Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
University of Southern California (USC)
Tulane University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Temple University
University of Oregon
Cranbrook Academy of Art
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
Kansas State University
M.Arch Fall 2022 Application Status
Hello everyone,
This thread is for all of us M.Arch applicants to share our application status and decisions:
Hey there!
I'm about to attempt GRE the coming week.
TOEFL I've not yet attempted.
How about you?
I'm quite stuck at University selection.
I mean whenever I ask for University suggestions people in the US give me a list of top 10 unis which are Ivy League, I mean no offense to them because the unis are amazing and their programs too!
But unfortunately I'm not that amazing for affordability, performance and capacity to deal with the tedious programs is in question.
If you've some Unis you're going to apply to would you mind to hook me up with it? I'd be eternally grateful!
Also, I didn't know this thread existed! Thank you!
How do you afford to pay for it? Is it purely a rich young persons profession? I've worked tangentially in the profession but couldn't afford to study, got hired a lot but it's a disconnect for sure in terms of access.
Education loan, it's a risk worth taking if you don't have a license. If you have worked in the profession you might have a solid portfolio and good practical knowledge, that way you may be eligible to apply for scholarships.
Interior Design Major @ Wayne State University
Not taking it
Two professors and a mentor
I have two projects that I feel are pretty strong, but I am struggling on what else to add to it.
- Taubman College (Umich)
- Virginia (UVA)
Not sure where else to apply, if you have any suggestions let me know.
Only attended the Umich one and was really impressed.
I'm a second year M.arch 1 at UNC Charlotte, it's pretty damn good. Many of our faculty are Ivy League grads so it's similar education but 1/4 the price, even the out-or-state fee is low compared to others. It's intense and i love it!
Idk why a lot of my text got deleted.
But here's the updated:
Interior Design Major @ Wayne State University
GPA: 3.40
Not taking it
Two professors and a mentor
Wrote about my interests in architecture are and what led me to those interests.
I have two projects that I feel are pretty strong, but I am struggling on what else to add to my portfolio.
M.Arch 1 Programs:
- Taubman College (Umich)
- Virginia (UVA)
Not sure where else to apply, if you have any suggestions let me know.
Only attended the Umich one and was really impressed, especially with the student work.
Oops just saw this is your updated post...... I'm a second year M.arch 1 at UNC Charlotte, it's pretty damn good. Many of our faculty are Ivy League grads so it's similar education but 1/4 the price, even the out-of-state fee is low compared to others. It's intense and i love it! -- side bar, our current website sucks and is being painstakingly updated, it does not properly reflect how amazing the program is.. you can find our IG tho to see some student work if that helps.
Non-professional architecture bachelor's / Canadian school / 2021
GPA 3.83/4.00 - GRE V158 Q163 AW5.0
3 past instructors, one who taught at GSD, one who taught at YSOA.
Mostly discussing my specific research interests and my background.
25 spreads: 2 academic projects, 1 research project, 2 personal projects.
M.Arch I at Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Berkeley
:( COVID
TBD
I can tell by your name that you are a man of high stature *tips hat
Out at Berkeley. Waitlisted at Yale.
In at Harvard
Congrats!! Did you get an email or see it on the portal?
Congrats!!
Thank you! Portal update, no email.
Congrats! do you happen to go to u of t?
Nope!
I'm not answering personally identifiable questions haha
Waitlisted at Princeton
Same here - waitlisted at Princeton. Do you have a preference for your apps?
Whichever school gives me more aid
Did you end up accepting GSD?
B.Sc. / Canadian University /2021
3.94/4.0 - Didn't take it - NA
3 of my instructors
Contains info about my background and interests in the field.
Varies on the school, but it's 20-30 spreads and contains academic projects, drawings, objects, and a research project.
M. Arch I at:
-
TBD
I wish I knew...
What did you Major in? I'm applying from McGill with a B.Sc. in CS. (graduated 2021 as well)
hey it was in architecture, so sorry for the delayed response btw i haven’t check this thread in a while. definitely pm if you have any other questions!
final results:
GSD - OUT
Berkeley - IN (no aid)
Yale - IN ($$)
Princeton - Waitlisted
GSAPP - IN ($$$$)
MIT - assuming out since i haven’t heard from them :(
Congrats! Waiting for gsapp
thanks! im sure you’ll get a status update soon, best of luck!
I got admitted to TU Delft (Urbanism track). Waiting for some aid
Congrats on all your result!! That's amazing!!
Hey! I am applying to GSAPP and GSD as well…I am a bit confused with the portfolio sizes..I understand you are using spreads…what size is a single page in the spread?
A page to a spread, is half of the spread. Depends on your ratios.
Hey all, I am applying to the graduate school of USC; I needed to know if anyone has applied there and if so, how did you guys upload the portfolio, each image file?
yes
Hi there, I am wondering if there are anyone who try to transform to Human-Computer Interaction or Information Studies？As I am going to apply these programs.
wat?
yes
B. Design in Architecture /University of Florida / 2022
GPA 3.8 / 4.0
1 from former GSAPP Instructor and 2 from UF studio instructors
Varies based on school requirements. Base portfolio is 20 spreads, 35 if there was no page limit.
