that?

Feb 16, 18 1:44 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

because the same wankers will be back in 3 years complaining about massive student debt and non 6-figure salaries.

Feb 16, 18 2:05 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

not bitter, I actually did go to my "dream" school.

Feb 16, 18 7:10 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

How so? Having a solid career with several large projects that affords me and my family a house and comfortable living is rather decent. Enjoy your delusions and 6 figure debt.

Feb 16, 18 8:40 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

Congratulations, you’ve entirely missed my point.

Feb 17, 18 9:08 am  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

No, it does not. But good for you for believing the jive.

Feb 17, 18 1:01 pm  · 
 · 
jrhews

Why are you so intent on scaring people out of going to their dream school/doing it their own way? 

 I had hard times, took several years off school, then went back at 27 to do what I love and am finally getting my BArch at 30, doing double studios for 2 years. I have no experience, because I couldn't, have self supported myself, and don't have the time frame to just 'work my way up' for years and years at an already older age. I'm going for MArch because I feel I need to, and because I want to, for myself and my future. To me the name on a paper will lead me to more, quicker, because of my situation. Everyone does it different. There is no right answer. Stop being a prick. 

Feb 17, 18 1:20 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

Was that a serious question? Do a search through the forums and see how many poor saps are crying foul for not being treated and paid like the genius these overpriced schools label their students.

Feb 17, 18 1:46 pm  · 
 · 
joseffischer

Jrhews... wow, double studios. I didn't know they even allowed that, older or not.

Feb 20, 18 9:42 am  · 
 · 
jrhews

@joseffischer I was a transfer student from a CC. Needed to catch up

Feb 20, 18 3:23 pm  · 
 · 
Volunteer

If a prospective "Masters" student already has a degree he should be made aware that in fifteen states he does not need to take any collegiate courses in architecture at all to sit for the exam, just the experience requirements. In some states no college at all is required but only the experience requirements.

The colleges are really doing their students a disservice. The "Masters" programs they offer is just a "catch-up" BS in Architecture for students who chose their undergraduate program unwisely and have graduated with an unemployable major. By calling their catch-up program a "graduate" program, the schools can and do increase tuition by quite a bit knowing full well that federal education loans are not capped for graduate loans. The student typically leaves owing massive amounts of graduate school debt piled onto unpaid undergraduate school debt.

In addition to the debt the student has forgone several years in the workplace where he could be productively earning money, saving for starting a family, a house, and putting away money into savings.

The trick is to get hired on the lower rungs of the ladder without an architectural degree. A course or two in drafting and previous construction experience might be very attractive to a design/build firm. In any case that route should be investigated before being nailed to the wall with unpayable debt.

Feb 17, 18 8:15 am  · 
 · 
joseffischer

Very much agree. Coming in with a lot of highschool level credit, I found that in my junior year, I had taken all the courses required except for the mandated "4 years of studio" Except Georgia Tech allows students under certain conditions, including specific studio type electives, to graduate early with 3 years of studio. I thought it was great! Fast forward, and I'm back for my M. Arch because Tech's undergrad program isn't a professional degree (no one explained this to me back when I was 17... but I guess I deserve some blame) and they tell me since I only did 3 years of undergrad, I'll have to do 3 years of grad school. That extra year was pretty expensive considering as an undergraduate, Georgia's HOPE program covers all tuition costs. I felt pretty duped at the time.

Feb 20, 18 9:46 am  · 
 · 
jpeg dot jpeg

What is your opinion of Tech's graduate program? I'm considering it but I'd love to know what they emphasize/ what the studio culture is like/ etc.

Mar 17, 18 11:30 am  · 
 · 
joseffischer

That's tough to answer without a lot of caveats. I attended Graduate school during the interim right after Dean Galloway, and before the new dean and the new revamp into the "College of Design" occurred. Leaving aside the fact that the ship was sailing without a captain for a few years, my biggest regret was that the first year of my 3 year program (usually 3.5 years for those without any architecture experience) were two semesters of carbon copies of previous undergraduate studios I had already taken. Their 2-year program was really strong, and if you could weasel your way into having the Advanced Wood Products Lab access (only about 25% of the students got access) which was off campus a bit, you had a wonderful assortment of 3D equipment (printing, routing, etc) to use.

Mar 19, 18 5:32 pm  · 
 · 
joseffischer

I'd definitely try and get some feedback from someone who attended post dean-change as they really did switch things up for the better.

Mar 19, 18 5:32 pm  · 
 · 
jpeg dot jpeg

thanks for the tip!

Mar 19, 18 5:34 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

-26/F/Indian


- B.Arch/ RV College of Architecture/ 2014


-Applying for M.Arch II 


- 3.7 - 320 - 107


- Architectural Mentor/teacher + Thesis Guide + Past Employer


Schools Applied -   Berkeley CED + Rice SOA + UTSOA + Sam Fox St Louis + Taubman College Ann Arbor + Yale SOA +Harvard GSD


 - Waiting to hear back. 

Feb 20, 18 7:14 am  · 
 · 
Horizon

Update?

Mar 21, 18 4:47 am  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

When do you generally hear back from schools? 



Feb 20, 18 7:15 am  · 
 · 
genesse

This is a good site for browsing past results http://thegradcafe.com/survey/index.php?q=architecture&t=a&pp=250&o=&p=2

Feb 20, 18 7:36 am  · 
 · 
genesse

So, if last year is any indication, you should hear back from Yale and Harvard next week.

Feb 20, 18 7:37 am  · 
 · 
frigidstars

24/M/American

BS in Biology/ University of Alabama at Birmingham/2016 

GPA: 3.75

GRE: 161Q / 162V / 5.0AW

Letter of recommendations: undergrad research adviser/professor, associate director of honors program/professor, founder of community art space where I volunteered for a long time

Schools: In at Georgia Tech, received email notification on 2/23. Official acceptance letters and info regarding funding will be available in a few weeks. Still waiting to hear from UW and MIT.

Open house impressions: GT open house is on March 30th, and it's just a short drive so I'm planning to attend.

Results: Still waiting to hear back from other schools


Good luck everyone!

Feb 23, 18 2:15 pm  · 
 · 
stefanbrits

Congrats, see you at the open house.

Feb 24, 18 9:55 am  · 
 · 
frigidstars

Thanks! See you there

Feb 24, 18 2:45 pm  · 
 · 
frigidstars

Accepted to Pratt with 15K annual scholarship. Open house on March 29th, but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to attend.

Mar 2, 18 9:36 am  · 
 · 
frigidstars

Accepted at University of Washington. The official packet should come in the mail next week. The email came in about an hour ago.

Mar 8, 18 10:01 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Still no word from any college!


