Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
Tulane University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Temple University
University of Oregon
Cranbrook Academy of Art
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
M.Arch Fall 2020 Application Status
Hello, I am an international applicant for M.Arch programs. As I've got many tips from here for the application, I would like to share my status.
Bachelor of Architecture / International / 2020 Feb
3.3 - 152V/168Q/4.0W - 105
4 professors
As GSD and YSoA have specific questions for the essay, I struggled to write them. For the rest of the schools, I modified MIT's essay.
I had a writing sample of architectural theory, and the topic was related to Peter Eisenman's works. I added them at the last part of the portfolio for Yale.
https://issuu.com/choiyong/docs/portfolio
(In order of preference)
MIT, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Columbia, UPenn, Syracuse
I haven't been any of those schools. I am looking for the virtual open house of Yale.
In
Yale + $$
Columbia + pending
UPenn + pending
Syracuse
Out
MIT, Harvard, Cornell
I believe it is important to show one's identity in the portfolio and make them related to the essay. The essay should be specific, and to be specific, you have to know much about the school. I believe that was the reason for the admission of Yale with FA. I am waiting for other school's financial aid, but I made my mind to enroll in YSoA, which academically fits for me.
The portfolio link should be wrong.
https://issuu.com/choiyong/doc...
This is the right direction. Sorry.
seriously confused as to why u were rejected at gsd. Essay perhaps?
enjoyed your portfolio
Beautiful portfolio!
Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed your portfolio! The assembly of jack shapes was cool (x) - what was the algorithm or design behind their formation? The text implies spinning at some point (centrifugal force)?
Thanks to everyone here for the useful information you've shared, and congratulations on all admittances!
U.S./F/30
Amazing job doing the work, being humble and winning big. You got some tough choices to make! Wishing you the best!
wow go girl. which school are you leaning towards?
Nice job! I would love to see your portfolio if you're willing to share!
Hi, congrats on your acceptances and I'm sure you're thriving wherever you ended up! I also completed GSAPP's Intro program and am coming from a non-arch background. I'm applying to M.Arch programs this year and would love to see your portfolio!
I have a question, now applicants to M.Arch 1 can be one of two things depending on previous background, either architectural or non-Architectural.
so my question is this, does having an architectural background and therefore an architectural portfolio mean you’re providing more relevant content to the admissions team to judged you on? Or does that mean that the technical/architectural aspects of the portfolio don’t matter since they wouldn’t be present in a non-architectural background portfolio?
I think it would be different for each university, but my understanding is arch and non-arch portfolios aren't compared against each other. I would imagine the architectural aspects of a portfolio from someone with an arch background are very important.
I am certain they are in two separate piles
Yes I didn’t doubt the fact that there are. 2 parallel criteria for acceptance for each group, but I was questioning the weight of the portfolio as a deciding factor since it would vary drastically from one group to the other.
For non-background. GPA matters more. Portfolio matters less because most of time it will be less "architecturally impressive". However if your portfolio shows you have the design power, it should override any shortcomings on grades and etc.
“Although we do not give specific feedback on applications you can plan on working on some aspects of your application that you will be able to impact going into the next cycle, like your portfolio, test scores, and personal statement. The online application will likely hold all of your current transcripts and references which you may be able to utilize when the application opens up in September.”
Would this mean that the portfolio, test scores and the personal statement are the only 3 deciding factors on which you can be rejected?
GPA matters while GRE matters less. PS matters.
Order of importance based on every admissions office I spoke to:
Order of importance based on every admissions office I spoke to. I can tell you based on my career background and experiences and my "okay" portfolio, my statements of intent and personal statements we really far for me, and got me a ton of $$$:
1. Portfolio
2. 2a) Statement of Intent 2b) Personal statement
3. GPA
4. Letters or Rec
5. GRE scores (less and less relevant)
About the GPA, I dare a place like GSD to mention it as a deciding factor when they explicitly say they have no cutoff!
No cutoff as in no minimum, but it's still a deciding factor. If you have a low GPA, the rest of your application has to be that much stronger to make up for it, or if you have a 4.0 from a reputable architecture program, you can get away with having a less impressive portfolio.
HI, I had applied for Urban Design Graduate Programs
B.Arch 2018, Mumbai University, India
GRE: V: 152, Q: 158, W: 4.5
TOEFL: 110
IELTS: 8
3 LORs, 1 from Principal Architect in an India firm (Columbia GSAPP Alumni)
2 from Associate Professors in College.
Schools applied to:
1. AA, Housing and Urbanism
2. Columbia GSAPP MSAUD
3. Cornell MSAAD Urbanism TI
4. Carnegie Mellon MUD
5. Georgia Tech MSUD
6. UT Austin MSUD
7. MIT SMArchS Urbanism
8. UCB M Arch 2
GSAPP: A really good overall program with alot of focus on climate change, urban ecology, etc. Loads of employment opportunities and an international travel study.
Cornell: A pretty flexible program, wherein the first semester, people study all 4 TIs and the second semester, they choose TIs. Can choose subjects from the Urban Planning or any department classes too. AAP Connect helps alot too.
Georgia Tech: A good short course with a summer Europe Study Travel program and a lot of focus on retrofitting suburbia, urban ecology and possibility of dual degrees.
CMU: A good 2 year program with focus on computational urbanism, data analytics, UD studios and Real Estate development too.