GSAPP, Princeton, Pratt, Parsons, CCNY
GSAPP: I'm partial because I studied there over the summer. Very inquisitive people and are open to a lot of design ideas.
I also attended Pratt open house. They seem future-forward and tech-y. But their tuition is very high.. Something for me to consider.
TBA
Any update regarding GSAPP ?
Yeah I want to hear from GSAPP so badly!
In Parsons
In Pratt ($$$)
Out Princeton
Waitlisted GSAPP
B. Arch | SPPU | India
GPA 8.771/10 - 306 - 106
2 mentors and 1 professor
Varies based on school requirements.
UT Austin, USC, Clemson A+H, UO, RIT, Virginia Tech, PSU
I really don't know what this is
TBA
Results?
B.A. Economics and English / Columbia / 2020
3.4 - NA - NA
2 Former Professors, 1 Summer Studio Instructor
personal reasons for wanting to pursue architecture. how my studies informed my understanding of architecture.
3 Summer studio projects, 1 professional, 1 personal
GSAPP, GSD, Yale, MIT, Pratt, Parsons, RISD, Penn
TBD
taking a summer studio was very helpful for me as a non-background applicant
In at Yale
in at Pratt with scholarship
I’m at GSAPP, parsons
Out at gsd, penn, risd
Hi there congrats first of all! may I ask how you found summer studio projects?
Congrats! May i ask, did u get an email regarding GSAPP ?
@hollyl I found the summer studio projects definitely demanding in terms of time but very much attainable without any background in architecture.
@manalalg I got an email with a status update
Thanks for the reply! And how did u search for it? Did u just search online?
BS Architecture / umich / 2022
3.77 - N/A - N/A
Two from professors (one director of undergrad architecture program) and one from my boss
Talked about my interest in the biological and ecological elements of architecture
I included 3 studio projects (all tied to my general interest in the intersection between architecture and biology/ecology), 1 design competition, and a collection of photography
- Berkeley
- UCLA
- GSD
- GSAPP
- Yale
- MIT
zoom university ;/
Hey ham, let’s catch up somewhere on uMich?
Architectural Studies/ UCLA/ 2022
3.9 & no gre
2 faculty & 1 professional
the fluidity of facades, juxtaposition with hyper-normalization in surreal environments with agency.
3 ug courses & professional work
Yale
Taubman
Yale: interesting atrium
Taubman: Love the shared studio spaces
i guess we'll never know
keep a legible portfolio & do not overload it :)
Architecture/ NUS/ 2022
4.5/5 - NA - NA
3 Studio tutors (1 Undergraduate Programme Director, 1 Masters Programme Director)
I wanted to convey the uniqueness of my learned, architectural insights from living in an equatorial urban sprawl on the other side of the world. It was important for me to demonstrate how I've taken these insights and transmuted them into my own methodologies of designing, and that I have something to offer as an ethnic minority to the wider pedagogy of diversity and inclusive architecture.
7 Academic projects that I felt could articulate who I am as a designer and an individual.
GSD, MIT, Yale, GSAPP
Only attended the GSD's one. I particularly enjoyed some of the works shared by current MArch students, especially one of them whose projects displayed a fine finessing of space I'll never know if I'll be able to attain.
A mix of nerves and anticipation. I won't be too disappointed if I don't get what I want anyway as my school has already quite a reputable MArch programme (ranked 6th globally) that I'm already enrolled in.
Remember: the worst thing that can happen is that you tried.
I would advise you to start your portfolio EARLY... I went through countless rounds of deliberating how I wanted to narrate each project, and even now after having done all my applications I'm still not entirely satisfied. And as a lot of people have said - treat your application as an entire package. I had a particularly difficult time with this, but what I can tell you is to find the balance between reverse engineering and personal inclinations and hold it steady there. Lastly, I placed a lot of weight on my recommendation letters, and I feel you should too. My recommenders were notified in late August/September, which may be too early for some. However, all three of them submitted the letters on the last week of December, which was too close a call for me. The earlier they know about your application the better so that they can be given a longer runway to reflect on your work.
Best of luck to all!
I didn't expect to see a fellow NUS batchmate here! Best of luck!
Wow! We need to link up and have a chat.
Sure, I'll drop you an email soon!
B.S Arch / DAAP at UC / c/o 2022
3.2/4 (I know) - didn't need - didn't need
1 Studio Professor. She was from India and got her PhD from M.I.T
2 lead architects at the firm I co-op'd at for 3 years. One was the founding P.A. of the famous firm.
1 Director of my design school at DAAP.
Spoke about my life purpose, and how grad school is my next step. Also spoke on my career, and life goals as an architect. Went into specifics about the role I wanted to fill, and the architecture I want to provide.
23 spread, consisting of 5 undergraduate academic projects, and 2 QR codes that lead to my professional work. Stills and Films. There is an underlying theme that unites the entire portfolio, and it is realized through design, layout, and text.
https://issuu.com/matrixmoon/d...
UC, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Sci-arc, Cornell, PRATT, R.I.S.D, Columbia, Tulane, Georgia Tech, Rice, and University of Miami.
