UMich's Open House is March 29-30. If it's really down to just two schools, I would visit both again if I were you. If you end up spending even $1000 on the trip (of course you won't) it could be the difference of being at the right school or not, so it would be worth it. Also, they're pretty close to each other so it wouldn't be too hard logistically. I didn't apply to Wash U, no. I applied to UMich, UMinn, UIC, RISD, UTA, and UNM and I'm waiting to hear financial info before I make my decision.
When it comes to admissions, this was something I thought was very interesting, as well. Looking at schools, they don't like to state it as if they have a quota for each track but they clearly must if they have multiple tracks. Schools vary a lot in terms of the ratio of M.Arch I to II, but that was something I tried to force out of some of the admissions officers when I visited schools.
For instance, some schools would admit 80 students who had architecture backgrounds and only 20 who did not. Then there were schools where it was more like 60 and 40. For me, as a non-arch undergrad it was good to know where I was up against a greater pool, as well as which schools liked having larger percentages of non-archs.
Also, I think the numbers can change from year-to-year as a lot of schools just started the non-arch tracks so they're steadily increasing their numbers year to year. Michigan for example has a very high acceptance rate apparently for non-archs which says to me that they're trying to up their numbers in that category in relation to arch backgrounds.
Kristin_kai-
Thanks for the response,
I guess I misspoke, I'm not talking about the division between MArch I and those seeking a post professional degree, but rather spaces divided between those who have an Bach in Architecture, and those like myself who are coming from a different field (and are sometimes referred to as option or track III). Do schools tend to partition spaces for these two different backgrounds, or are they all reviewed and chosen as a single grouping. I know one of the schools I applied to, can't remember which, made special note that the MArchIII students would be compared only against other MArchIII students. Which would lead me to think that perhaps there are spaces allocated just to MArch III students.
It is my understanding that if two students in different tracks would NEVER be compared to one another. Otherwise, there would be any reason for a distinction. So, yes, everywhere you're right. Non-architecture undergrads such as ourselves are only up against each other for admissions...there are just fewer spots available and fewer of us applying.
Whats up guys, this my first time on this thread. I just got accepted to UMich so I wanted to see who else has some good news. I havent sold myself that im actually going there, its the first school ive heard from so far.
Anybody got any reputable opinions about Michigan they wish to pursuade me with?
yea, i got into wash u and need to go to the open house before i can make a decision...
so far i've gotten into uic (with a full ride +$7000), ball state, wash u and u of michigan. i'm still waiting to here from penn, risd, pratt and sciarc. if i dont get into penn, my first choice, i'm going to choose between uic, wash u and u mich. i have michigan residency so u mich will be relatively cheap, uic will free while wash u and penn will be pretty expensive.
i like that uic is in chicago, its free, its design and health care/ design program and doug garofalo. i also think its an open-coming grad school. u mich is an amazing all around school with great, progressive faculty and resources.
here are my thoughts on wash u: i think there are a lot of assistantship opportunities after your first semester to bring down the price. the ranking is great, #6, which matters a little, even if its for your own confidence. i would like the small campus environment. i know st.l. isnt the best city but i think it could be a good one to study architecture in. i like bruce lindsey, their new dean. i'm looking forward to the open house to see what the chances are for an assistanship or other non fafsa aid. also, just to get a feel of the studio environment and how on point the students and faculty are. the way the open house is scheduled, i think the school isn't lacking confidence in it's program. should be interesting
My background is in lighting / interior / furniture design, mostly interior. So, I have to take a lot of undgrad arch classes, and I know I will be super busy / stress for the next 3 years. That's totally fine.
I agree, St. Louis is not the best city. It is only going to be 3 years, and at a top 10 arch school. I am going to spend most of my time in their studio anyway.
Many people say "ranking doesn't mater.... blah blah blah". I keep asking myself this - Why wouldn't I or anyone want to attend a top 10 architecture school? There are reasons why Wash U is ranked #6, instead of #16 or #26.
Let's say I only got accepted to UW and Wash U. I'm going to choose Wash U just because of their ranking and reputation. You know, it doesn't matter where i go, I will have to pay high tuition.