Feb 26, 18 1:35 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

I am just a little anxious. I'm sorry if this is irritating to you. If you don't want to reply you don't have to. But that doesn't mean you have to be mean. Cheers mate! Just goodwill coming your way.

Feb 26, 18 5:34 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Then I'm sorry! Hope we can all pull through this.

Feb 26, 18 7:52 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Just got in WashU, MArch 2 year program

Feb 27, 18 7:15 pm  · 
 · 
1_1_1_1

@placebeyondthesplines_  listen buddy, I have no control over your usage of this website and many people new to archinect will not be familiar with your username but I’m going to kindly ask you to take a step back and reevaluate your life. After a quick google search of your username and scrolling through your history of comments on this website its very clear that you get some kind of high/kick out of spreading negativity and discouragement. I understand that people post their portfolios, resumes, etc. for constructive criticism but there is a difference between constructive criticism and being a downright dick (excuse my french, there are no other words to describe you). Archinect is a site where we encourage people to share their work but if a troll like you is constantly putting people down without providing any real helpful feedback, it prevents people from doing so. Perhaps your parents didn’t hug you enough when you were a kid? Maybe you got rejected from almost all the architecture schools on here? Or maybe you're just some fat slob working a terrible job somewhere? Maybe even all the above? I hope this post finds you well and I just want to let you know that I actually feel sorry for you, a life fueled off negativity is most certainly not enjoyable. And to the archinect community, if you see any comments from placebeyondthesplines_, please just ignore. Oh and best of luck to everyone! Thank you.

Feb 28, 18 12:25 pm  · 
 · 
jrhews

Looks like he got banned or somthing, good riddance. 

Feb 28, 18 2:40 pm  · 
 · 
archKash

Finally

Feb 28, 18 3:28 pm  · 
 · 
1_1_1_1

thank god, I know he can just make a new account but hes been doing this under that username for almost 5 years now, enough is enough

Feb 28, 18 3:32 pm  · 
 · 
1_1_1_1

Is that your go to argument for justifying your dick behavior? Last time I checked any critic in arch school wouldn't say

“Did someone ask you for your definition of architecture? Is there a reason why anyone anywhere should give a fuck?” 

-placebeyondthesplines

Keep trolling bud and rot in your negativity, you know exactly what you're doing. Good day.

Feb 28, 18 3:56 pm  · 
 · 
archKash

Hahaaa he said much worse. But in his defense I did completely redo my portfolio bec of him. Still can critique in a more elegant manner tho.

Feb 28, 18 4:45 pm  · 
 · 
Edaii

Just received an offer from Yale for the M.Arch I.

Feb 28, 18 5:31 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Congratulations
!

Feb 28, 18 7:46 pm  · 
 · 
Edaii

Update - with $25K funding (international student)

Mar 12, 18 3:24 pm  · 
 · 
naiyana

How did you find out about fundin
g? I still have not gotten an email regarding Yale's financial package.

Mar 13, 18 5:31 pm  · 
 · 
naiyana

Just got into Yale for M.arch I!

Feb 28, 18 5:36 pm  · 
 · 
mon11

congrats!!! it'd be great if you could post your stats for other applicants to reference (see original post)

Feb 28, 18 5:46 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Congratulations!

Feb 28, 18 7:47 pm  · 
 · 
omaga

Congrats! I Got in Yale M.Arch II.

Feb 28, 18 10:55 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Got into Michigan and Wash U St Louis (Sam Fox). Rejected by Yale! So I'm guessing GSD is going to reject me too. Waiting to hear back from Rice Columbia Austin and Berkeley.

Feb 28, 18 7:12 pm  · 
 · 
stefanbrits

I just heard back from. M. Arch I 1st Professional. Looks like you will hear back soon. Goo

Feb 28, 18 7:42 pm  · 
 · 
stefanbrits

I just heard back from UT Austin M. Arch I, 1st Professional. Looks like you will hear back soon. 

Good Luck

Feb 28, 18 7:42 pm  · 
 · 
stefanbrits

UT Austin, sorry.

Feb 28, 18 7:42 pm  · 
 · 
stefanbrits

UT Austin, sorry.

Feb 28, 18 7:42 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

I have applied for M.Arch II.. so hopefully soon!

Feb 28, 18 7:47 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

Michigan is an outstanding school and you should feel zero regrets going there instead of yale/gsd.

Mar 6, 18 8:14 am  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

SCI-Arc offered! Still waiting for the rest!

Mar 1, 18 4:08 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Just got into UPenn MArch I 2018 Fall!

Mar 1, 18 4:27 pm  · 
 · 

Congrats!

Mar 6, 18 9:40 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Thx!!!!!!!!!!!!Still waiting for Cornell and Columbia!

Mar 8, 18 6:22 pm  · 
 · 
genesse

@PreResultJitters We're applying to a lot of the same programs, I just realized. I also applied to Yale, Harvard, Berkeley for MArch II's, in addition to programs at UCL, AA, and MIT. Wait-listed for Yale, interviewed at Berkeley, now anxiously awaiting Harvard's result!

Mar 1, 18 5:30 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Hey Genesse! Congratulations on the waitlist! Good luck with the rest :)

Mar 1, 18 7:35 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

I got a mail from Harvard telling me the status has been updated. But I can't seem to
myself to open it!

Mar 1, 18 7:36 pm  · 
 · 
genesse

Haha, you can do it! Mine was a rejection. :-/ But that means your chances are better. :p

Mar 1, 18 7:38 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Also rejected by gsd :(

Mar 1, 18 8:20 pm  · 
 · 
archKash

Same here

Mar 1, 18 8:54 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

Same here!

Mar 1, 18 9:31 pm  · 
 · 
genesse

Hate to bump everyone on this comment, but @HerArchitect, have you heard anything from Berkeley? I'm assuming you applied to Studio One?

Mar 5, 18 1:41 pm  · 
 · 
PreResultJitters

I haven't heard from Berkeley yet!

Mar 5, 18 6:30 pm  · 
 · 
genesse

I see - hopefully we have some good news soon!

Mar 6, 18 6:41 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

hey @genesse kind of random comment here but do you mind if I ask if you were accepted in Studio One?

Apr 13, 18 8:17 pm  · 
 · 
yutongli

22/F/Chinese

 Bachelor of Architecture/2018

- GPA 3.47/4.00

- GRE 160V 165Q 4.0AW 

- TOEFL106

- Letter of recommendations - from professors and tutors from China, Australia and Japan

- Schools 

in: Rice, RISD, WUSTL($17000/yr), UMich, USC($44255/yr) all MArch2 or similar degrees

waitlist: GSD MArch2

out: GSD MAUD&MDes, (nothing from Cornell guess it means rejection)


Still waiting for UPenn and Columbia...