1. AA, Housing and Urbanism : Accepted ( No $$)
2. Columbia GSAPP MSAUD: Accepted ( No $$)
3. Cornell MSAAD Urbanism TI: Accepted ( $14k aid)
4. Carnegie Mellon MUD: Accepted ( $15k aid per year)
5. Georgia Tech MSUD: Accepted (Aid pending)
6. UT Austin MSUD: Accepted (No $$)
7. MIT SMArchS Urbanism: Decision Pending
8. UCB M Arch 2: Rejected
I really liked the GSAPP, GATech and CMU course as their focus is more on Urbanism and Planning but I got a good deal from Cornell as well. Spoke to students from Cornell, they said the MSAAD Urbanism course can be shaped into an urbanism course by taking the classes we want.
Hi! Are you still considering UT Austin? Did you attend the Virtual Open House on April 4th ?
Hi, Yes I am but I couldn't attend the Open House.
Hi if you decided to go to Cornell, I have a place with a perfect location, located on campus right next to AAP, less than 10 minutes walk to the architecture building. Too bad I signed my lease too early because the place is just perfect, the room is huge, but now I got accepted by a better school. If you are interested, you can email me at limunan96@gmail.com
dv123, I actually led the Graduate Student Panel at the Open House and would be happy to answer any questions here or via email! lmaccora@utexas.edu
I am an MArch student but can forward you to an MSUD student!
Imaccora, thanks! I'll get in touch with you on email.
Hi, congrats! I'm interested in similar programs for next year, can you share your portfolio? issuu link if you have it, thanks!
What are people's thoughts from the "open houses"?
I was very impressed with GSD and slightly disappointed with Yale's. The playlist of videos were nice but GSD seemed to have prepared very well for this with zoom meetings, breakout "rooms" etc.
I like Yale (and lived and worked in New Haven for years) but going on the two experiences I would easily pick GSD.. how do other people feel about the open hosues?
I was quite impressed with MIT's open house, even though a computer screen, one could sense how invested faculty is in their teaching and student strong community bond.
Cornell was much shorter however, they had added so many videos from faculty, students, alumni, and the institution spaces. I truly enjoy it. On the other hand, Northeastern was so sad, a quick one-hour conversation.
After the open houses, I was leaning on MIT but I am still on the waiting-list so hoping for the best.
Same thing. Yale's open house almost just feels lazy. MIT and GSD both have quality open houses. I was super impressed by GSD's barrage of student works which are all super high quality. The amount of impressive works they show is just jaw-dropping, I was overwhelmed by the numbers as well as the quality. MIT's open house focuses more on students's life and less on projects. It is great to hear all the perspectives in real-time.
princeton did not have any students speak which was a bit odd...I guess they are trying to give them a break during this stressful time
I feel like Princeton is pretty inscrutable about their program in general - there's not a lot of info about curriculum, facilities in general - so while I felt energized during the open house that it was a great program, I feel like that is fading with no way to get it back. It also felt very controlled - all the muting/allowing video was controlled on their side, as opposed to MITs very uncontrolled random breakout groups :D Cornell's webpage of video interviews and work was impressive (and mostly put together by students apparently - I really appreciate that the students also seem invested in who is coming into their
program).
@TheArchineer it's funny, I got the same feeling that the Princeton program is fading. I can't quite figure out why, but it doesn't seem to have the same energy as the GSD or MIT. It wasn't just the open house, also the student work and pedagogy seem a bit narrow
Penn's open house was ok. I'm glad they had so many pre-recorded videos for programs and admissions questions, as well as a zoom meeting with faculty where we were encouraged to ask them questions directly. The faculty was very nice too, and even offered to talk to students one-on-one after the sessions were over to ask some more specific questions (which I took advantage of).
I was, however, a bit disappointed that the student Q&A's were just adobe connect chat rooms. Kinda wish those were also video chats. There also weren't any presentations on current student work, just referrals to the student work websites that have been set up over the last semester or so.
is anyone saying no to GSD and choosing yale or am i gonna be alone... lol
Look at you giving them a taste of their own medicine, haha!
No I don't think you're alone.... Some of these people who got into Princeton and GSD chose Yale because of the nicely proportional mid-sized faculty. What made U prefer Yale over GSD though? Your last post seems to choose GSD easily over Yale :)
Yeah I slightly misworded my post. I have a fair amount of knowledge of Yale as a school outside of this year's open house offerings. Lived and worked in new haven with YSoA alums, helped with various studios there etc - so I have a feel for the school and what they care about.
Judging on the open houses alone, without any prior knowledge, I would say GSD blew them out of the water. I fear other prospective students deciding between those two or others would avoid YSoA on it's effort this year, which is sad to me. I'm still deciding myself but I care more about architecture "as a material endeavor" as Sunil said rather than just formal and spatial exercises shown in the GSD student work. (which were stunning btw)
I have two friends who will be choosing YSoA over GSD, one will be pursuing a dual M. Arch/ Master of Environmental Management, and the other is waiting to see if Yale will match Harvard's financial offer. And there was another thread (one of those "which school should I choose?") where the poster was leaning strongly towards Yale, but that was a couple of weeks ago so idk. I didn't watch the GSD open house because I had already decided to turn them down, but now I wish I had attended the open house if it was that good; on the other hand, maybe it's better that I didn't so as not to confuse me.
I have been told by multiple faculty/mentors/alums to not attend Yale due to them not effectively keeping talented faculty/critics. (For the record, they said good things about YSoA too.) Could someone who know better comment on this?
Hi all,
I'm very late to the party, and was working from some pretty restrictive guidelines that meant I only applied to some schools in AZ, NV, and SoCal. Still, here are my breakdown and results in case they help anyone in the future.
