I'm just a high school rookie. But I'd say if you try to squeeze something 3-D in and it sucks, it'll hurt you instead of help. Stick to your strong points.

But I'd get a second opinion. Afterall, I still can't walk around without a hall pass.

What do you mean by 3D stuff? If you are referring to computer models then I agree with hallpass kid...don't throw in shitty computer models stuff just to get it in there. I don't think they would expect to see it in portfolio from a student without an undergrad degree in Architecture. You're right, they are going to be able to tell if you have talent, the medium is irrelevant. Computer modeling is a flashy medium that wows those who don't know anything about it. You can teach a monkey to do it if you can get them to sit still long enough. Highlight your strong points. Its not quantity its quality. I think most ivy schools will be open to the diversification you’ll bring to the college.

totally agree on that, I made the mistake of putting some stuff from an architecture class i took although my background is painting/drawing and i think it hurt, although it wasn't bad, it wasn't as good as some of my paintings. so stick with the strongest stuff rather than the archt stuff if it isn't as strong.

i got in with a portfolio made of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpture. all the architecture-related stuff that i had were a model, a photoshop rendering, and some sketches for a final project. not much really. just show your thought process and work the design and text really well. and keep text to a minimum, let the images speak for themselves.

about the 3d stuff - i actually had 3yr work experience in it. however, i didn't think any of the stuff that i had fit in or was good enough, so i just left it out. just add that as a skill on your resume.

yeah, and they have to be rendered with HDRI, or you won't get in...

no.

Some general info that you might find useful when preparing for your portfolio. Like dmc mentioned, show your thought process. Design is not only about drawing/artistic ability, it is also a process involving both analytical thinking and problem solving.

Portfolio do's and don'ts from ASU:

http://www.asu.edu/caed/sala/program/graduate/m_arch/portfolio.htm

Example images:

http://www.caed.asu.edu/architecture/portfolio/port_good_ex_web/index.html

I'm getting a BA in art and a BA in architecture and just got accepted to Yale. I put in entirely drawings and diagrams not from arch classes yet they still focused on a sense of space. The onlything I put in my portfolio from my architecture classes was one page of concept sketches for a studio one project. I looked at it this way: They must get tons of portfolios with begining arch studios in them, normally overdone and glitzy with lots of clolor and fancy binding. I printed mine in black and white on regular paper and simply folded in half and stapled for binding. They're looking for something different and people with different backgrounds

that second link is great yogin.
big prec.

I agree with Kai,

try to do something that stands out...something that's not run of the mill...
be careful towards making it too superficial in the name of trying to be different...

Save your 3d modeling images for your next portfolio: the one you will make when looking for work.
You can be/show yourself for now. The better part that is.

Coming from an non-b.arch background, I find it helpful to also see the types of work that people with arch. background put in their portfolio. The example images from the link I posted previously consisted mostly of those types (i.e. 3D models). It does not mean that I think non-arch background should do the same.

However, I do think that it might help to include one or two scuptural pieces (not 3d models) to show that you are able to transform an idea from 2D to 3D.

Agreed, being able to think 3-dimensionally is critical as an architect, however you choose to show this, be it thru 3-d models, sculpture, drawings, it is important to show that you have this ability.

thank you, wonderful people!

yogin- the link is great!

ok, I feel so much better now! It helps to hear from people who were in a similar position to mine, and went on to Arch!

enough killing time on Archinect! I'm off to paint! :)

"I mean, technicalley they are SUPPOSED to look for raw artistic drive and talent, and aesthetic.. but are they ACTUALLY looking for more practical work?"

From what I've learned so far about the application process, they don't care as much about aesthetic quality as aspects such as thought process and creativity/originality. I might be wrong. Can someone clear this up?

yoginfish, those links are broken.

they are over four years old