BTW, does anyone know what to do when being waitlisted by GSD...? Update them about my internship this winter?

Mar 4, 18 9:16 am  · 
 · 
Bloopox

Nothing to do now.

Mar 4, 18 5:49 pm  · 
 · 
Bloopox

There's nothing you can really do when you get waitlisted but wait.  You can check in at some point to try to find out how long the wait list is and where you are on it, but some schools won't answer those questions.  The committee deliberations are done at this point - it won't help to tell the school about your winter internship now - the decision makers are done.  

Mar 4, 18 5:49 pm  · 
 · 
Bloopox

.

Mar 4, 18 5:49 pm  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

got into Pratt with 27k scholarship which is nice! Anyone else in at Pratt and actually interested in going? 


MS Arch

Mar 4, 18 1:18 pm  · 
 · 
JCArchi

I was also admitted to Pratt and will certainly be attending their luncheon. I don't know if I will attend the program, though, as I was accepted to the 3 year without advanced placement according my scholarship.

Mar 4, 18 5:38 pm  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

Ummmm yea 3 years suck what did you get for scholarship? I’ll probably go to t
he luncheon as well if plane tickets aren’t $$$

Mar 4, 18 6:59 pm  · 
 · 
JCArchi

I got $10k/year. Not sure why I didn't get advanced placement. I did for Michigan, but every school is different. Hoping it's something they can shed some light on.

Mar 4, 18 7:37 pm  · 
 · 
archmst

@ahhhhGradSchool Same offer in same program. Congrats! but I'm not going...

Mar 4, 18 8:44 pm  · 
 · 
dzou

I've been accepted into Pratt with a 30k scholarship and advanced standing. I'm considering the program's offer but I'm still waiting to hear from other schools. I will have a better idea after attending the open house.

Mar 7, 18 1:35 am  · 
 · 
e.b.

i was admitted as well, with advanced standing and $20k per year. seems like a pretty good deal and i am considering it, but i'm still waiting on some other decisions.

Mar 9, 18 2:05 pm  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

- 24/M/USA

 - B.A. in Architecture/Clemson Univ/2015 

GPA: 3.15/4.00

GRE: V157/Q159/A4.5

Letter of recommendations - One from current principal, three from former professors.

 - Personal Essay/Statement: 500 word essay talking about what I have done in the years after graduating from Clemson, and going on to speak directly about certain things I wish to achieve in each M.Arch program. Send me a personal message if you want to see one of them. 

 - Portfolio: Made up of some school projects, personal projects, and competitions. Again, send me a personal message if you want to view it.

Schools & Results: 

In: UCLA (3.5yrs, no funding); USC (2yrs, $44k/yr); Pratt (3yrs, $22k/yr); UIC (3yrs, semester free for first year, no info on subsequent yrs)

Out: None

Waitlist: Non

Still (anxiously) waiting to hear from MIT and Columbia.

Open house impressions: No idea, haven't gone. Will most likely be visiting Pratt. Depends on the decision from MIT and Columbia.

 - Tips: I have a few tips that hopefully can help some of y'all. I want to say that I applied to M.Arch programs a few years ago: Cornell, Penn, Michigan, Berkely, SCI-Arc, Colorado at Denver, UT, and I was only accepted to SCI-Arc and UC Denver. I decided to wait a couple of years and work because I realized that I clearly wasn't ready, and so far it has been a great decision. 

1. Research. Do a lot of research into all of the schools you wish to apply to. The location, pedagogy, the faculty, the facilities, the student work, everything. You must have a very clear idea about what you want to get out of graduate school and then apply to schools that will be the best fit. For example, if you want to focus on environmental sustainability, don't apply to SCI-Arc. This will help you narrow down your list and also help in preparing your application materials such as the essay and portfolio. 

2. Letters of Rec. For the love of god, choose professors/co-workers who are on top of their shit and actually know you personally. A letter from your studio professor who has a degree from UIUC is going to be better for you than a visiting professor who has a degree from MIT and submits their letter two weeks late. You want people who can vouch for you and talk you up, not someone to write some generic letter about how "you'd be a good fit for ___". Also, tell your recommenders about #1 above, it will help them to understand why you're applying to each school and they can tailor their letter to emphasize those reasons.

3. Personal Essay/Statement. Start it early and revise, revise, revise. This is arguably more important to your application than the portfolio, as it personalizes your application and can set you apart from the other applicants. You want the admissions committees to see you as a person, with your own dreams, interests, background, desires, etc, and you want to convince them that their school is perfect for you because of those things. Also, everything in #1 that made you choose that school to apply to, put it in the personal statement. Talk about the faculty you want to study under, the location of the school, the facilities, etc. DO NOT WRITE A GENERIC ESSAY AND SWITCH OUT SCHOOL NAMES. If you're applying to five schools, write five different essays. They can have the same themes of course, but except for the first 100-200 words, the essays should all be different. Yes, it's more work. But just trust me, this is necessary. If you can't take the time to personalize an essay for a school, you probably shouldn't be applying to that school.

4. Portfolio. This is actually difficult to give tips on, because it is strongly subjective. But here are a few. Start it early. I started in June and it still felt like I didn't have enough time. You will go through many iterations, so give yourself enough time to get critiques and work through them properly. Rework certain drawings if they aren't as good as they should be. Same thing for renderings, hand drawings, etc. Five projects should be enough, and you shouldn't go over 25-30 spreads. Four quality projects is better than eight decent ones. Use InDesign. USE A GRID LAYOUT. Seriously, use a grid. Don't use more than two different typefaces (a good place to look at type pairings is fontsinuse.com). Whitespace. Lastly, don't just do one portfolio and hope that it fits for each submission. Some schools require it be 8.5x11, some say to have the portfolio formatted for digital viewing, some require you to print and mail and physical copy to the school. Make sure you know all of the requirements for each submission and follow the instructions exactly.

Hope this helps anyone looking to apply next year!

Mar 5, 18 12:43 pm  · 
 · 
TerribleArchitect

Hey guys,

Got some results and figured I'd share em. 

-22/M/USA

-B.A. in Arts - Architecture / Lehigh University

-GPA:3.3

-Q157 V159 W5.0

-Portfolio: Message me if you'd like a link to it on issuu.com. Just a collection of student work from the last couple years of undergrad.

-Recommendations: 2 from undergrad professors, one from an old employer


In:

UPenn, Univ. of Michigan ($$), Washington Univ. in St. Louis ($$), Pratt, Univ. of Virginia ($)

Waiting to hear back:

Columbia, Cornell

Mar 5, 18 4:49 pm  · 
 · 
frigidstars

congratulations on your acceptances. you must not be terrible like your username states.