U.S./F/26, applying for MArch I
B.A.s in Chemistry and Computer Science/CU Boulder/winter 2017
3.56/4 - 168V/164Q/5.0W - N/A
3 from past professors
Was a little tricky since I had to explain my decisions to transfer undergrad unis from Rice to CU Boulder, to add a compsci degree onto my chem degree, and then to pursue architecture. Ended up framing it as a "journey for identity" - hopefully didn't come across as super pretentious.
I am entirely lacking in any sort of design training (STEMkid), but I have some creative hobbies/background in applicable tech. So, I designed and knitted a sweater, analyzed the effect of a Conway's game of life-type cellular automaton on the population of Seattle, and threw in some sketches and watercolors. I think the project ideas/executions were okay, but I am pretty disappointed with how the final product came out. Graphic design ain't no joke, and my photography "skills" are laughably inadequate. Need to put in some serious work here before my portfolio sees the light of day again...
SCI-Arc, UNLV, ASU, Woodbury, USC
Virus'd; didn't have the chance to visit before lockdown.
I was hugely intimidated by the portfolio process, and could have saved myself a lot of time and worry by ignoring recommendations to look at other MArch I applicant portfolios until I was quite deep into my projects. Recommended order: decide on/complete at least 3/4 of portfolio projects, and THEN look at examples online for help with format, design, feel, and overall theming/cohesiveness.
I don't really regret restricting my search to the bottom-left corner of the US, but I do regret not applying to more schools in CA, like UCLA or SLO.
As for actual usable tips: as always, when requesting letters of recommendation, remember to bring up specific examples of how you excelled in a class/work setting/etc., or anything you did that gives your recommender reason to remember you fondly (e.g., one of my recommenders was working on a book at the time I took his class, and asked us to look for typos and mistakes in sections that he assigned us. I took this very seriously, found a bunch, and later got a nice personal shout-out in the acknowledgements, as well as a strong letter).
I've lived in Las Vegas since last year, but with the USC scholarship (renewable!), USC and in-state tuition at UNLV cost about the same amount. From what I've been able to tell, neither SCI-Arc's nor Woodbury's programs are a good fit for me, and ASU is prohibitively expensive for a location and school I am relatively uninterested in. Are there any applicants, students, or alums out there who were looking at a similar decision to choosing between USC and UNLV, given that tuition cost is about equal? Cost-of-living is cheaper in Vegas (around 70% as much, from what I can tell), but I like what I've seen about and from USC so far. What did you do, and why? Thanks in advance.
congratulations on the acceptances! this is an easy one. USC is by far the best program in your list (UNLV is terrible and you would regret going there). their tuition offer makes going there the obvious choice; not just because it's competitively priced, but because they are clearly enthusiastic about having you.
Thanks for the response! I ended up accepting USC's offer, and am super excited to be starting there in the fall :)
USC has a legendary alumni association called the USC Architectural Guild. The Trojan Family is a real thing that has gotten me multiple jobs since graduating . Plus LA is an architectural urban lab and cultural capital of the US making it the only other city best for studying architecture other than NY imo.
Hello everyone, I made a big mistake and I decided not to go to Cornell.
However, I have already signed the lease a month ago. It was such a good location, pretty much right on campus, less than 10 minutes walk from the architecture building. So when I saw it listed, I signed it immediately. If you are interested in this place, just send me a casual email at limunan96@gmail.com, or reply it here. Thank you
Hey all, first off congratulations to everyone on this thread; it's been a long and arduous journey. I have decided to go to GSAPP after weeks of being torn between different choices. It was not my initial top chocie but I can't complain.
Looking forward to meeting fellow new students who are also going to Columbia. If you have recently committed or know someone who has/will, feel free to hit me up (just shoot me an email). Or if anybody wanna just link and talk, lmk!
Peace out application cycle 2019-20 :)
hey chuckluck. I will join GSAPP this September as well. Looking forward to meeting you then!
hey jack_arch, good to know! hope to see you around :)
A little late to this but...
24/M/Pakistani-British
BA Economics and Chinese / Georgetown University / Spring 2018
3.75 - 164V/158Q/4.0
2 university professors (History and Chinese), 1 from an architect in Pakistan that I worked with for a year
Wrote about some activist work I engaged in with local artists and architects in Karachi, Pakistan.
A mix of work (fairly theoretical) but with a focus on my work as an artist. Some of it was quite personal.
It's been a tough choice and my top two options are Yale and Rice.
Anyone else making a similar decision?
Congrats on these!! yup, I think all of us are. What were your thoughts on the USC open house Webinar?
I was in your position last year! Grad school is a hard decision. I ended up picking UT Austin, and am currently a student in the MArch program. UT is truly a holistic program with incredible relationships with the architecture community. UT encourages both theory and practice and this year had over 100 firms at our career fair. So far I've loved UT! If you want to ask me any questions about the program, you can email me at lmaccora@utexas.edu ! I would be more than happy to help :)
Struggling with final school choice, would appreciate if anyone wants to weigh in on this.