I am applying to a ridiculous amount of schools, and it is because I honestly see a lot of benefit to such a wide net. I know not everyone can do this, but this was my birthday and christmas present from all of my family. I think my portfolio, P.S, and recommendations give me a chance to get into each school, although some are more likely than others. I am looking for the best fitting experience to help me reach my goals. I applied to the Ivy Leagues because of their endowments and other resources. I believe if I get in at some of those schools, I will have an excellent financial aid package. Hopefully. What my decision will come down to is money, location, and time. I honestly would love UM. They have the least amount of respect amongst the other schools, but I could get good money, advanced placement, and the chance to live in one of the best cities in the world.
N/A
Awaiting currently
Start Early. Revise, revise, revise. Look at tons of precedents. Make your portfolio what you think it should be. Let it speak to you.
good luck fellow bearcat!
Thanks! Are you in this graduating class?
First reply back. Got into Tulane with $$ and the 2-Year track.
Also in at U Miami with $$ and a 2 year Track
B.S. Arch / DAAP @ University of Cincinnati / 2020 (rip)
3.6 / 4.0 - 169v/160q/ 4.5w (wasn't required anywhere but a lot of schools were still looking at it, and I had a good score so why not)
One professional letter from a design principal at a fairly prestigious firm I co-oped at, three from former studio professors. One prof has a fair amount of recognition but the other two are not super well-known, but were great profs.
I really want to research housing solutions, especially co-housing, so I wrote a lot about that and the impact that I think design can have in that sphere.
22 spreads, 4 studio projects that best illustrated my skills/design interests, an independent study project into the future of lighting, an interesting professional project that mixed preservation, development and masterplanning that I had a large role in.
I'm at work rn so this link is a few drafts behind but is essentially what I applied with: https://drive.google.com/file/...
WashU, USC, GSD, UMich, Parsons and RISD
Virtually attended all that had them except for USC. Very impressed with GSD and RISD in particular.
Fingers crossed!
As everyone else has said, start EARLY. If you're like me your portfolio and essays are never truly "done", there's always something that can be improved. If you're working full time or still in school while applying I would start by at least late summer, as work and classes can quickly eat up a lot of time. Also, go to as many school portfolio reviews as possible! It was super helpful to get input on my portfolio from professors at places I wanted to attend.
In at RISD with advanced standing and $, in at Michigan but waiting for letter with financials
Out at GSD - a bummer but life goes on!
I’m in at uMich as well, let’s catch up somewhere :/
Sure, just sent you a message!
I am in at UMich as well, waiting others
feel free to send me a dm kmarch!
In at WashU, 3 yr program
me too! are you planning to attend the inperson open house?
Yep I'll be there!
final rundown of my app cycle: OUT at GSD, IN at Mich 2 yr w/$$. RISD 2 yr w/$, USC 2yr w/$$, Parsons (never checked if it was 2 or 3 year lol) w/$$, WUSTL 3 yr w/$$$. Ended up picking WashU! Good luck to everyone wherever you end up!
Hahaha! I just asked if you are applying, and here you are! Check your messages Nate, lets talk
Guys, anyone knows how strict is the portfolio page limit?
I have a hard time trying to shorten the pages to the school's requirements... I have like 1 or 2 spreads more than they ask for. I cannot cut down more without disturbing my narrative.
Will it be a deal breaker? (maybe not for most schools, but I don't want to leave a impression of not following rules)
It isn't a deal breaker, but it will be noticed and noted. If your portfolio is the same quality as someone who followed the rules, they will get the nod.
Can this also include MLA and UD applicants lol? I don't want to start a new thread but I'm curious about others applying for related programs and when they're getting their acceptances.
I just extended the UD version
https://archinect.com/forum/thread/150253071/mla-maud-mup-mdes-fall-2021-application-status
oops! from last application cycle nvm
Where all have you guys applied? UD?
Deen Bandhu Chotu Ram University, Murthal, India - 2021
GPA - 8.13/10 around 3.5/4 - GRE - 145V and 151Q 4AWA - TOEFL/ IELTS - TOEFL 105/120 25R 29S 27L 24W - IELTS - 8 Band 9L 8R 7.5S 7.5W
Masters of Urban Design - All urbanism related courses
5 LORs -
- One employer, alumni from Columbia GSAPP; one researcher published in Elseivier and one architect
- 2 instructors - from college
- Talks about me, my love for streets, and my goals and aspirations along with their alignment with the university.
30 spreads for Harvard, changes according to the university portfolio guidelines.
3 academic projects (urban thesis + 2 Urban design projects)
3 research projects (2 urban researches + 1 urban documentation)
1 competition (urban pocket design)
2 office work (general office work)
- MIT, SmArchS Urbanism
- Harvard, MAUD
- Virginia Tech
- uPenn
- Taubman (uMich)
- GeorgiaTech
- Uc Berkeley
- UCLA
- Columbia
- Carnegie Mellon
Attended the Harvard Open House that was held virtually as well as the UCLA Virtual Open House. Loved the conversations by the faculty on the projects and their own research work
following
Out at Penn :/
IN at CMU
uMich requested a call.
Awesome, that's a good sign right?