Mar 5, 18 5:22 pm  · 
 · 

- 22 / F / US

- B.S. Architectural Studies / Norwich University / 2016

- 3.7 GPA / GRE 164 V 155 Q 4 W

Letter of recommendations - current employer, professor & university president

Results (M.Arch I)

IN: Syracuse U (3-year, $8k annual, 12 credit reduction)

PENDING: UPenn & Princeton

OUT: GSD & UT Austin

Mar 6, 18 9:54 pm  · 
 · 
woooo

- 24/F/Taiwan

 - B.S Architecture/ 2017 

GPA 3.75/4.0 - GRE Q166 V153 AW3.5  - TOEFL105 

Letter of recommendations - from my current employer, university studio teacher, a German professor form my exchange program

- Applied to schools: GSD, UPenn, GSAPP, UC Berkeley, Cornell, UofT, University of Washington (All M.Arch I)

- In: UPenn(Waiting for fin-aid)

-Out: GSD

Still waiting to hear from other schools.

Mar 7, 18 1:03 am  · 
 · 
frigidstars

I'm still waiting to hear from UW as well. I was wait listed last year, and I received that email on 3/14. It looks like acceptances normally go out around this time, so hopefully we'll hear back soon. Best of luck.

Mar 7, 18 10:18 am  · 
 · 
frigidstars

@anxiouslywaiting looks like UW sent out emails about an hour ago

Mar 8, 18 10:00 pm  · 
 · 
woooo

Yes! I received it! They're giving me an offer!! Really nice.

Mar 8, 18 10:06 pm  · 
 · 
woooo

@frigidstars I hope you got an offer too

Mar 8, 18 10:07 pm  · 
 · 
frigidstars

@anxiouslywaiting I did! UW is my top choice, so I'm ecstatic. Congratulations!

Mar 9, 18 8:08 am  · 
 · 
dzou

- 25/M/USA

- BS Architecture

- Letters of Rec: Professors/Studio Crit

-Program: MArch I

- Applied to schools: GSD, UPenn, GSAPP, MIT, UMichigan, Pratt,  Syracuse, UMD

- IN: Syracuse (2-year, 16k for 1st year), Pratt (2-year, 15k/year), University of MD (2 -year)

- Out: GSD (rats...)

Mar 7, 18 1:27 am  · 
 · 
SPAIndia

23/F/India

B.Arch ( 5 years) 2017

Letters of Rec: Professors / Employer 

-Program: MAUD / MCP ( 2 year programs)

Applied to schools: GSD, UPenn, GSAPP, MIT, Pratt, Cornell AAP, Berkeley

IN:  Upenn, GSD,Cornell AAP ,Pratt (2-year, 10k/year),

Out: None yet

Mar 7, 18 3:28 am  · 
 · 
Horizon

Did you apply to Cornell for the M. Arch I or M. Arch II course? I'm still waiting to hear from them!

Mar 21, 18 4:46 am  · 
 · 
Tejavu
Hi all.
Can anyone tell me about the program at WashU St.Louis ?
I’m looking for a program that is theoretical and research oriented. Any idea on the kind of research being conducted at the school ?
Mar 8, 18 2:04 am  · 
 · 
ke.bin.prk

24/M/Asian-American

B.S. in Architecture/2017 

GPA: 3.3/4.00

GRE: V157/Q155/A4.5

- Currently: Working under one of my professors, funded design research on the side. Took a year off after graduation to improve my portfolio, study for the GRE, and anything else to mitigate my average GPA. It was also to make money for school as well as gain experience before I go back.

Letter of recommendations: One from current principal/professor, three from former professors.

Personal Essay/Statement: Requirements depended on the school. Some wanted close up to 1000 words while others wanted less than 500.

Portfolio: School projects, one work project that I actually had a design role in, and graphics from a personal research project. It’s under construction (again) because I’m just never satisfied with it. Updates coming soon…

Schools & Results: 

In: University of Michigan (2 years, $15k/year); Cornell (3.5 years, $14k/year); UVA (2 years, $14k/year) All came with TA opportunities, but I'm not sure how common that is. 

Out: UT Austin

Waitlist: None

Decision: Currently debating between Taubman and Cornell…

Open house impressions: I haven’t gone to any yet. I’ll probably visit Cornell again since I’ve already visited Michigan and seen their student work.

- Financial aid: TBD...

Tips: 

First, Research all of the schools you want to go to or even THINK you’d like to go to. Start from the location and delve into curriculum, faculty, facilities, student work, etc.. As you start to narrow down your choices a bit, get a clear understanding of what the schools are all about and how it aligns with your interests. For example, if you’re interested in environmental sustainability, look for schools that place an emphasis on it in their curriculum. I have seen schools that don’t care for it and belittle it in some instances. This will help in preparing your application materials, such as the personal statement and portfolio. If it's possible, take a visit. Being there in person definitely beats looking through a computer screen. You may even be able to schedule an appointment with a director or someone in graduate programming and have them talk about the school and answer any questions you might have.

Second, a lot of people underestimate the process of choosing people for your letters of recommendation. First, think about how many schools you’ve narrowed down to. I don’t recommend asking a person for more than 3 letters because quality recommendations do take time and you’d prefer not to take too much of theirs. With that in mind, start listing people and how many letters to write to fulfill the required number per school. The more schools you have, the more people you need to seek out, which can often be difficult.

When seeking recommendors, make sure they know you personally. They’re the ones that can talk highly of you and refer many good qualities about you. If you feel the need to ask someone specific (maybe an alumni from your interested school, visiting professor, or your program director), but haven’t gotten to know them all that well, set up an appointment to talk about your interests and which schools you’re applying for. It’ll give them a better idea of where to go with the recommendation.

Another thing to keep in mind is WHEN to ask. Give them at least 3 months to write it. More thought can be put into it when they aren’t under a deadline pressure. AND MAKE SURE THEY DON’T PROCRASTINATE. Sending one in 2 -3 weeks late not only looks bad, but it slows down the application process because they have to go back and review yours again. Stay on their ass until you know they sent one. You might seem like you’re being annoying, but it’s your future we’re talking about.

Third, start your statement/essay EARLY. Get it done and have it revised multiple times. This is debatably just as important to your application as the portfolio. It personalizes your application and can potentially set you apart from other applicants. Each school had different aspects that interested me so I simply wrote separate ones for them explaining what I’m looking forward to, what I could gain from the experience, and what I can give back to the school as a student and as a professional in the future.  DON’T JUST WRITE ONE ESSAY AND REPLACE THE NAMES OF THE SCHOOLS. Committees can easily pick out generic bullshit and it shows that you aren’t that interested in them enough to write a custom statement.

Lastly, the portfolio…The portfolio is subjective so it’s going to be difficult to give generic tips for it in terms of design.

