I'm knee deep in the application process and I'm having a bit of anxiety about where I'm applying to and why.  Basically, I'm afraid I'm either going to apply to the wrong place, or overlook a program that's a perfect fit.  I'm hoping maybe I can get some input from people who know a bit more than I.

I've been bouncing around the working world for a while. I have a B.S.Arch from MIT (2008), a bit over 2 years experience in design/construction.  This is not my first time applying... I applied blindly to the top 5 when I was a naive undergraduate and got rejected across the board.  Now that I'm a bit older and have a much better idea of what I want out of a graduate education, I'm taking a much more direct approach.

I'm looking at schools that focus on sustainability / environmentally conscious design, that have a focus on structure, building methods, and what I'd call "grounded design" (not looking to push the boundaries of theory, or outrageous aesthetics for their own sake a la sci-arc, upenn etc. ...no offense, just not my gig), and that emphasize co-op work/study type models.  I'm also sort of intentionally ignoring the Ivies for several reasons.  My dream/goal post-school is to work in sustainable and off-grid housing, ideally in urban environments.

So far I'm set on U. of Oregon, and U. of Cincinnati.  I'm on the fence with UMD and UC Berkeley.  I've been trying to do some research on programs elsewhere, but first hand accounts always seem to be more informative than admissions brochures.  So if anyone has any experience with these programs... or experience with other schools that might fit my criteria.

Thanks.