I am looking forward to attend their open house in mid April. As of today, I would say Wash U for my master.
Speaking of RISD. I visited and applied. I don't think I will go. I am not sure about their studio environment, mixed with undergrad and grad. However, that is not the main reason.... I don't think RISD is going to like my portfolio. Different style... I am pretty sure Wash U has more $$$ than RISD. Wash U can afford stuff... That's a super important thing.
Get your assistantship at Wash U. Be my TA dude. Wouldn't that be fun? Oh, I also want to check out Wash U's gym...
ding - i think your logic about the rankings is a bit naive. architecture is not something that can be quantified into a ranking system. its not a sport or a science that can be calculated into numbers. there are countless things that are immeasureable. every school is different. they all offer a different approach to architecture and depending on what you want to do in grad school some of the "top 10" schools may not be the best fit. however, if you are very unsure about what you want to do in grad school and would feel more comfortable relying on a ranking system, then thats what you gotta do i guess.
just remember that these rankings are completely subjective and don't account for everything. in my opinion nobody should use them as a reason for picking one school over another. i'll admit their is a very small amount of validity to them but my advice is don't be jaded by somebody elses opinions. go see the programs first hand and go where you feel comfortable.
I've looked at rankings but forgot what they're measuring. The number of times professors get published? The students that get the highest average score on licensing exams? How much employers like a person that came out of a given program? Whichever schools gave the best bribes to di rankings?
Anyway, NJIT called me today officially saying that I was accepted. It's about time! Their website's said I've been accepted for about a week now. That Fred Little guy sounded like he was reading a script that he'd read a million times before. Hm, I suppose he probably has... He also said he'd send an email "in a few minutes" but it's been about 260 minutes. I'm impatient.
The DI rankings are supposedly based on which programs prepare students for professional practice, according to an employer survey. As such, I think it has an inherent bias towards large programs that crank out lots of grads. Thus, it explains why a large school with a big co-op program such as Cincinnati gets a higher ranking than, say, Princeton which is a much smaller, theory-oriented program.
thanks for the reply. I completely understand what you mean. I'm unsure about what I really want to do in grad school. I don't know man. I just wanna get it done. But I think if..... if i only have UW and Wash U. I would choose Wash U over UW. Wouldn't you?
ding - Personally I like Wash U's program and I was very close to applying there. The only reason I didn't is because I was already applying to 6 schools, all of which I like, so I thought that was enough. Wash U seems like a great program with a lot to offer. You got into both programs (and congratulations on that) so I would just look at both programs closely and weigh all the pros and cons, and disregard the DI rankings. I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever you choose.
Well you know I got accepted...but I actually probably won't go. I'll probably stay in Austin (if I get into UT) because boyfriend has a good job here. But it all hinges on financial aid money....
Dedalus, I recieved a big packet through mail yesterday technically... t but it got in my hands today only... he package didn't fit in the mailbox of my apt. so it went back to post office..... it was so nerveraking couldn't sleep whole night...
is there anyone here with a Barch applying for MLA at GSD.... i was hoping to get admitted in 2 years program but they put me in 3 years.... i dunno why...
I waiting for admissions decisions for the 13 MArch 1 programs I applied to- and obsessing about their impending delivery. I have called all the schools to check on notification dates. Maybe this will help some other obsessed person...
1. Yale - Letters go out next week at some point.
2. GSD - ...within the next two weeks.
3. Princeton - ...went out yesterday and today.
4. MIT - ...within the next two weeks.
5. Columbia - ...by the end of next week.
6. Sci-Arc - ...end of next week
7. Penn - I haven't called
8. UCLA - Working on them out...will be in the mail within a few days.
9. Cornell - I haven't called.
10. NJIT - February (I got in!)
11. Parsons - ...went out last week, I still haven't received it.
12. City College - Rolling admissions, will not let me know until my BA is complete this Spring.
13. Pratt - Some went out last week and some this week. I haven't gotten mine yet.
I'm so extremely nervous. Anyone have an opinion of NJIT?
Also, I am sort of concerned that my top 13 has so little to do with DI's top 10. University of Cincinnati never would have occured to me. I have been working in architecture for a while so I chose schools who professionals I respect recommended. Odd that DI's professionals were so different.