My #1 tip: START IT EARLY (duh). I had a previous version of my portfolio from the year before, but it wasn’t anywhere near presentable to graduate programs. I started mid-summer and told myself to stop a little before deadlines, but I still felt that it wasn’t enough. Getting different eyes to see it is beneficial too. I was still able to redo some drawings, renderings, and models. But again, not enough time for me personally...

In terms of content, five projects seem to be the average I’ve seen among my peers. One thing a graduate program director told me is that a personal project that isn’t architectural can put applicants at an advantage. It could include drawing (painting/sketching), photography,  woodworking, graphic design, fashion, or any other personal design project. All in all, this should get you under 40 pages. Keep in mind the school’s requirements because they vary greatly. I’ve seen some places where they REQUIRE a minimum number of projects and others completely ignore page limits. My suggestion would be to have multiple digital versions of your portfolio to cater to each program. It’s not all that much more work. It’s simply a matter of putting in/taking out content.

InDesign is your best friend. It is specifically made for these kinds of things. A grid layout makes organizing ridiculously easy to do and is also easy on the eyes in terms of reading a page. Start with a 4-square and try a 9-square if you feel up for the task.

Hope this helps! I’m open to answer any questions so feel free to ask!

Mar 8, 18 4:07 pm  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

Did you just take the tips that I wrote and just reword some of it?

Mar 8, 18 4:29 pm  · 
 · 
ke.bin.prk

I had written this a little more than a week ago, but never had the chance to post it because I was so busy at work. I just ready your post and it does sound very similar to what I had posted.

Mar 8, 18 4:35 pm  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

This may be the funniest thing I've personally seen on this forum. Like, why?

Mar 8, 18 4:35 pm  · 
 · 
ke.bin.prk

I agree with all of your advice and I didn't realize it would sound so similar. I sincerely apologize if it seemed like I was piggybacking on top of your post.

Mar 8, 18 4:37 pm  · 
 · 
me_for_president

Maybe you should take Renzo's Pianos advice (or your own as you claim) and 'DON’T JUST WRITE ONE ESSAY AND REPLACE THE NAMES OF THE...' original poster.

Mar 8, 18 4:46 pm  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

I mean I really don't give a shit, it's just hilarious to me how you wrote it "a little more than a week ago" yet the tips are in the exact same order, and each one gives the exact same examples. The first, research, you talk about researching the exact same things in the same order as I did, and give an example of choosing schools based on environmental sustainability, as I did. The second, letters of rec, you talk about choosing professors you know personally and making sure they don't submit two weeks late, just like my post. The third, the essay, talks about submitting different letters to different schools, as I suggested, but then you literally all-caps the same exact sentence as I did in my post. And the fourth, the portfolio tip, talks about how it's too subject to give tips, as I did, among a number of other things like five projects is enough, using InDesign, using a grid, multiple versions to cater to each program, etc. Now these tips are actually useful, and I don't expect others to have never thought about them before my post, but come on man. You're not fooling anyone about how you wrote it over a week ago and it's essentially my post just reworded. It's laughably sad.

Mar 8, 18 4:49 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

kinda makes you wonder where ke.bin.prk's portfolio content came from

Mar 8, 18 5:13 pm  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

Someone who has posted here before perhaps? Also, glad to have you back splines

Mar 8, 18 5:14 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

love you call me mean it



but also: DO NOT WRITE A GENERIC ESSAY AND SWITCH OUT SCHOOL NAMES

Mar 8, 18 5:20 pm  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

I think you mean: DON’T JUST WRITE ONE ESSAY AND REPLACE THE NAMES OF THE SCHOOLS

Mar 8, 18 5:24 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

also research all the schools!

...so that whoever you're paying to make your portfolio knows their audience

Mar 8, 18 5:29 pm  · 
 · 
.indd

Renzo's Piano... it's not like your post was particularly nuanced either...

Mar 9, 18 9:31 am  · 
 · 
Renzo's Piano

Exactly. Which is why it's funny because there was no reason to basically copy my post.

Mar 9, 18 9:49 am  · 
 · 
hrm_b

Renzo’s Piano, you are such a bully. Read your post above in the thread and thought, oh thanks for the tips. Saw you do this, and now I can’t take your tips seriously. You said you “didn’t care” then continued to spend time on this. Smh.

Jan 17, 19 6:38 pm  · 
 · 
GGWP18

Does anyone know if Columbia GSAPP sends out letters in waves? 

I see on gradcafe everyone is listed as accepted meanwhile my application status remains submitted. Does that mean chances are thin for acceptance or simply they haven't gotten to everyone yet? 

Thanks

Mar 8, 18 10:47 pm  · 
 · 
ludwigmiesvanderrohe

...nobody on gradcafe posted results from GSAPP's M.Arch program yet. You probably got confused from people getting into GSAPP's other programs.

Don't trip chocolate chip.

Mar 8, 18 11:49 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Im waiting for GSAPP as well. Seems they havent started sending M.Arch admission out yet. Some of my friends got into MAUD though.

Mar 9, 18 12:04 am  · 
 · 
e.b.

one person posted an m.arch acceptance! getting extra nervous now, still waiting.

Mar 9, 18 1:55 pm  · 
 · 
GGWP18

Sorry to clarify, I applied for the Advanced Architecture Design program... 


really not sure what the chances are...

Mar 9, 18 12:31 am  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

slim to nil, I’m afraid

Mar 9, 18 1:28 am  · 
 · 
.indd

I received an email yesterday that stated the status of my application had changed

Mar 9, 18 9:23 am  · 
 · 
jessmgg

25/F/Mexican- American

B.S. in Architecture/2016

- MS Construction Management

GPA: 3.06

GRE: V148/Q147/A3.0 

Letter of recommendations: 3 Professors

-Experience - international firm in China and construction management.

Personal Essay/Statement: Requirements depended on the school. Some wanted close up to 1000 words while others wanted less than 500.

Portfolio: School projects, one work project that I actually had a design role in, and graphics from a personal research project. It’s under construction (again) because I’m just never satisfied with it. Updates coming soon…

Schools & Results: 

In:

UC Berkeley ( 10K fellowship year)

2 year University of Washington at St.Louis (25k/ Year)

Pratt (10K per semester)

Waiting on:

U Michigan

Sci-Arc

Out:

Yale

Amazing grades were not necessary, Portfolio! is all about that... 

Mar 9, 18 1:13 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

that must have been a hell of a portfolio. well done, congratulations.

Mar 9, 18 1:45 pm  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

got in to Columbia, no aid.... estimated cost of attendance 133k tho?????!!!

Mar 9, 18 3:41 pm  · 
 · 
e.b.

same boat lol

Mar 9, 18 3:55 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

did you not know the cost of attendance before applying?