I'm between GSD and UT Austin, both for M.Arch 1. The biggest pro of UT Austin is that I'm a TX resident, tuition is super cheap, and if I can become a TA school will become practically free. It's a good program, but probably more chill and a bit less rigorous. Conversely, GSD is well-known for being at or near the top in terms of architecture education. I did get a pretty good scholarship offer, but it'll still come out to about twice as much as UT cost. My main goal from school is learning how to be a good designer, learning the design process from multiple angles, learning how to consider many applicable factors in a design (holistic design), and hopefully one day opening my own studio and returning to teach architecture. I'm 95% sure I'll pick GSD at this point, but I guess I'm dragging my feet because back when I couldn't even dream of getting admitted to GSD, UT was my top choice (also that Boston winter is rough). Best of luck to everyone else on their choices! Hope you aren't as confused as I am haha
Hey csss, I’m in a similar tough spot. UCLA has offered my significant fellowship awards for first two years plus cash stipend in the first year. Super prestigious, rigorous education and theoretically stronger
on a resu
if your end goal is to run a real architecture practice one day, ut is a better bet. you don't want to end up in the world of the gsd, running the coastal elite rat race to make pennies at a starchitect firm that knows shit about how to detail a building. you will learn more about buildings and business at ut. not to mention it would be great to be financially solvent and not have worthless debt when starting a business. i'm sure the gsd is alluring now, and you will enjoy it while you are there, but soon after graduation you will realize how much less the name matters than you thought you did, and the only tangible thing will be the wages you have to fork up every month, for years, to pay for the degree.
Hey csss, I’m in a similar tough spot. UCLA has offered me significant fellowship awards for first two years plus cash stipend in the first year (and assured me that I'll be able to get funds in third year). Super prestigious, rigorous education and theoretically stronger on a resume. Then, suddenly, UNC- Charlotte came and offered me the "Holy Grail" of graduate funding: All tuition and fees (including out of state) paid, plus health care, plus a full living stipend $19k ALL THREE YEARS!! Obviously, it doesn't have the UCLA name, but it is a solid program that will be part of the narrative within a few short years. The new, young, faculty are amazing, nearly all Ivy league educated... I told a friend of mine who's an architect at a top firm in San Francisco, about my dilemma, and he said absolutely go to Charlotte. He said becoming an architect will never be worth the debt, and that the prestigious school name won't get us nearly as far as we think it will (unless we intend to work in academia, which it sounds like you do). So considering all these things and quality of life in Charlotte, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with UNCC, and graduate debt free and have the freedom to do what I want with my education without the burden of debt. (gonna DM you with some personal notes and ideas.) ... Side note: UT is an amazing program, you'll literally go just as far with an M.Arch from there as one from GSD. We gotta really live in the "reality" of that. Everything else is hypothetical.
joey, you are making a wise choice; you CANNOT turn down the opportunity to make money while attending an march program.. it's virtually unheard of, though it's the way it should be. congrats.
Thank you @square, I really appreciate that. It's been a mental wrestling battle with my own ego and the promise of prestige, but I'm finally getting over that, and Like I mentioned above. Learning to live in REALITY!!! Literally every architect I've spoken to or chatted with online, says they regret the tremendous debt.
@ csss I agree with the others, an M. Arch from UT will be just as valuable as an M. Arch from the GSD, so if the name is the only reason you're leaning towards the GSD, it's probably not worth the extra cost. If you have other reasons for wanting to go, then I guess it would depend on how quickly you think you'll be able to pay off your debt. Starting your own firm would be more difficult when carrying student debt. I'm not familiar with UT's program, but I turned down Harvard because the student designs seemed decidedly unholistic (though beautifully constructed/rendered), more of a "walls and within" approach to architecture. Which is a shame because they have a strong landscape program and a decent urban planning program, I would like to see more overlap. @JoeyThe Giant, NC is beautiful, congrats!
@csss I am currently a student at UT, and I'll admit I was also tempted by the Ivy Schools. In my experience, being in a practice vs being a professor are two very different things and are often hard to align. That's why I am so impressed with UT. Most of our professors ARE architects. That can be rare to come by in academia! I'm not super familiar with GSD specifically, but I do know that if you want to be a professor, having an Ivy Masters degree seems to be pretty important in academia. That's what I was told by my undergrad professors in Architecture, and witnessed as well as what seems to be true at UT. However, most professors that have Masters from Ivy Schools in my experience have never truly "practiced" as an architect. Most of them do academic studies. However, UT in many ways is perhaps the better choice in regards to practice. We were named the #1 "Most Hired From" school in DesignIntelligence this past year. That includes Ivy schools. UT's program is certainly well regarded, but I believe we got these accolades because of the school's connections and devoted alumni. In terms of rigor, UT can be in some ways less intense, however, architecture school is really what YOU make it. Personally, I enjoy a bit of a less tense environment because it allows me more freedom in studio to explore my ideas. But that's definitely a more personal decision only you can make! I truly wish you the best! You have two very amazing options!
If you have an questions about the program, you can email me at lmaccora@utexas.edu ! I would be happy to help!
Thanks @LeMe! I’m starting to get excited. Leaving LA is well overdue. I hear nothing but good things about Charlotte and NC.
GSD is my vote especially if you want to teach. GSD is the gold standard of architecture pedagogy and all of my professors at USC went to GSD and now have their own practice in LA. You will be pushed by your professor and peers to be the best designer you can be-hence the high quality work coming out of GSD. You might be even able to take courses at HBS while you're at GSD.
Very late as well but I'm looking for advice, so:
24/M/Canadian
BA from the University of Toronto, Majoring in History, Minoring in Urban Studies and Astronomy & Astrophysics, Spring 2018
GPA: 3.67
GRE: 169 Verbal (99th percentile), 162 Quantitative (79th percentile), 5.0 Analytical (92nd percentile)
All from UofT professors: 1 from a senior member of the history department, one from a professor of architectural history, and one from a professor of astrophysics.
My personal statements were quite different for each school I applied to, but all of them emphasized my diverse interests, and how they have prepared me (intellectually, artistically, and personally) to study architecture. I also talked a bit about my home city of Toronto, and how my dissatisfaction with the built environment here has fuelled my interest in architecture--more specifically, how I think we as a growing city have a lot to learn from the successes and failures of cities both larger and smaller than us.
