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Help a non-arch undergrad out? In uncharted waters.

wolfx323

Hi there,

I'm an undergraduate bachelor of science psychology major that will be graduating this coming spring.  As it stands right now, my focus of all my undergraduate psychology work has been on education and the environmental psychology.  My junior year, I decided that I was much more passionate about designing buildings rather than studying the environmental psychology effects created by buildings, so I had time to declare an architecture minor only.

I am wholeheartedly invested in going the extra mile to obtain an M. Arch degree, and am starting the application process for several architecture programs, CCA and Pratt are my top choices.  

MY  QUESTION: As a non-arch undergraduate, my letters of recommendation as of right now will likely be the psychologists I've done research work for- no architecture professors, since the only arch classes non-arch majors are allowed to take are HUGE lectures.  I do have one prof that I have taken 2 large lectures from, and am currently in her class that I was considering asking for a recommendation. I don't feel so comfortable asking her, since she is less familiar with my work than my psych profs are and probably couldn't write as personalized a letter for me.  Think it's okay if I only use research profs ONLY from psychology considering its what I majored in? Is this as big a deal as what I'm making it?

I have my portfolio and GRE all in order already. Any other valuable pieces of advice to throw my way? Please don't dish out any wise-ass answers to me either and tell me to go back to psychology, thanks ;)

 
Nov 9, 11 9:33 pm
jason_sf

I think you'll be fine with your letters of recommendation. I doubt schools take much stock in who writes those things unless the recommendation writer is a faculty member of where you are applying to, or some starchitect like Rem Koolhaas or Steven Holl. Any university professor that can write something thoughtful and special about you is as good as anyone else, and probably better than some principal architect at an office that just writes a generic letter of praise.

Your portfolio is by far the most important piece of your application. Look through it carefully since you've still got some time. Is it really in order already, or can you do anything else to make it better? Don't make it too good though...I am also applying to Pratt.

Nov 9, 11 10:59 pm  · 
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