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
UT Austin or Penn
hi all, I’m down to two schools for M.Arch and have just a couple of days left to decide. I have merit scholarships at both, making them both affordable and about the same cost.
I am leaning toward UT because of the work they are doing, they have a strong program, I have been to Austin and think it would be a great place to spend a few years and just because… I for whatever reason like the idea of UT.
However, I recognize Penn is one of the top-ranked programs in the world and I am concerned not choosing it would be a mistake. Would it?! I know they are well-known for helping students end up with very impressive portfolios and they have a wide alumni network. Additionally, People keep talking about it being an Ivy and prestige and I get that but.. I don’t really care about that. I do care about my future career trajectory though.
I would probably like to end up in Chicago long-term (though not certain) so one doesn’t have a location advantage over the other there
Would I walking past a great opportunity by choosing UT over Penn?
Thank you for your input!
Have you studied what your housing and transit situations would be in Austin vs. Philly? They are very different cities.
I am
Are there specific studios offered at either of the institutions that you really want to take? Are either of the class sizes more reflective of the experience you want? I think it is also a big decision on where you want to spend the next two years of your life, apart from the architecture aspect of it. Although you may not end up in either of these places, quality of life during these two years is still something to consider.
If you want to end up in Chicago, you'll be fine with either. I'm not sure UT-Austin has an alumni group up here, but I know several Penn alumni here in Chicago. Basically which program do you like best/do you want to live in a state that is stripping away rights.
TEXAS, the arm the fetuses state! Certainly that's something to be proud of! eye roll...
To be fair, left-leaning politics are dominant in Austin and probably on the UT campus. But it is undeniable that a hard-right cohort is currently running the state government.
Agreed, OP are you ok with becoming a parent in grad school?
go with your gut instinct on this - there is no extraordinary advantage to penn. it's always a mistake to follow prestige over what just feels right to you. neither one will give you a golden ticket to success - but either one will give you an adequate combination of education and network.
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