Since I come from a non-architectural background, my portfolio was kind of pieced together from the various visually-focused hobbies I've had over the years. Some drawing, some painting, some digital 3D art, etc.
MArch 1 at YSOA, GSAPP, GSD, and University of Toronto's Daniels Faculty; MA Research Architecture at Goldsmiths, University of London; MA Architecture and Historic Urban Environments at Bartlett School, University of London.
Wasn't able to attend any due to COVID-19. I've found the online open houses interesting, but I don't know if they've really helped my decision all that much.
I haven't heard from the British schools yet, and probably won't for another couple months.
I don't know if I have any tips. Really, I'm looking for tips!! I got into GSAPP last year as well (with $18,000 annually), and had to decline my offer because I just couldn't afford it. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to do that again. Even with the Avery Scholarship, Columbia's high tuition, combined with NYC's cost of living, put it out of reach.
Right now I'm leaning towards Yale, but I'm still not sure. I have to say, forming a definite opinion all of these programs based solely on their online resources has been difficult. I think I have an idea of the advantages of each, the pedagogical approach, the culture, etc., but it's hard to tell for sure. So, Yale looks great, but I'm still having a hard time justifying the (still quite huge) debt I'll have to take on to go there.
UofT is, by comparison, cheap. $11,000 CAD per year, and I could live at home. But I'm not finding its program as exciting. Of course, the fact that I did my undergrad at UofT and know it well is probably also contributing to that fact. It's not new to me.
What do you all think? If money weren't an issue, I don't know whether I'd choose Columbia or Yale. I spoke to the FA offices at both to see whether there were any prospect of increased funding, but both turned me down. Is the cost (at least for Yale, which is a bit more reasonable) worth it?
UofT is middle of the pack (on a good day) when looking at Canadian M.arch programs... forget about it if you can get into a US top school for cheap.
Would reapplying next year be an option for you? I do not really see a point in taking out crazy loans for any graduate degree especially since the cost of living still needs to be factored in (but this is a personal choice). Schools like Rice, Princeton, and MIT tend to give out generous awards.
@sylly I already did that once. I was admitted to GSAPP last year and declined because of the cost. I also got into UofT then, but decided to give the American schools another shot. It seems risky to do the whole thing a third time. True, I wasn't even admitted to YSOA last year, and this year I'm in with generous assistance, but even so, I'm not sure I can do better. All of my applications this year already mentioned my last year's experience of having to decline an offer for financial reasons.
Hey! Any thoughts on your final decision? Looking at your options it seems like Yale made the best offer
Hey! Believe it or not, though today is decision day, I'm still not certain! I have a call with Columbia later today, so you never know...
I had a similar call but decided to go with Yale, hope to see you there if you end up going!
My call actually ended with Columbia offering me a full ride so that's where I'll be going! Tough to turn down an offer like that!
Late to this thread but looking for some advice as well...
28/F/Asian
BBA in Finance / NTU / 2014
3.2 - 157V/164Q/AW2.5 - 107
2 university professors from Finance dept.
1 former employer (also worked in Finance dept. before)
Mainly about my past experience and how I ended up deciding to become an architect.
As my previous major is a bit far from Architecture and neither much experience in the relevant practice, my portfolio was mainly about personal projects related to my past experience and interests.
I was not confident with my background and a bit desperate, so I applied to a huge amount of schools (all M.Arch1) listed below...
Wasn't able to attend any as I am far from the US
I would say spend the most time on the portfolio and statement. Those are things really speak who you are and make you unique. I enjoyed the time when I was preparing for my portfolio and that made me even more resolute to the decision I have made to pursue architecture. I am thinking maybe the admission committee did see that from my portfolio since at the time applying, my past experience seems to be pretty irrelevant to architecture.
Thanks to this forum, I was able to get lots of useful info. I will be much appreciated if anyone can give me some advice on making a decision.
I am now choosing between Umich and UT Austin. It looks like I am more leaning toward Umich but considering the tuition in UT is only half of the tuition in Umich, it's really a tough decision.
Also, I am wondering if I choose to study in a town or smaller city, would it be difficult to find a job in the big city in the future? If the answer is yes, maybe I will have to reconsider it.
What do you all think? Any advice will be appreciated.
I work in San Francisco at a big AEC firm, and there are quite a few U Mich grads there - don't worry about getting a job because companies do recruit from good universities. A big difference outside of programs themselves is the weather in Texas vs in Michigan. Winters in TX are mild and summers pretty hot. Michigan winters are brutal cold with lots of snow. I ended up deciding to go with GSD, but the UT campus is very nice and when I was considering going there I was excited about the campus, the weather, and the overall atmosphere of being in Austin.
I agree with @csss, though Tauman is an amazing program, the winters will be awful. You’ll much more enjoy life at UT.. It’s the second most global/international student body on earth.
@lin000 I am currently a student at UT Austin. I am actually from the Midwest, grew up in Ohio and got my BS in Architecture at OSU. I will say that the Midwest can get very cold and dreary - on of the reasons I decided to come to UT for grad school. U MICH is a really great program, so many are! But the truth is, you have to be comfortable where you are living. UT Austin is also an amazing program. We were just named #1 Most Hired From school by DesignIntelligence this past year. We had over 100 firms at our career fair including SOM. A few weeks ago we had a UT Austin Grad speak to us who is working at Snohetta. In terms of job credibility, I truly believe UT is hard to beat for the price. Congrats on your options! If you want more info about UT Austin you can email me at lmaccora@utexas.edu, I would be happy to help!