Mar 9, 18 11:32 pm  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

Obviously dude that’s where the aid part would come in you genius

Mar 10, 18 3:02 am  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

so then you just wildly overestimated your chances of getting merit-based funding, got it

Mar 10, 18 10:50 am  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

Didn’t overestimate shit, got funding from all the othe
r schools I applied, I was really trying to get the fellowship. What program did you apply for again?...

Mar 10, 18 2:27 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

hahahaha,
“really trying” and “too busy to take the GRE” from the same applicant, priceless.

Mar 10, 18 3:33 pm  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

Hey Ill put an application together for you instead of you trying to live vicariously through us... that are actually doing something with our lives. Just send me your email ok, I love charity work

Mar 10, 18 3:40 pm  · 
 · 
arch.fx

Btw did anyone get aid for the M.S.AAD program at Columbia?

Mar 16, 18 11:05 pm  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

I haven’t heard or seen anyone that did, I do have a friend that got into the MS AUD and he got a
id didn’t ask how much tho, what are your choices at the moment?

Mar 17, 18 2:13 am  · 
 · 
e.b.

- 22/F/USA

 - Bachelor's of Environmental Design 2017

GPA - 3.8

 - GRE  - 162Q/156V/4.0W

Letter of recommendations - 2 past studio professors, 1 past employer, (+ for GSAPP - 1 past prof who attended gsapp)

Portfolio - 5 projects from undergrad studios

- Results

In:

- Columbia GSAPP (no aid)

- Pratt (2 year, $20k/year)

- UT Austin (2.5 year, funding TBA)

Still waiting on: Princeton


Mar 9, 18 4:01 pm  · 
 · 
koalatea

Ok, I figured I would post to give some hope to people without arch backgrounds haha.

- 24/F/NZ
- BA in Computer Science (US college), 2016
GPA: 3.67, GRE: 166V / 170Q / 4.5A
Letter of recommendations: 1 from college CS professor, 1 from college English professor, 1 from Berkeley [IN]Arch instructor
Personal Essay/Statement - Portfolio: My portfolio was 1/2 stuff I did during the Berkeley [IN]Arch program, and half visual arts stuff that I do in my spare time (photography, painting, prints, and sculpture)
Schools: University of Tokyo (in), UCLA AUD (in, in-state tuition grant), UC Berkeley (in, 30k fellowship), Columbia GSAPP (in, 18k fellowship), MIT (waiting)
Tips: I think attending a summer program like [IN]Arch helped me a lot as someone without an architecture background, but also don't lose hope if you are someone with nontraditional background even though you can't find many examples online of what applications look like from these sorts of applicants, just share your story and maybe the schools will find you interesting enough to accept you :) 


Mar 9, 18 11:47 pm  · 
 · 
Nausheen Zaman

Honestly, your post gave me some hope for this track. I'm coming from a history, languages and cultures degree (a B.A. in Near Eastern Studies... I'm not out of undergrad long enough for me to regret my decision but I'm slowly starting to now) and I've wanted to do architecture for a long time, but because of family I was not allowed to do anything that was considered 'artsy' or something that 'wouldn't give me a stable job' (the irony is not lost on me) and architecture was not something I was allowed to do for the longest time until now, so I'm essentially starting from scratch. Thanks for posting this, and good luck in the rest of your endeavors!

Aug 23, 18 4:14 pm  · 
 · 
Arles

LHi friends!


Everybody here that are in GSAPP (by the way, congrats!), anyone is MS AAD?? I applied for MS AAD and still my application status remain submitted... so anxious. And now wait until Monday 

Mar 10, 18 3:35 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

Hey ! I received my acceptance letter yesterday, if that helps. Same program, MS AAD. But, as far as I can see from what people say, such a delay for your letter is not necessarily negative! Keep your hopes up and good luck!

Mar 10, 18 3:54 am  · 
 · 
Arles

Thanks for your reply and honestly congratulations! When you tell letter, you mean post letter? Or just email?

Mar 10, 18 4:55 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

thank you! no, just email. But I guess I received an email notification because I am from Europe so I wouldn't receive a post letter (?) - I have read about US applicants who received post letters or even direct phone calls.

Mar 10, 18 7:46 am  · 
 · 
arch.fx

Got into M.S.AAD too! Try to figure out how to pay for it lol

Mar 16, 18 11:10 pm  · 
 · 
miawallace

Congratulations ! Argh, I know the struggle - I am going through this phase now as well. But you are lucky, most of the forums here appear to be about GSAPP and its tuition so there is tons of information about it. Still, congratulations!!

Mar 17, 18 4:47 am  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

Yea this no aid thing is really a bummer but I’m going to NYC to try to figure this out in person

Mar 17, 18 4:53 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

This is by far the best thing you can do. Are you going to bargain for a financial aid?

Mar 17, 18 4:55 am  · 
 · 
AhhhhGradSchool

They said that financial aid went out with our letters, but they have assistanships which I wanna know more about, it’s about 10k per semester minimum working 10hrs, that’s easy, a
nd then see if there’s something we are missing, like a late scholarship or something, anything helps

Mar 17, 18 12:11 pm  · 
 · 
Arles

Europe? Me too! Spain. So for this I asked, I was wondering if they send until here (in fact I live in Japan), then I will be waiting the email. And where are you from? 


So you will study there?


Thanks for the info friend

Mar 10, 18 8:16 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

In any case, you will receive an email so don't think too much about it - my personal advice is to not wait for anything because it will drive you nuts, the whole anxiety and anticipation. Japan? Where, if I may ask? I used to work in Tokyo aaand I am from Greece. As for whether I am going to be studying there, I seriously don't know - haven't made up my mind yet, still examining my options. And don't even mention it, glad I had some info to share with you!

Mar 11, 18 5:34 am  · 
 · 
audhsi

 Age/Sex/Citizenship

24/M/USA

 - B.S. Arch 2016 

GPA: 3.8

- GRE: 159v / 152m / 4.5 writing  

Letter of recommendations - 1 principal, 2 professors

 - Personal Essay/Statement 

Generally wrote about gentrification, tailored the situation to each school

- Portfolio 

3-4 school projects, photography, sketches. 30 pages in total

Schools

IN

UT Austin - 40k/year

USC - 28k/year

UVA - 25k/year

Oregon - no funding info yet, anyone know when to expect?

These were the only schools I applied to so pretty happy with that.

Results (the school you plan to attend, waitlist, rejection.)

I am hoping for a good amount of funding from Oregon, and would actually like to try USC if they offered a little more funding (LA is expensive lol). UT is definitely looking attractive though

 - Tips

I think honesty and being genuine in applications can actually be beneficial. In my statement of purpose I wrote why I felt this way about my topic, and why it matters in the long run. I steered clear of typical architectural buzzwords which can come across as pretentiuos and made sure not to write about how I love architecture because I played with legos as a kid. 