I’m not sure. Someone told me that they call all the applicants to know more about them.
follow up
Accepted to UoM with $$$
Congrats!! I'm currently an undergrad there, I'd be happy to try and answer any questions you might have about Taubman
Hey, that was University of Miami, however I have applied to Taubman as well. Waiting for the reply from them. In the meantime while I wait, I would love to have a conversation about Taubman as a school. I also had an interview with Kit McCullough at uMich.
how did they contact you at UM?
Hi, University of Miami or Michigan?
Miami, they mailed me an acceptance letter. And Taubman they mailed me for an interview
Congrats! That is the earliest I have seen outside of Berkley! I didn't even know you applied to miami based on your list.
Yeah, this was one of my safe option, so didn’t mention. Miami was real quick. I’m glad tho
Got into UIUC, not mention of Scholarship tho
Got a call from uMich, got into the MUD program.
Hey @ham17, can I contact you now?
Sure send me a direct msg
Out at H
Out at GSD, heartbrokennnnn
Hi anypne here applied to RIT or knows anyone pursuing M Arch in RIT
Undergraduate Degree/ School/ Year graduated
B.S Arch, WUSTL 2022, international student
GPA - GRE - TOEFL
3.56/4, N/A, N/A
Letter of recommendations
3 school instructors (1 studio, 1 architectural history, 1 archaeology)
Personal Essay/Statement
how I became interested in history and theory/preservation, identified the faculty research I'm interested in
Portfolio
4 individual projects, 1 group project, 1 research project (minimum process and physical models, lots of texts. don't know if the schools will like it but that's my style)
Schools
GSD MDes
Yale M.E.D
Columbia MS Historic Preservation
UCL MA Architectural History
Cambridge M.Arch, MPhil Architecture and Urban Studies
Open house impressions
N/A
Results
Out at Cambridge (expected. You are recommended to choose a potential supervisor when applying. I contacted the faculty and didn't find a proper supervisor but they told me to apply anyway. But in this case the chance is small)
Waiting for all other programs
Tips
will update when more results are released
I am also applying to MDes at the GSD. Best of luck!
https://archinect.com/forum/thread/150253071/mla-maud-mup-mdes-fall-2021-application-status
oops from last app cycle nvm!
Undergrad Degree/School/Year Graduated:
B.Arch, School in TX, 2019
GPA - GRE - TOEFL:
3.327/4, 153VR 156QR 4AQ, N/A
Letters of Recommendation:
One from my former boss in a planning position I worked in after graduation, one from a studio professor I have kept close contact with and worked with for a couple summers, one from my former studio professor/thesis advisor, and a backup 4th option from a studio professor I’ve had great feedback from.
I originally started with the first three, but brought in the fourth option to ensure that all the recommendation requirements would be fulfilled on time. One of my first choice recommenders took a very long time to get back to me. In the end they all submit letters on time, and I ended up with 4 rather than the required 3.
Personal Essay/Statement:
I wrote about how my interest in landscape architecture blossomed from my education in architecture, highlighting my thesis project centering around a major restorative landscape component. I wrote about the impact my position working on planning brought forth an interest in community development and working on more interdisciplinary work rather than solely architecture.
Obviously included more on my passions in landscape architecture and architecture, as well as my career goals.
Portfolio:
The requirements varied between schools, in all I included my undergraduate thesis project, and 3 other studio projects. I included a range of hand drawn perspectives, 2d drawings, analytical collage drawings, and renderings. I took time to supplement my projects and play up the landscape component in many of them, as there was not enough time or focus during the semester to do so. In a couple of schools, the page count was more substantial, and it allowed me to include a spread highlighting the work I did in my planning position. Overall I am pleased with the result and believe it should my interests and skills beyond solely architecture.
Schools:
Harvard GSD, MLA I AP
UPenn, MLA Second Professional Degree
RISD, MLA (hoping to pursue the MLA/MMA route f I am admitted)
Yale, M.Arch II
Univ of Washington, MLA
Univ of Oregon, MLA
Open House Impressions:
I did not attend any open house session but did speak to some people at a couple of schools.
RISD- Extremely impressed with the emphasis on bringing skills in from outside of the landscape department. I am intrigued by the intersection of art and landscape and think this could be a great avenue for public art work. I’m also interested in tying film into landscape architecture, potentially delving into the documentary space in relation to landscape and design. Their MLA/MMA program in partnership with the University of Rhode Island sounds great, and would really supplement the interdisciplinary nature of the profession. Their program is small and I think could foster great relationships and partnerships.
University of Washington has the Applied Research Fellowship that I was fortunately nominated for by a former professor. It seems like an amazing opportunity to gain credible research experience. I am intrigued by this, being that you still will complete a thesis. Overall seems like you would leave well equipped to continue on the research/academic route, which is one thing I am interested in.
Results:
Still waiting, but I know we’ll start hearing back any second now! Will definitely update as they come in.
Tips:
As many said, start early! I would reach out to recommenders ASAP and begin working on drafts of your writing and portfolios as soon as possible. Most of my recommenders requested to read/see a copy in order to present a similar idea and story in their letters. While you obviously cannot be involved in their writing process, it is important to have them informed of how you are presenting yourself.
Reach out to recommenders soon to avoid delays, and include 1 or 2 backup plans.
Wishing everyone the best of luck, and hope to see amazing news up here soon!