One other thing - I've been told that Sci-Arc grads are very employable in LA but are looked down upon everywhere else (especially the city). Yale grads (and I say this with Yale as my top choice) are also gaining a bad rep with employeers - really unprepared apparently. Anyone hear the same?
Buckity: What are your impressions of City College? They're on my list of places to apply to next year if things don't work out for me this year. Their M.Arch. program is still very new, so it hasn't gotten much ink here or elsewhere. Have you visited them or met with anybody there?
I've heard the opposite about SCI_Arc grads (I'm in LA if that makes a difference). People elsewhere are impressed by the glam of the name/reputation, but people in LA know that they're even weaker than average on real-world knowledge, and so avoid being a SCI_Arc grad's first job. Afterwards, I'm told, they're great, but that initial learning curve is a steep one.
I am torn about City. I transfered here for my undergrad in Philosophy (which I finish this spring) and I know too much about the 15 levels of beurocracy that you need to get through on a daily basis to recommend it whole heartedly. That said, I came here because the faculty/department really was the best in the country...critically. I think it is similar with the grad program. The faculty is amazing, guest lecturers and guest studio professors are top notch, the student work is good. The administration is horrible. Technology is lacking a bit.
I think it will give a really solid education - though I hesitate because of the administration.
rationalist -
That is good to hear. I was always really impressed by Sci-Arc but just heard about this bias against grads a few months ago. A graduate of the school and a couple architects here in the city all voiced the same thing. I think it might be because the reputations of the founders have taken a pretty bad hit - not as hot as they once were. People blame Bob Stern for Yale though too - so - who the hell knows.
Jesus Buckity,
You must be obsessed! That is quite a list. I guess you called and bugged all those places. Well ,good luck!...you have defintiely hedged your bets. :-)
I appled to four impossible schools. Might have to wait a year.
Buckity- that's just what I've heard from employers in LA. So take it all with a measure of perspective. Your people are probably right about the vibe in your area, my people about the vibe in my area. It's all relative.
How are the facilities at CCNY, and how well is the program regarded by professionals in NYC? Is there a sense that it's holding its own compared to the other better-known schools in town? (Feel free to email me privately to avoid derailing this thread.)
I'm wishing I had made more of an effort to visit City College the last time I was in NYC... And I was right in the neighorhood, too.
I've heard so many varying things about Yale. Including, but not limited to:
1) It's the only school worth going to besides Princeton
2) It's the only school worth going to besides GSD
3) The only people who go there are those who didn't get in to Princeton, GSD, or Columbia
I haven't heard anything about employability or academic abilities of the students or about the culture of the school. Anyone care to fill us in?
accepted to grad schools yet? (fall 2007)
b.d.f.-
UMich's Open House is March 29-30. If it's really down to just two schools, I would visit both again if I were you. If you end up spending even $1000 on the trip (of course you won't) it could be the difference of being at the right school or not, so it would be worth it. Also, they're pretty close to each other so it wouldn't be too hard logistically. I didn't apply to Wash U, no. I applied to UMich, UMinn, UIC, RISD, UTA, and UNM and I'm waiting to hear financial info before I make my decision.
i, too, was accepted to UVA today. acceptance letter in the mail :) m.arch (path C) what relief! one down, two more to go...
Everywhere-
When it comes to admissions, this was something I thought was very interesting, as well. Looking at schools, they don't like to state it as if they have a quota for each track but they clearly must if they have multiple tracks. Schools vary a lot in terms of the ratio of M.Arch I to II, but that was something I tried to force out of some of the admissions officers when I visited schools.
For instance, some schools would admit 80 students who had architecture backgrounds and only 20 who did not. Then there were schools where it was more like 60 and 40. For me, as a non-arch undergrad it was good to know where I was up against a greater pool, as well as which schools liked having larger percentages of non-archs.
Also, I think the numbers can change from year-to-year as a lot of schools just started the non-arch tracks so they're steadily increasing their numbers year to year. Michigan for example has a very high acceptance rate apparently for non-archs which says to me that they're trying to up their numbers in that category in relation to arch backgrounds.