Mar 10, 18 3:43 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

You were offered $40k/year to a school that costs $19k/year? Sure you did.
http://finaid.utexas.edu/financialaid/costs.html

Mar 10, 18 3:53 pm  · 
 · 
audhsi

it covers most of tuition, living stipend, and health care

Mar 10, 18 6:22 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

Are you really doubling down on this? UTSOA literally never gives out that much money. You are lying.

Mar 10, 18 6:26 pm  · 
 · 
platzzwischendenrucken

Remember guys, "honesty and being genuine" is beneficial... lol

Mar 11, 18 6:55 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

holy shit, $8,230 - $9,509 for a year of UT-Austin?? and to think someone else on this board wants to spend 100k per year for GSAAP

Mar 11, 18 7:10 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

That is also inaccurate; GSAPP tuition is $50k/year (http://sfs.columbia.edu/content/cost-attendance-architecture). They're very different schools operating at different levels with regard to faculty, resources, pedagogical approach, and urban environment, so there's an argument to be made that a GSAPP education has greater value that should be reflected in the tuition. Whether it should be 5x as much is another question entirely.

Mar 11, 18 8:54 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

my 2c: cost/quality is basically your only metric if you have to take out massive loans b.c. you weren't good enough to get merit based aid. and personally i'd take UTSOA over GSAAP even if the funding was equal

Mar 11, 18 10:40 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

I guess if you want a far weaker faculty, far less talented peers, a far crappier city, and a program that has barely been updated since the 1970s, UTSOA would be the way to go. It's not that it's bad, it's just incredibly behind the times and proud of it.

Mar 11, 18 10:53 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

No id just prefer not to pay 5x for an M.Arch 1 at an institution that hasn’t done much since tschumi left, with garbage, overcrowded facilities, comparable faculty...and let’s be real, Austin>NYC as a place to live by virtually every metric.

Mar 12, 18 9:09 am  · 
 · 
calebehly

you would rather go to UTA over GSAAP even if funding was equal........ what world do we live in. Im sure you could make that comparison ifyou were extremely interested in the work being produced by UTA, but their not producing any work thats new or beyond interesting..... or if one program was soooooo avant garde that they might deter someone from going.......and GSAAP is far from that.....so in those regards im rather concerned for you.

Mar 12, 18 11:11 am  · 
 · 
jamesherm

I'm from Austin and I'd much rather live in NYC. It's almost like people can have different opinions and priorities. And you're moving goalposts; one minute you say you'd choose UTSOA even if the funding were equal, and the next you say you wouldn't pay 5x the tuition.

And if you think GSAPP's facilities are overcrowded, you clearly haven't visited UTSOA recently. They're doing their best, but they just don't have the resources to keep up with the top schools in terms of fabrication...or anything else.

As for "comparable faculty," that's a joke (who at UTSOA is on the level of Frampton, Tschumi, Holl, Prince-Ramus, Benjamin, Ishigami, Jaque, Tsurumaki, etc.?). And what new ground has UTSOA broken in the era since Tschumi left Columbia? Or since the 1950s for that matter?

Mar 12, 18 12:35 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

yes, i would chose UTSOA over GSAAP for the m.arch one then swing back and get an m.arch II/M.E.D/MDes at the ivy of my choice, because then i'd actually have the flexibility to tailor my research agenda to a specific faculty member or agenda present at the school.

Mar 12, 18 6:15 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

Moving goalposts? No. Neither of my positions are mutually exclusive. I personally would not pay 5x for GSAAP or even the same, over UTSOA. As this has clearly always been about my personal preference and not a manifesto, I like UTSOA's focus on material tectonics and history. I don't give a shit about new and novel techniques in and of themselves.  

But thanks for being good forum police and drawing out the choice structure for a hypothetical set of circumstances I will never find myself in (I go to the GSD).

Mar 12, 18 6:31 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

Cool. We were all waiting with baited breath to find out what your personal preferences on
graduate school would be.

Mar 12, 18 6:33 pm  · 
 · 
hrm_b

jamesherm is proof cyber bullying is still alive and well.....smh reading these posts.

Jan 17, 19 6:41 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

.

Mar 12, 18 12:34 pm  · 
 · 
Edaii

Acceptance from Princeton and Columbia (M.Arch I)

Mar 13, 18 5:06 pm  · 
 · 
Edaii

Update: Princeton - Full Scholarship

Mar 13, 18 5:43 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

Is your portfolio online?

Mar 13, 18 5:51 pm  · 
 · 
splinesbetweentheplace

Why, so you and others can copy it?

Mar 13, 18 6:04 pm  · 
 · 
jamesherm

Fascinating question coming from you, splinesbetweentheplace

Mar 13, 18 6:42 pm  · 
 · 
archKash

I would love to see this portfolio!

Mar 14, 18 12:30 pm  · 
 · 
randomised

So Kash, after all those portfolio posts, did you get in?

Mar 14, 18 1:21 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

he posted an update yesterday here
https://archinect.com/forum/thread/150034970/last-portfolio-critique

Mar 14, 18 2:07 pm  · 
 · 
vitafusion

Did anyone get into GSD and what's the deal with financial aid or grants? 

Mar 14, 18 1:29 pm  · 
 · 
.indd

Financial aid should already be posted. As for grants (I could be wrong) but I'm pretty sure you would know by now if you received one.

Mar 14, 18 2:23 pm  · 
 · 
vitafusion

is it possible to apply for it now? would it be too late

Mar 14, 18 2:28 pm  · 
 · 
.indd

I'm not 100% sure, but I recall the deadline was sometime in February.... you should have gotten an email about applying for it in January.

Mar 14, 18 2:31 pm  · 
 · 
placebeyondthesplines__

yikes

Mar 14, 18 3:11 pm  · 
 · 
Tiosnoor

- Age/Sex/Citizenship

22/M/Vietnam

Urban Studies/University of California, Irvine/ 2018

GPA: 3.44 

GRE : V: 146, Q: 150, A: 3.5 

Letter of recommendations - 3 professors from the current undergrad school.

 - Personal Essay/Statement : ~700 words. Though some schools have different requirements about the length, I kept the essay consistently in one page.

Portfolio: 2 academic works, some sketches, paintings, photography, and one big model of an Asian town made out of matches. Total 22 pages.

Schools:

IN: Wash U (14K/Year), USC (5.5K/Year), UC Denver. All M. Arch +3

Out: None

Open house impressions: Planning to attend Wash U's on Mar. 22.