Hi everyone! Congrats to everyone on their acceptances! I finally had some time to come back and update the status of my apps
Oops, posted too soon.
Did it again— RISD in (with about 60% funding), GSD in (with about 60% funding), UPenn in (with about 30% funding), Univ of Washington in (with 100% funding for year 1 and ARC fellowship year 2), Univ of Oregon in (with no status on funding yet), and out at Yale (Expected tbh)
Undergraduate Degree/ School/ Year graduated
B.A. Architecture / International / 2022
GPA - GRE - TOEFL
~3.6 - Not required - 115
Letter of recommendations
3-4 professors, all studio instructors
Personal Essay/Statement
Spent approximately 3 weeks working on them. I had an overall structure, but the specific contents were tailored for individual schools. I talked about my interest in public architecture, and the socio-political nature of spaces. My undergrad's scope was broad enough, so at this stage, I'm still really open to exploring my interests either through theoretical criticism, computation or fabrication etc.
Portfolio
I included 6 studio projects, from freshmen spring semester till senior year fall semester. Also included a film project on the side.
Total of 30 spreads, including front and back cover.
The film and most of the studio projects related back to my core interest in the intersection of space and socio-political issues. The others projects also helped display the breadth of my design/making process (eg exploration of materials, narratives, etc.)
Schools
All M.Arch I programmes, (w AP wherever possible), RIBA Part 2 for AA.
Taubman, UMich
GSD
Yale
MIT
Princeton
Architectural Association
Open house impressions
Didn't attend any due to the time difference. Did a lot more research through official platforms and reached out to school alumni at my prospective grad schools.
Results
to be updated
Tips
I can't emphasize enough the importance of starting your application prep early, and staying organized! I suggest using spreadsheets to track all the official deadlines and create personal checkpoints to complete. Some deadlines include (Portal opening/deadline, app fee waivers, portfolio/essay/LoR submission, financial aid app, english tests, etc.) They're also super helpful in flashing out any details you've missed out.
I've been consistent with preparing my portfolio since freshman year but I still felt time wasn't enough. I spent an additional 4 months redoing lower year drawings and tweaking layouts (e.g. Princeton needed letter-sized paper vs A4).
Also, I've heard the essay/statement of purpose is becoming a more important factor in applications! Don't dwell on the past, but talk about exactly what you want to explore in grad school and beyond. Be sure to research enough on school faculty/research initiatives etc to show that they're aligned with your personal ambitions.
Approach your recommenders early. I planned for about 6 weeks: 1 week for their agreement, 1 week to discuss my grad school plans with them, and 4 weeks for writing. I've heard this isn't a very important section of your application, just make sure you don't miss the deadlines.
I've been a long time lurker of this forum, and I wanna give a huge shoutout to everyone before me for all their useful tips and advice.
Good luck!
Update: In at Yale!
have you heard anything from Yale since the status update?
I haven't
Not yet. I'd say give it another week?
I just got the letter from Joyce Hsiang mentioned in Dean Berke's acceptance letter as an email. It mentioned that FA info will be sent out by Mar. 10th.
Congrats on Yale! Any results from the other schools?
thanks for all the tips! Congrats
DId anyone receive an email from any school?
There are a few schools that have replied. Which ones in particular are you asking for?
MIT, SCI-Arc, Yale, Upenn, GSD, GSAPP. ......
uPenn says 10th March is the date of notification. GSD should be in the first week of March. Otherwise, UCLA is partially out, so is uMich, UIUC, Berkeley (March) that’s it.
I got a call from Sci Arc on Monday and my friend got a call yesterday. Both accepted with scholarship for the first year
Sci Arc for MArch? I applied for design of cities
Yes MArch 2
Yale has sent our some
Applied: Berkeley, Cornell, GSAPP, Sci-Arc, RISD, Syracuse
Accepted so far: Berkeley M.Arch 1 and Sci-Arc M.Arch 2 both with scholarships
Congrats! Are you an international student or domestic?
Thank you! Domestic :)
Hi! Congrats! May I know if you were notified by department email? So far I only heard from the department but no acceptance email from admission office yet. Btw, i'm an international student.
I’m in the same boat as you (international applicant) waiting on admission office letter. I think that one indicates funding which
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for.
I heard from the department (Berkeley) on the 11th and got the official letter on the 14th. Maybe you should wait for a couple more days?
Accepted into Cornell and RISD with $$
congrats!! also got into sci-arc with dean's scholarship, waiting to hear back on the applied scholarships too... was thinking to ask them for an increased amount as its still necessary for me
Hi y'all thanks for sharing, I have been looking at this forum and previous years, so even though I am a very a-typical candidate thought I d share.