Undergraduate Degree/ School/ Year graduated
B.A. Studio Art, Architecture/Sustainability (individual major) / St. Olaf College / 2018
GPA - GRE - TOEFL
3.9 - 168V V, 159 Q, 4.5 W - NA
Letter of recommendations
Originally, I wanted to diversify my recommendations (between employers, professors from different fields), but then I realized that I should really only focus on who will write the strongest letters. This ended up being three studio art professors with which I had very strong relationships.
Personal Essay/Statement
First, my statement focused on why I would be a good FIT for the school, not how great I am independently of them. I highlighted the specific research/studios/professors that aligned with my experiences and interests. In doing so, I talked about my experiences, my strengths and my interests in a more seamless way.
Second, as a studio art major with very little architecture/design experience, I knew that I would only stand out if I highlighted how I was DIFFERENT. I focused on my experiences in studio art and construction. To the extent that I mentioned design, it was only to describe that I created my own major during undergrad... something distinguishing about me.
Finally, I tried my best to show, not tell.
I knew I couldn't compete with students from architecture backgrounds, so I didn't try.
Portfolio
My portfolio was about 50% studio art (from undergrad and an post-grad artist-in-residence program), 40% architecture, and 10% construction/building projects and occur in that order. Initially, I planned to do an even split between the three topics, but then I realized that I should prioritize STRENGTH over VARIETY within my portfolio. My best stuff came first.
Schools
I threw a very wide net when applying because I really couldn't tell how "strong" of an applicant I was. Schools listed below:
UMN, UIC, IIT, Tulane, Georgia Tech, UVA, UNCC, UMD, U Penn, Yale, Princton, GSD
Yes, that was very expensive...
Open house impressions
I didn't visit any schools before I applied.
Tulane - This was the only in-person visit I was able to do. What a stellar program! Very small, cooperative, warm and creative. It seems like Tulane puts its money into faculty and scholarships, not their facilities (which were a bit lacking and cramped). They are doing a renovation though, so this should get better. The program has a strong environmental/social justice lean and is EXTREMELY well-integrated with New Orleans. At times, however, it felt like this focus eclipsed its role as a DESIGN school... which worried me. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone though.
(I also had the pleasure to meet our very own JoeyTheGiant. He is a super cool guy and we have remained in contact since)
Georgia Tech - I was only able to see their virtual open house, but I supplemented it with many conversations with students and faculty alike. Overall, its another really strong program. Their facilities seem top notch, faculty are approachable, distinguished and their studio culture seems very healthy. While not to quite the same extent as Tulane, Georgia Tech maintains great relationships with Atlanta and the SE and it's highly regarded in these areas. The are a research/technical university so they definitely have a strong focus in that department with well-funded labs and lots of student engagement. If you aren't as interested in tech or research, I don't know if you'll gain the full benefit of the program but I would still recommend this school to anyone.
GSD - Another virtual open house, but a stellar one at that. The faculty and students involved were polished and prepared and left a very good impression. They devoted a lot of time to explaining the core curriculum and showing student work, which I really appreciated. Of course, it's the GSD, so it has its own gravitational pull in many ways. The faculty are scary accomplished, the building is iconic and their network is broad and strong. There are definitely a few egos there, so if that bothers you, perhaps steer clear. I've also heard mixed things about their studio culture... a bit concerning
Results
UMN - In with $$$
UIC - In with $$
IIT - In with $
Tulane - In with $$$$
Georgia Tech - In with $
UVA - In with $
UNCC - In with $
UMD - In with $
U Penn - In with $$
Yale - wait-listed
Princton - rejected
GSD - In with $$
After much consideration, I'm going with GSD. Wish me luck (I think I'll need it)
Tips
Focus on your strengths. If you have a non-architecture background, don't worry! Just do the things that interest you and document them well. Architecture admissions committees will consider you in a holistic way.
I gave myself two years between undergrad and M.Arch. This was a lovely time in my life. I learned a lot, had a lot of good experiences and I do not regret it at all. I'll risk sounding cliche, but it's not a race... its a journey, so try to take some time for yourself and enjoy it.
I have found that phone/Zoom conversations with students and faculty are the best way to learn about a school. They are better than an open house and certainly better than email. It can be intimidating but it's worth it.
Thanks y'all!
congrats on all the admits AclayPigeon!! And thanks for the shout out :) It Would’ve been epic to study with you at one of our two overlaps but stoked to visit you at GSD. Thanks for hearing me out through all this and being an amazing and wise sounding board through this decision process. You are wise and brilliant beyond your year. I mean it. Wishing you all the best!
I got admit from both University of Michigan as well as Washington University st louis for the master of architecture - 2 year program. Got no funding at UMich whereas have gotten a funding of 32 k at Wustl. Torn between both the schools. Please share your views regarding these schools. Any input would be very helpful to make my decision
easy- washu. great school and they gave you money. another way of thinking about it is a school that gives you money wants you there, whereas on the other hand, if you're given no money, you're more or less filler
Thank you for ur input.
Program wise do u happen to know which is stronger ?
And also more flexible ?
these are extremely subjective questions.. both schools have proven to be "strong" programs. follow the money.
Okay thanks a lot for your thoughts
Agree with Square on this one. Two equally incredible programs. Love them both. I’d say WashU is a no-brainer! (Weather + Cost)
I just know UMich is known for their focus on robotics and fabrication. So if fabrication is your thing, UMich for sure.
Princeton vs GSAPP? Both 3 year M.arch programs. Princeton - Full tuition + stipend. GSAPP - half tuition.
Princeton, I mean they are giving you full tuition + stipend.