Kristin_kai-
Thanks for the response,
I guess I misspoke, I'm not talking about the division between MArch I and those seeking a post professional degree, but rather spaces divided between those who have an Bach in Architecture, and those like myself who are coming from a different field (and are sometimes referred to as option or track III). Do schools tend to partition spaces for these two different backgrounds, or are they all reviewed and chosen as a single grouping. I know one of the schools I applied to, can't remember which, made special note that the MArchIII students would be compared only against other MArchIII students. Which would lead me to think that perhaps there are spaces allocated just to MArch III students.
It is my understanding that if two students in different tracks would NEVER be compared to one another. Otherwise, there would be any reason for a distinction. So, yes, everywhere you're right. Non-architecture undergrads such as ourselves are only up against each other for admissions...there are just fewer spots available and fewer of us applying.
Whats up guys, this my first time on this thread. I just got accepted to UMich so I wanted to see who else has some good news. I havent sold myself that im actually going there, its the first school ive heard from so far.
Anybody got any reputable opinions about Michigan they wish to pursuade me with?
b.d.f.
are you going to Wash U's open house on April 12? you got accecpted right? I'm just curious. Any thoughts on Wash U?
ding>
yea, i got into wash u and need to go to the open house before i can make a decision...
so far i've gotten into uic (with a full ride +$7000), ball state, wash u and u of michigan. i'm still waiting to here from penn, risd, pratt and sciarc. if i dont get into penn, my first choice, i'm going to choose between uic, wash u and u mich. i have michigan residency so u mich will be relatively cheap, uic will free while wash u and penn will be pretty expensive.
i like that uic is in chicago, its free, its design and health care/ design program and doug garofalo. i also think its an open-coming grad school. u mich is an amazing all around school with great, progressive faculty and resources.
here are my thoughts on wash u: i think there are a lot of assistantship opportunities after your first semester to bring down the price. the ranking is great, #6, which matters a little, even if its for your own confidence. i would like the small campus environment. i know st.l. isnt the best city but i think it could be a good one to study architecture in. i like bruce lindsey, their new dean. i'm looking forward to the open house to see what the chances are for an assistanship or other non fafsa aid. also, just to get a feel of the studio environment and how on point the students and faculty are. the way the open house is scheduled, i think the school isn't lacking confidence in it's program. should be interesting
what are your thoughts..
b.d.f.
Thanks for the reply. For me and Wash U:
My background is in lighting / interior / furniture design, mostly interior. So, I have to take a lot of undgrad arch classes, and I know I will be super busy / stress for the next 3 years. That's totally fine.
I agree, St. Louis is not the best city. It is only going to be 3 years, and at a top 10 arch school. I am going to spend most of my time in their studio anyway.
Many people say "ranking doesn't mater.... blah blah blah". I keep asking myself this - Why wouldn't I or anyone want to attend a top 10 architecture school? There are reasons why Wash U is ranked #6, instead of #16 or #26.
Let's say I only got accepted to UW and Wash U. I'm going to choose Wash U just because of their ranking and reputation. You know, it doesn't matter where i go, I will have to pay high tuition.
I am looking forward to attend their open house in mid April. As of today, I would say Wash U for my master.
Speaking of RISD. I visited and applied. I don't think I will go. I am not sure about their studio environment, mixed with undergrad and grad. However, that is not the main reason.... I don't think RISD is going to like my portfolio. Different style... I am pretty sure Wash U has more $$$ than RISD. Wash U can afford stuff... That's a super important thing.
Get your assistantship at Wash U. Be my TA dude. Wouldn't that be fun? Oh, I also want to check out Wash U's gym...
Moving is going to be a bitch.
accepted this morning to SCAD MFA Graphic Design program with 10k fellowship.
haha rationalist...you've been just DYING to post something here!!
well done.
ding - i think your logic about the rankings is a bit naive. architecture is not something that can be quantified into a ranking system. its not a sport or a science that can be calculated into numbers. there are countless things that are immeasureable. every school is different. they all offer a different approach to architecture and depending on what you want to do in grad school some of the "top 10" schools may not be the best fit. however, if you are very unsure about what you want to do in grad school and would feel more comfortable relying on a ranking system, then thats what you gotta do i guess.
just remember that these rankings are completely subjective and don't account for everything. in my opinion nobody should use them as a reason for picking one school over another. i'll admit their is a very small amount of validity to them but my advice is don't be jaded by somebody elses opinions. go see the programs first hand and go where you feel comfortable.