Bachelor Design (Arch) 2007
Master of Architecture (Design) 2009
Australian university
We dont really have GPA in the same way my grad school equivalent would be 3.8/4.0 - didnt do GRE or TOEFL
I struggled with this, it has been so long since uni, my professors were happy to do a letter but wanted me to coach them on what I had done at uni. because its been over a decade since I finished my masters I opted not to do this. I think this may be my weakest point and potential downfall because I took the approach of emphasising how I work with collaborators, not what they typically want I know, but most reflective of what I have done since uni - and the more academic work I do now.
former boss - managing principal of top tier NYC & Toronto archi firm + adjunct prof at an ivy knows my technical and architectural design skills and advocacy both in the office and in the profession generally.
a client/collaborator who commissioned me to do some work with the National Gallery in Australia and is connected with the community led projects I had done adjacent to architecture. (I am interested in developing community-led approaches to design)
a collaborator - an architect who went to Cambridge and is part of a collective I formed about African urbanism (speaks to my interest in diaspora)
a collaborator - film maker who I did a mapping film-making project of Black Diasporas in New York
Tailored each essay to the school and the professors I am interested in. The intro and conculusion tied my background in with my interest in the school and profs - focussing on my interest in investigating community led design process and equity in the built environment. I spoke about equity in the built environment through my own lens (gay African-Australian immigrant living in NYC) It may have been too much for some, but again it is who I am and the projects I have done both in and out of traditional practice (or at least the way I think about them) reflects this - I hope. Spoke a bit about being a licensed architect (I have been for a while) not sure if this counts as a positive or negative. Maybe they ll think I m too old now to be doing this... eek.
The statements took me a month - pretty much 20 hours a week, I m not the greatest writer (as you can read) so this was a feat and a half. In the end it was extremely formative for me whatever happens - I got to know myself better lol - very weird to say that.
Standard 30 pages everywhere except Columbia (max 20) Website for Media Lab.
I only put 2 built professional projects, I have contributed on teams on some major NYC projects including an airport, performance center and convention center (in my cv). I chose not to put these in the portfolio but focus on the Canadian civic project (federal) that I worked on, and a transport project (train) here in New York because these spoke more to connections with community. Dont know if this was a good choice.
Showed the mapping project I worked on and my advocacy through a collective that shows more nuanced representation of African cities.
Then I looked at projects I worked on during the two years I ran my own practice, including down sizing a house without moving, some competition entries that provided community led approaches to design, and a cabin- relating to understanding Indigenous Knowledge systems.
In the end this process was extremely helpful to me in understanding who I am as a person and professional (weird I know) but over the last decade all I have done is work without taking a step back to see the arch of my 'story' or where i want it to go.
I think almost all are a long shot for me, but I shot my shot:
MIT Media Lab
Harvard GSD - MDes
Yale M Arch II
Columbia MS AAD
Cornell MS AAD
(All online this year - where I went)
MIT had no open house, very unapproachable it is very competitive because the Media Lab gives a stipend and tuition is fully paid.
Harvard GSD was my top choice after the open house, I have read a lot of not great opinions on the Mdes -about too much freedom in choice- but to be honest this made me more keen on it. I believe we need to re-consider the way architecture is done. I also think this re-consideration needs the skills of other disciplines which is why most of my other projects are collaborations with film makers, artists, social workers, psychologists etc.
Yale - also an amazing open house not as stuffy as I thought, the school seems small so my chances are slim, but the session with March II and the students made me believe the school is truly trying to de-colonize.
Columbia - less impressed with the open house - the school felt a little under resourced. I went to 3 sessions over a month and a half and asked to be connected with alumni which only happened a month after I applied despite sending follow up emails and promises from staff. No issue with them saying they could not connect me if it was going to be too hard, I would have just tried myself - which I did in the end. Having said that it wasnt for a lack of effort on their side I think it was just time pressures. I m still not sure this program is for me because of the lack of opportunity to define and follow one's own research interests (so its a negative for me in all the opposite ways the MDes doesnt suite some of the critics of its flexibility)
Cornell - did not see any information about an openhouse - for me the same issues as Columbia on flexibility.
Waiting anxiously, very anxiously.
MIT Media Lab results come on the 28th but I know I didnt get this because I got through the first round but never got an email to attend an interview after the second. All the blogs say if you dont get an interview you are out.
Start early! Also my mentee is applying for almost all the same programs. I think she gave me the best advice: 'be yourself what will be will be'.
Sorry this is so long I use this so often and rarely come across more aged applicants like myself so either way I think it may be useful to some one else.
Good luck everyone!!
in at Cornell with $$, dont know funding for Yale. Good luck to everyone with GSD
out at MIT media lab
Congrats on Cornell!! How did they contact you? Did the ApplyWeb portal status update?
I got an email with the letter.
In at GSD with $
amazing! congratulations, i also received GSD but no $... may I ask whether they offered you a substantial amount and if you are domestic? x
hey it was very little, I am international, they dont give internationals much aid generally i hear.
Congrats! Did you hear from GSAPP MSAAD yet?
Hey sorry for the delayed response I did get into GSAPP, I heard around the time you posted.
Hey, congrats. I'm from Australia too (Asian background). Also got into MDes and MSCCCP
in at Yale, still in shock!
Wow, congrats!! Was it a call or email?
Thanks it was an email! with a status update.
Congratulations
Congratulations!
Has anyone heard back from MIT M.Arch I? One person posted an acceptance on GradCafe but didn't say anything. I know they started sending out acceptances last year on Feb 25th so they should be sending them out soon.