Vastly different programs if you don't take money into consideration; depends on what you like. But damn, full tuition at Princeton that's hard to turn down
damn do u mind sharing your portfolio? really curious as to how to get in to princeton. and if i were u id choose princeton
this is an obvious troll. no one who is accepted to princeton is ignorant of the fact that gsapp is a vastly inferior program. the suggestion that someone is struggling with the choice of paying less for a better school is either a blatant lie or a pitiful attempt at a flex, and in either case it should be ignored.
Lol GSAPP is a vastly inferior program?? how so?
*not affiliated in any way to GSAPP just genuinely curious about how you'd back up such a claim
I find it sus that GSAPP does not provide good merit aid.
Best advice I ever heard: no graduate degree is worth paying for.
You meant "no graduate degree is worth paying 100k for" or "no graduate degree is worth paying for?" I would beg to differ if its the latter one
It's never too late, right?
Hope it'll be helpful for future TU Delft candidates, and perhaps it'll help me find some of my soon to be colleagues\friends :)
Israel\F\27
BSc Architecture (4y), Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Will obtain my diploma in the near future.
94.2\100 - n\a - 105
n\a
Followed TUD's requirements. Tried to give specific and personal answers to their questions, and to elaborate on my academic experience and its relevance to the research conducted at TUD.
https://issuu.com/meitartewel/docs/portfolio_tudelft_meitartewel
I really tried to follow TUD's requirements and meet all of their evaluation criteria (academic approach to the subject of architecture, knowledge of applied building technology etc). The portfolio contains 5 of my most recent academic projects, three of them are personal projects, some of them were not even finished by the time I've applied. I was trying to form a clear narrative to each project (this is how I generally work), and to express my thinking process through words and sketches. I could've keep working on the graphics of some of the projects, but I wanted to submit my application as soon as possible (since it's a rolling admission for EU applicants) and figured it's probably good enough for what they're looking for.
Only applied to TU Delft (architecture track). I know it's risky, but it was the only program that really made sense to me (other than staying at the same university where I did my Bachelor's). I hold a double citizenship (Israeli\Dutch), which makes it very affordable for me. I've also considered ETH (but I don't speak German) and AA\UCL (too expensive, and also it feels to me that they are much more representation oriented, while Delft is more design oriented).
Didn't attend it, but I did get to visit BK City (Delft's architecture faculty) two years ago when I was in the NL. I was stunned. I've heard a lot about the faculty from some of my professors and colleagues who studied there, but being there was just an extraordinary experience for me.
Got my admission letter this week! :)
Applied in mid February, took them exactly two months to send me their decision.
Get to know the school and make sure you really follow their instructions! They are clearly stating what they're looking for, and that was probably the most useful thing for me in this long process.
Oh damn! congrats!! i also got accepted to Delft. I really like BKCity and the modelmaking culture. However im not going there because of the more conservative culture shown by the student works... i understand its not for everybody but definitely it is for you! although i really like the berlage... so i may apply for the post professional program in berlage :)
Thank you very much :) Where did you end up going?
Are there any other students here who have committed to Penn as of now? I've been talking with some other committed new students about setting up a chat room for all of us on Discord or Slack. Contact me if you'd be interested.
I've committed to Penn but for MLA. Still up for joining the chat room though!
Dont worry, I've set it up for all programs, heres the link for the discord: https://discord.gg/2VgzfV
Have any students that accepted Yale set up a group chat? Or is anytime interested in one?
hey man sure thing! through what?
lets do it!! how about whatsapp?
GroupMe
For Yale SoA Incoming Class
be careful. i did the same and this site freakin closed my account
whatevs im going to do it again
Did anyone hear back from washu after submitting the form to commit? I got a receipt for my deposit but havent heard anything else. Also is there a group chat already for incoming students?
Sharing it forward! I reference these forums over the course of my application process, happy to add to the bank of shared information for future applicants!
Background
BFA / NY specialized university / 2016
Academics
3.77 - 170.156.5
I studied a mid-amount for the GRE? I spoke to some friends who have been on the other side of the application process who said that the GRE mostly factors into decisions around funding, and can sway your eligibility for certain scholarships.
Letter of recommendations
I did a bit of strategic selection around recommenders, looking for connections between some of recommenders and the different programs (ex. having been invited to lecture etc). Also, some schools seemed to really discourage recommendations from your professional career which I tried to oblige.
Give your recommenders lots of notice! I started the process in August/Sept and shared both drafts of my application materials with them as soon as I could.
Personal Essay/Statement
This is the area where I found it so helpful to visit. I went to most of the schools I was applying to in the spring prior to my application season. While at each institution I took lots of notes about both big feelings and small details (interesting idiosyncrasies to the curriculum, conversations I had with students, how the studios are set up etc). I also took a decent amount of photos of things I found interesting. These notes both helped my decide where to apply and then were distilled into the part of my statements that was school specific.
I determined what brought me to applying, what questions I want to study through grad school, and a rough idea of what I hope to do afterwards. This core collection of language I molded around the school questions and augmented with detailed observations about why each program was a good fit/why I wanted to attend.
Portfolio
I broke my portfolio into formal project sections interspersed with dense thematic collections of more loose, sketchy, documentary, process work. This isn’t something I’ve seen in browsing other portfolios, but it felt right for the applicant I am and the work I wanted the admissions committees to consider. This is just to say that I don’t think there is necessarily a right or wrong way to build your portfolio, especially for us other-background students, as long as the form is considered and feels cohesive.