I've looked at rankings but forgot what they're measuring. The number of times professors get published? The students that get the highest average score on licensing exams? How much employers like a person that came out of a given program? Whichever schools gave the best bribes to di rankings?
Anyway, NJIT called me today officially saying that I was accepted. It's about time! Their website's said I've been accepted for about a week now. That Fred Little guy sounded like he was reading a script that he'd read a million times before. Hm, I suppose he probably has... He also said he'd send an email "in a few minutes" but it's been about 260 minutes. I'm impatient.
The DI rankings are supposedly based on which programs prepare students for professional practice, according to an employer survey. As such, I think it has an inherent bias towards large programs that crank out lots of grads. Thus, it explains why a large school with a big co-op program such as Cincinnati gets a higher ranking than, say, Princeton which is a much smaller, theory-oriented program.
cpnorris -
thanks for the reply. I completely understand what you mean. I'm unsure about what I really want to do in grad school. I don't know man. I just wanna get it done. But I think if..... if i only have UW and Wash U. I would choose Wash U over UW. Wouldn't you?
anyway... best luck to you all.
brocolli- you know it!
rationalist!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
ding - Personally I like Wash U's program and I was very close to applying there. The only reason I didn't is because I was already applying to 6 schools, all of which I like, so I thought that was enough. Wash U seems like a great program with a lot to offer. You got into both programs (and congratulations on that) so I would just look at both programs closely and weigh all the pros and cons, and disregard the DI rankings. I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever you choose.
has anyone heard from UVA that applied to the Path A program?
cpnorris -
thank you. Indeed, I will do more research and go visit.
Man, this whole graduate school application is a big pain in the ass. From the beginning... until now. It's not over yet.
people how have been accepted to wash u>
has anyone talked to the dean bruce lindsey? he left a voicemail on my phone this morning..
haha, bruce lindsey was one of our first year profs in undergrad... cool to see he's dean at wash u now. good for him, he was an excellent teacher.
so who else is thinking about going to Wash U here? or got accepted and 80% will go?
any thoughts?
Well you know I got accepted...but I actually probably won't go. I'll probably stay in Austin (if I get into UT) because boyfriend has a good job here. But it all hinges on financial aid money....
yeah. good plan. it's cheaper too.
1) I got accepted to UCLA today!!!
2) There is an M.Arch III? What the!
Congrats Namby! Nice work.
just letting UIUC applicants know:
one friend received acceptance letter from UIUC saturday.
i go home, check mail today (monday)... nothing
is it bad news for me?
i thought UIUC would send letters with TA/RA offers (application due this friday)
my friend didn't receive email about TA/RA application
maybe he showed no interest in getting TA/RA?
i am getting confused
the date on the letter is March 5th... i have one here.
accepted to CCA yesterday. So far I'm 2 for 6.
hey this is neat! i posted a question about getting accepted to Cal Poly and Cincinnati... well i chose cincinnati... show me some love! wOOt!
After a loong anticipation..... I finally got accepted to GSD... still waiting to hear from RISD though....
ms81, when did you hear from the GSD and how?
Major congrats by the way.
My wife just got a large envelope from the GSD MLA program.
ms81,
where are you from?
+q.
Big props to your wife. Great program. Did she get the large envelope last night or this morning?
Thanks.
Dedalus, I recieved a big packet through mail yesterday technically... t but it got in my hands today only... he package didn't fit in the mailbox of my apt. so it went back to post office..... it was so nerveraking couldn't sleep whole night...
is there anyone here with a Barch applying for MLA at GSD.... i was hoping to get admitted in 2 years program but they put me in 3 years.... i dunno why...
ClemsonDnB i'm from Boston
I waiting for admissions decisions for the 13 MArch 1 programs I applied to- and obsessing about their impending delivery. I have called all the schools to check on notification dates. Maybe this will help some other obsessed person...