I haven’t heard from them either. Mine is SMARCHS Urbanism tho
I am mostly an M.Arch 1 applicant. My undergraduate degree is in Art History. I applied to 10 schools. I have only gotten 4 acceptances but honestly, I doubt they are any worthy as all of yours.
I am still waiting for 6 decisions.
I am in at
University of Oregon
University of Colorado Denver
Woodbury
New School (which I wont take seriously)
I am really waiting on Sci Arc and USC. I feel discouraged now.
There's no need to get discouraged. I believe Colorado Denver and Wooodbury are great schools. If you get in Sci Arc or USC nothing like it. Have Hope
Does anyone know the chances for the waitlists for Yale March2? I feel like not too many people give up a Yale offer so it pretty much means rejected:(
The same people who have gotten into Yale will have likely also gotten into competitors like Columbia or Harvard so of course not everyone will accept the Yale offer, which is why they waitlist some people. So there's definitely a chance. However, I will say this, if you have been waitlisted at Yale, you have a pretty good chance of being accepted into the other schools you have applied to, assuming you've applied to more than Yale.
Thanks! Congrats on Yale! Are u M1 or M2?
Thanks. I'm M1
Does anyone hear from MIT SMarchS Urbanism yet ? I saw in previous years they start interviews during mid February so I’m quite anxious not hearing from them at all:(
Same, same. I would love hearing from someone about the SMarchS Urbanism. Also GSD releases results in the beginning of March. Any ideas when should it be?
Previously GSD always releases in the first week of March, mostly 3.1-3.4. I’m guessing this year is the same
This is all so stressful :(
Do they also hold interviews for SMarchS Computation or other streams? Or is it just Urbanism?
Did SMarchS Urbanism ever require interviews? I thought they were only conducted if necessary...
I read on the old forums that sometimes they interview Urbanism students. I haven’t heard any interviews happening this year at all.
I read on the old forums that sometimes they interview Urbanism students. I haven’t heard any interviews happening this year at all.
B.SC in Arch at Ga Tech
3.55 - Didn't Need It - N/A
3 Professors
I wrote about my unique experiences growing up that have shaped my career path and how that has affected my trajectory and why the specific grad school matters to that end and even how the insights from my experiences will be my contribution to the school.
6 studio projects, some at length and others briefly.
Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Columbia, Cornell
I went to last year's not this year. Most of what I heard was stuff I could get from the website. The open house just expands on the information I already know
In at Yale, Waiting on others
Start early, at least 3 months ahead of time assuming you already have a decent portfolio and are in the art/architecture world, otherwise start even earlier. Take the time to work on your wording on the portfolio and organize the whole meaningfully, not just to make it look nice. Don't just focus on providing final renders and drawings, but provide in process drawings or drawings that describe the project thought process. Work and rework your essays, it takes time to get the wording right and to convey what you mean concisely (Being concise matters). Give yourself the time to read and re-read the essays over a period of time and to get input from others. Make sure at least 1 other person reads your essays and looks at your portfolio, hopefully more than one person and ideally people who have gone to at least one of the schools you are applying to.
Best of luck!
In at cornell with $$
Out at GSD
We have identical results so far! I’d love to get in touch if you decide to go to Yale (I’m 98% sure that’s my pick??)
Congrats! Absolutely, here's to hoping for good funding!
Fingers crossed! I'm surprised it's been taking so long when every other school released decisions with FA attached.
Update: Waitlisted at MIT
Update: In at Princeton - Funding TBD
Congrats! What is your top choice? I have similar results as you, except waitlisted at Princeton!
Thanks, I haven't given it much thought yet, the only thing I know is that it will likely not be Cornell given the low funding and not getting advanced placement. Still waiting to get the final news on Columbia and MIT. Once I have all the information I can begin to decide.
Update. In at Columbia with $$
Congrats! Same here. Pretty excited about this one.
Congrats to you as well. How do you feel about the funding? Were you able to get decent funding?
Congrats! May i ask, did u get an email regarding Colombia?
Thanks, I got an email saying there was an update to my application portal.
Hey @MTTS, has Princeton updated you on the financial package?
Yes, they gave me 85% funding.
Hey Congrats MTTS, what program from GSAPP did you get your acceptance from?
MArch1
Hey MTTS, may I ask why you passed up on Yale from last year? Was it personal, or did you want to try again for GSD/Princeton/better funding, etc.?
A circumstance prevented me from going so I had to reapply.
Final results: GSD: Out, MIT: Waitlisted, Yale: In $$$, Princeton: In $$$, Columbia In: $$$$
Did you get any contact from mit?
No, but I didn't. If you are waiting for them, you should reach out and make your continued interest known.
Has anyone received calls/emails from MIT about it's M.Arch 1 program?
I don't think so. I haven't seen any posts on grad cafe and I check about 6 times a day, but I assume it's go
ing to happen within the week.
received a call sunday
Wow what did they tell you?
essentially just let me know that i was accepted with a scholarship and an official email would be sent in the coming weeks.
Has it updated on the portal for you
?