Tips: For M. Arch +3 future applicants: Try your best. Keep your portfolio and essay consistent with your interests. Try to create a theme. Mine was about an image of a corncob and how that drew me to the topics of sustainability, ambience design, urbanism, and affordable housing issues. Try to make your essay and portfolio unique with a certain theme, but don't get too far away from the main discussion, which should be about you and your interests. And "don't stress over creating an 'architecture' portfolio" (Thanks SpatialSojourner for that!)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Honestly though, I wasn't expecting I would be admitted, so those 3 schools are the only schools I applied. Still don't know which school to accept between Wash U and USC, though. Any advice would be nice!

Mar 14, 18 4:22 pm  · 
 · 
miawallace

has anyone received any news from MIT SMarchS ?

Mar 14, 18 4:25 pm  · 
 · 
.indd

I think the admissions committee got buried in snow.

Mar 14, 18 4:35 pm  · 
 · 
arch.fx

Lol I guess

Mar 16, 18 11:06 pm  · 
 · 
dmnle

is there anyone still waiting GSAPP MArch results?

or they've already sent all out?

Mar 14, 18 11:10 pm  · 
 · 
platzzwischendenrucken

All sent out. Same with waitlist. You didn't get in. Deal with it. Move on.

Mar 14, 18 11:34 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Same here waiting. Are you sure they ve been all sent out? I thought there would be another round.

Mar 15, 18 12:31 am  · 
 · 
mikiji

Anyone knows if being waitlist, will the schools send a letter to inform? Or just nothing? Still haven't heard from Cornell and GSAPP. Not sure if im being rejected or waitlist.

Mar 15, 18 12:33 am  · 
 · 
mikiji

And when is the waitlist deadline?

Mar 15, 18 12:34 am  · 
 · 
splinesbetweentheplace

When the school officially rejects you, you will see a change in your status on the application portal. Usually they will email you once that happens. If the school has already sent out acceptances and waitlist notifications the chances of you being accepted are slim to nil. You should start preparing your mind for a rejection from those schools.

Mar 15, 18 7:01 am  · 
 · 
adampitt95

It is worth saying that there is still a chance to be waitlisted. I did not hear from UWash when they sent acceptances, but received a spot on the wait list a week after they sent acceptances. So there is still a chance if you didn't hear during their first round.

Mar 15, 18 11:51 am  · 
 · 
mikiji

Thank you guys for ur info.Just got a rejection from GSAPP. :( Guess the same thing from Cornell.

Mar 15, 18 2:06 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

- Age/Sex/Citizenship

22/F/Canadian

BA in Architectural Studies at University of Toronto

GPA: 2.94  

GRE : V: 150, Q: 165, A: 3.5 

Letter of recommendations - 2 studio professors, 1 professor from business school and 1 employer.

 - Personal Essay/Statement : 500 words

Portfolio: 1 revised academic work, 3 competition, and 1 AAVS work

Schools:

IN: Penndesign (10k/yr), Wash U (18k/yr)

Rejected:

GSD, GSAPP

Nothing from Cornell but I guess will be a rejection

Decision: Penndesign

Mar 15, 18 2:16 pm  · 
 · 
1_1_1_1

congrats!

Mar 15, 18 4:23 pm  · 
 · 
1_1_1_1

__

Mar 15, 18 4:21 pm  · 
 · 
rains_

Hey has anyone been waitlisted for UC Berkeley? How likely is it to get admitted if you are on waitlist? 

Mar 16, 18 6:01 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

are you talking about MArch I or Studio One?

Mar 16, 18 6:17 am  · 
 · 
rains_

The master of urban design (MUD) course actually.

Mar 16, 18 6:59 am  · 
 · 
miawallace

I see. Of course this is just my personal opinion but, since the MUD is a pretty common choice for applicants who, as I have seen in multiple forums, are usually applying for other prestigious programs as well and therefore often decline offers, being on waitlist is not the end of the world, you still have chances of getting in! It all depends on where exactly you are in the waitlist - something that, again by reading what people say about it, unfortunately you will not know.

Mar 16, 18 7:23 am  · 
 · 
rains_

Yess, exactly, no information makes is worse contemplating! But nevertheless, hoping for the best!

Mar 19, 18 9:13 am  · 
 · 
allumers

still waiting on Michigan and Berkeley.. has anyone heard back yet? I know Michigan set out their decisions already... ?

Mar 16, 18 11:48 am  · 
 · 
ynxi2017

I think Michigan has sent out all their decisions already :/ heard back from them at beginning of March

Mar 16, 18 12:00 pm  · 
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----

Mar 16, 18 12:06 pm  · 
 · 
ynxi2017

you should receive an email with your status + check if you have any financial aid documentation. If not, I'd say your not in luck

Mar 16, 18 12:07 pm  · 
 · 
allumers's comment has been hidden
allumers

delete

Mar 16, 18 12:04 pm  · 
 · 
frigidstars

delet this

Mar 16, 18 2:30 pm  · 
 · 
frigidstars

delet this

Mar 16, 18 2:30 pm  · 
 · 
Bob's your uncle

24 / M / UK

BArch / University of Dundee / 2015

3.84 / 163V 163Q 4.5W

2 academic references (from my tutor and year 3 head) and two professional references.

Statement was on the shorter side; kept it neat and precise as to my targets. 30 page landscape format portfolio; mix of academic work, own work, and professional work.

Applied to GSD and MIT - this is the second time I've applied to MIT

Rejected from GSD, accepted to MIT (half-tuition fellowship).

I'm very wary of accruing any sort of debt from this - especially coming from Scotland where our tuition is free for your first degree. So although I'm overjoyed at getting into MIT, I'm not allowing myself to get too excited until my finances have been sorted out. To that end I've contacted MIT to ask about what sort of extra routes are available (TA-ship / research assistant-ship etc) to offset the rest of the costs, so we shall see in due course!

I'm currently working in Mumbai, so I can't really afford the trip to the open house, but c'est la vie! Perhaps I'll see some of you in the 'fall' if all goes well? :)

Mar 17, 18 12:22 pm  · 
 · 
miawallace

May I ask, to which MIT program did you apply?

Mar 17, 18 12:45 pm  · 
 · 
Bob's your uncle

Ah, forgot to mention! To both GSD and MIT it was the MArch 1.

Mar 17, 18 12:59 pm  · 
 · 
mikiji

Congrats!

Mar 17, 18 1:28 pm  · 
 · 
Dangermouse

fwiw, mit likes you now, they'll probably still like you if you come back in a few years for a post professional program, where you generally have greater freedom to tailor your curriculum; often times you can get more aid/research awards in this setting vs. an MArch 1.

Mar 17, 18 1:35 pm  · 
 · 
Bob's your uncle

Thanks mikiji, and fair point Dangermouse, though I don't see myself aiming towards any sort of extra degree after my post-grad. At least not for the foreseeable future.

Mar 18, 18 4:07 pm  · 
 · 

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