1. Yale - Letters go out next week at some point.
2. GSD - ...within the next two weeks.
3. Princeton - ...went out yesterday and today.
4. MIT - ...within the next two weeks.
5. Columbia - ...by the end of next week.
6. Sci-Arc - ...end of next week
7. Penn - I haven't called
8. UCLA - Working on them out...will be in the mail within a few days.
9. Cornell - I haven't called.
10. NJIT - February (I got in!)
11. Parsons - ...went out last week, I still haven't received it.
12. City College - Rolling admissions, will not let me know until my BA is complete this Spring.
13. Pratt - Some went out last week and some this week. I haven't gotten mine yet.
I'm so extremely nervous. Anyone have an opinion of NJIT?
Also, I am sort of concerned that my top 13 has so little to do with DI's top 10. University of Cincinnati never would have occured to me. I have been working in architecture for a while so I chose schools who professionals I respect recommended. Odd that DI's professionals were so different.
One other thing - I've been told that Sci-Arc grads are very employable in LA but are looked down upon everywhere else (especially the city). Yale grads (and I say this with Yale as my top choice) are also gaining a bad rep with employeers - really unprepared apparently. Anyone hear the same?
Buckity: What are your impressions of City College? They're on my list of places to apply to next year if things don't work out for me this year. Their M.Arch. program is still very new, so it hasn't gotten much ink here or elsewhere. Have you visited them or met with anybody there?
I've heard the opposite about SCI_Arc grads (I'm in LA if that makes a difference). People elsewhere are impressed by the glam of the name/reputation, but people in LA know that they're even weaker than average on real-world knowledge, and so avoid being a SCI_Arc grad's first job. Afterwards, I'm told, they're great, but that initial learning curve is a steep one.
Living in Gin -
I am torn about City. I transfered here for my undergrad in Philosophy (which I finish this spring) and I know too much about the 15 levels of beurocracy that you need to get through on a daily basis to recommend it whole heartedly. That said, I came here because the faculty/department really was the best in the country...critically. I think it is similar with the grad program. The faculty is amazing, guest lecturers and guest studio professors are top notch, the student work is good. The administration is horrible. Technology is lacking a bit.
I think it will give a really solid education - though I hesitate because of the administration.
rationalist -
That is good to hear. I was always really impressed by Sci-Arc but just heard about this bias against grads a few months ago. A graduate of the school and a couple architects here in the city all voiced the same thing. I think it might be because the reputations of the founders have taken a pretty bad hit - not as hot as they once were. People blame Bob Stern for Yale though too - so - who the hell knows.
Jesus Buckity,
You must be obsessed! That is quite a list. I guess you called and bugged all those places. Well ,good luck!...you have defintiely hedged your bets. :-)
I appled to four impossible schools. Might have to wait a year.
Also, Living in Gin, I wouldn't think a last minute application to City would be a waste of time.
FormFunction33, yeah, I just called yesterday and asked. I was bored between classes.
I might reapply next year too. Just have to see where I get in.
Buckity- that's just what I've heard from employers in LA. So take it all with a measure of perspective. Your people are probably right about the vibe in your area, my people about the vibe in my area. It's all relative.
If I were to apply to CCNY, I'd be doing it after living in NYC for a year so I can get the in-state tuition. :)
Glad to hear the department is in good shape, despite the administration. Sounds pretty typical for a big city public university.
rationalist - I wish there were a concensus. I only know the one grad but he got amazing offers in LA. It isn't a shabby education either way.
How are the facilities at CCNY, and how well is the program regarded by professionals in NYC? Is there a sense that it's holding its own compared to the other better-known schools in town? (Feel free to email me privately to avoid derailing this thread.)
I'm wishing I had made more of an effort to visit City College the last time I was in NYC... And I was right in the neighorhood, too.
I've heard so many varying things about Yale. Including, but not limited to:
1) It's the only school worth going to besides Princeton
2) It's the only school worth going to besides GSD
3) The only people who go there are those who didn't get in to Princeton, GSD, or Columbia
I haven't heard anything about employability or academic abilities of the students or about the culture of the school. Anyone care to fill us in?
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