Any view on this need some advice...
choosing NYIT's ms in architecture, computation and technologies (55k usd and 2 year course) or going for march in australian uni mainly UTS, UQ, UNSW with 2 year course and 40k usd tution???
hmm, I am Australian so can speak a bit to this, there isn't as much hierarchy with Aussie unis, all the programs would be fine, although opportunity wise I d stick to Melbourne (centre of Australian design) or Sydney (financial capital - largest city). Also if international Australia has a much more open immigration policy than the US. I dont know much about NYIT as a school, so wont comment on that, but I really enjoy living in NYC for connection and some access to some of the greatest minds. Dunno how helpful my comments are.
Thanks for the response, yes im an international applicant. my consultancy IDP said my marks are v low to get waiver for sydney. hence i have not applied there and also AUS admissions is majorly on gpa as they dont ask lor sop. my key interest is computational architecture and this nyit provides that course but the uni is not as big on the like of UCLA UPENN ETC and its in ny to. i wanted to know whether getting into the mentioned AUS unis would be benificial w.r.t salary or taking the us route? UQ had given avg salary as 55k aud for architect
I m not sure its easily comparable because cost of living and general life is so different in Australia as compared to the US.
Has it updated on the portal for you
?
Whoops, ignore ^
Hi all,
i was offered a US$11,000/Semester tuition scholarship for 5 Semester with Pratt MArch (1st Professional). Is that a good scholarship amount?
They list the tuition for the M.Arch 1 as $55,552/year, so that would leave you with around $33,552 in tuition costs. Which means they offered around 40% funding... Does anyone have experience negotiating with Pratt?
If anyone applied to Austin you should check the portal they posted the results. I didn't get in and an pretty bummed because I thought we were a good match, but oh well on to the others. Congratulations to everyone that got in!
Same with me :(
Same
Same w me :(
anyone heard from gsapp?
from what I've heard they tend to send decisions later in the month, like 3/19 or so. but that's just based on last year...
Anyone heard from Cornell?
A few people on here and on GradCafe already got acceptances. I haven't heard anything from them so far though. This
has me a little a scared, can't be a great sign.
Cornell sent out the MArch (1st professional) degree’s decisions yesterday
Does that mean people who didn't get it already got rejected?
Grad Cafe is a really good resource for looking at current and previous year trends for acceptances/rejections. There have been a number of acceptances reported for Cornell this year but no rejections or waitlists. This holds true to previous trends. Cornell over the past couple of years released decisions 2-3 different times over a 2 week period, where they do 1 main round of acceptances, 1 round of rejections and waitlists and another smaller round of acceptances. So, no I don't think it means just rejections are left. However, I don't want to get your hopes up.
Cornell's M.Arch program is also smaller than I realized, so they likely need to do batch decisions based on how many students commit in the first round of acceptances.
Hello,
I just got accepted from University of Michigan, Taubman College, Ann Arbor for Masters in Architecture, Advance standing. Also, I wish to contact anyone else who has received admit to this program.
Hey I got into the MUD program. I have a friend who is currently doing a dual degree of March and MAAD there
Would really want to connect with her regarding the course curriculum. If possible can you please help.
Hey her name is Stuti Bindlish, give her my reference on LinkdedIn maybe.
Thank you so much :) Will try to connect with her..
Can you also connect on LinkdeIn...
Could you find me there, I’m by Sanah Mengi
has anyone heard from MIT smarchs? when do results typically come out?
Waiting for the same
i saw that results came out the week of march 15th which is the third week of march. maybe too earl y to start getting anxious haha
Waiting till 14th March then
In at UMich and Ohio State, still waiting on MIT and UPenn, happy to connect with anyone else who got in :)
also applied to Yale but sadly rejected :/
last year MIT sent decisions in february, i guess this year is late?
Update - just got accepted to UPenn :)
Hi, What program did you get in? March or MLA? I got admitted to Upenn's MLA program in Feb, but the school told me that the architecture program's decision are coming out in March 10th.
MArch! I wasn’t expecting a decision until the 10th either but got a surprise email saying I’m in but the official
letter and financial aid info will still come on the 10th
Has anyone else not yet heard from Pratt? Does this mean likely rejection?
I haven’t heard yet either. It looks like only a few acceptances have been given out so I’m not considering it a rejection yet.
Talked to Pratt, they said they give out letters slowly. One day at a time. So everyone should hear from them by April 1st
also waiting! : \
just heard from pratt! hope y’all did too
Has anyone else been waitlisted at SMarchS AD?
Any accepted AD students looking to decline their offer?
is smarchs already out? i didnt get any email
did your status on gradapply change btw?
The portal doesn’t show anything
someone I know also got waitlisted for SMarchS AD. Do you have any idea how is the ranking on the waitlist?
I was informally waitlisted a few days ago, and formally an hour ago via email. Portal still isn't updated.
That's strange. when I got waitlisted for SMarchS a few years back, I just received an email asking me if I wanted to join the waitlist; not sure I see the point of informally telling someone they're on the waitlist. This year, I haven't gotten any notification email, phone call or otherwise from SMarchS.
however, I remember seeing a post that mentioned that different SMarchS groups work and notify applicants at different times.
@I.M.Pain Could you DM me I have information about the SMArchS program, this stupid page won’t let me DM you
Would you mind trying to DM me? I also applied and would like to know any information you may have, but not sure how DMs work. Thank you !
Same I’m not able to DM anyone.
I was able to DM you, did you receive it?
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