Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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M.Arch 1 Pratt Vs. Michigan
I am having a hard time choosing between Pratt and Michigan for an M.Arch 1. I have a non-architecture background, and I was recently accepted into these programs, UT Austin, and am currently waiting on GSAPP.
I received acceptance to Pratt with a $96,000 scholarship and a $30,000 scholarship at Michigan (trying to negotiate and get this a little higher)
Although both programs seem to have different pedagogy's and stylistically produce different work, it seems to me that both are producing great work that I would happy to be a part of.
What worries me is that I have read on this forum that Pratt's grad program is disorganized and difficult at times for students. I am hoping someone could give me incite on this topic. How big of a difference will it be (skill wise and job-prospect wise) if I go to Pratt over Michigan? Will I have a bad experience if I choose Pratt? It seems like Michigan is held with greater respect, and I have read comments from many that Pratt is viewed by New York firms as being "out there" and undesirable. I don't know if this is true, and am hoping that someone could give me insight on this topic.
Like I said, I like the work produced by both programs, and I find that they both have solid faculty. But coming from a non-architecture background, I feel that I don't quite have the analytical eye necessary to discern nuanced differences between the schools and, importantly, which program is producing valuable graduates to the architecture community.
My main goal is finding a program that can get me up to date on theory, history, skills, and practice so that I can be a productive member of the architecture community.
How much debt would you be taking on at either school with current scholarship?
At Pratt, very little if any debt with the money I have saved up for grad school. I am currently negotiating with the admissions committee at Michigan for an increase in scholarship. At Michigan with 30,000, I would definitely be in debt after college. However, I have been in contact with a student in a similar situation who was able to negotiate an increase in scholarship money, so I am hopeful in that regard
...and where (geographically) do you hope to end up living / working?
I would like to work in the east coast. I've heard differing accounts on the subject, some saying that Michigan has a better reputation among firms there, and some saying being situated in Brooklyn at Pratt increases those chances, but I have not yet been able to find any clarification on the matter.
To clarify, it seems to me that B.Arch at Pratt is well regarded. I am worried about the rep of M.Arch 1, particularly for those coming in without a background
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