Not comfortable posting publicly but happy to share via dm
Schools
MIT, Princeton, GSD, YSoA, UMich, UCLA
Results
Like Kingsessing above, funding was my most important factor. They are all spectacular programs and I really believe in the flexibility and agency that low to no student debt affords young architects. I’ll also post actual numbers with context, in case it helps anyone trying to negotiate their packages.
MIT: In with full scholarship and 5k stipend
Princeton: In with 95% scholarship and 3k stipend
GSD: In with full scholarship
YSoA: In with 25,000 scholarship
UCLA: In with in-state tuition + professional fee covered for 3 yrs
UMich: In with 48,000/year scholarship.
Tips
I'm going to MIT in the fall, very excited. Good luck y’all!
Wow, I did not know that everyone at MIT is guaranteed a half ride! Also Princeton too. I didn't know they offer this much! GSD offers little to none scholarship in recent year s to my knowledge.
I think the MIT funding varies from year to year? I can't confirm, I was simply told as part of the admissions process that this year they opted to spread their funding such that all students received 50% tuition scholarships.
Princeton historically gives very high aid to the M.Arch 1 program, slightly less to the M.Arch 2 from what I understand...
Of course none of this information is really acknowledged in the application process because for some reason money is not supposed to matter, only pedagogy? Silly.
Thanks for all the insights! And Congratulations on your offers. Could you please share your portfolio for a reference?
Has anyone here accepted UC Berkeley for the fall? Is there an email list or group chat for those students?
Congratulations everyone!
I plan in asking my school to put all admitted students in a group email so we can get to know each other. That’s probably the best way. You could ask to school to send out an email asking all students who’d be willing to be put in a group email chain to reply saying so. OR ask the school to create a Facebook page that you can follow. I know Facebook is archaic, but it’s useful for stuff like this
I asked my school to plan out some zoom meet and greet sessions
Good Idea, I'll do that!
Hey, I have accepted UC Berkeley for the fall. No, I don't think there is any mailing list or group chat. I have sent you and email, check that!
I was sent a cohort list by the Department of Arch for the M-Arch I ! I'm wondering, what made you settle on UCB ??
Is anyone thinking of deferring or reapplying again in the fall? I got into UW, which is my no. 1 choice, but have not gotten any funding. I'm committed to the school but due to COVID19 and (mostly) funding it is very unlikely I will be able to attend. Just wondering if there's anyone in the same boat.
Hey cellophane, I seem to be in the same boat! Have you accepted your offer at UW?
Hey! I accepted my offer. But between now and September is looking really bleak as I'm about to be unemployed tomorrow unless my department can convince HR to reinstate my position. I guess the only thing I can do now is to wait it out and see what happens. I hope you're doing better!
Hey Cellophane, by any chance you have deferred your admission or re-applying for the fall of 2021?
Cornell AAP
Has a Princeton group chat been set up?
hey fellow 2020 cohort friends, if any other M.Arch 1 applicants (with no prior architecture experience) had their summer “boot camp” prep-course canceled due to COVID-19, I have a friend who will be teaching private tech courses/tutoring online. He’s a second year M.arch at UCLA who also holds a B.arch. He’s already teaching Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop. If there is interest, there is potential for aftereffects, premier, and grasshopper... super talented, brilliant dude. I gain nothing from sharing this info other than wanting us all to succeed.. here’s his email: Mjacob22@g.ucla.edu .. his name is Morgan.
Hi all, I'm hoping that everyone is staying safe during this desperate situation. It's been tough.
Taiwan/24/M
I've been working and doing some mandatory military service after graduating and it's been a long journey.
B'Arch/ FengChia University/ 2018
3.3/4 GRE V141/Q152 AW3.0 (it's terrrrrible I know TOEFL 100
2 professors (design instructors) 1 friend of my parents
Well, I guess the most important thing to do here is to figure out your strength and emphasize them. Start with your family with their influence on you and your academic achievements during school. Be sure to include any struggles and how you overcome those hardships.
Portfolio
MIT MArch, MUD, Harvard GSD MArch, MUD, SCI-Arc MArch2, UCLA MAUD Mobility, UW MArch2, UCB MUD, Art Center Transportation Systems and Design
Offers: SCI-Arc MArch2 (No $
UCLA MAUD Mobility (No $
UCB MUD (No $
Art Center TS&D (18k for 2 terms
Acceptance : UCB MUD
Sorry guys this is the updated portfolio link without permission access.
Sorry guys this is the updated portfolio link without permission access.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18R8sqXGlJge_qifwphgApBBhIWU0PDt9/view?usp=drivesdk
@Andy - enjoyed your portfolio and approach to the personal statement - you made a great choice in Berkley and will enjoy the time Best wishes
Thanks Ted! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Interesting choice...I would've taken UCLA over UCB unless you're interested in sustainability...
Has University of Michigan released its decision for the waitlisted candidates for the M.arch program ? Any idea guys ?
They don't release decisions on waitlisted people all in one batch. That's the whole concept of a wait list: it's people held in reserve in case spots open up. Sometimes spots open up at the very last minute (especially likely this year because of all the uncertainty - some people will probably change their minds pretty late), and some years no spots open up, or so few that the administration doesn't deem it worthwhile to fill them.
hello guys ... i want to study maad (masters in advance architecture design ) suggest some good unviersity it ll great for your help...
thanks for the help!
Hello! Have you looked into the MAAD program at the University of Texas at Austin? The program can be completed in 3 semesters. I am currently a student at UTSOA in the MArch program and I love the quality of education here! If you would like more info, I would be happy to help!
Hello everyone!
Congratulations to everyone! I have been waitlisted to Yale March ll and was wondering if anyone else is in the same position? Is anyone planning to reject their placement? Thank you!
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