I think it is important for applicants to know the differences between the various programs at each school (MArch 1 vs MArch 2). Sorry if this is redundant, but I think which PROGRAM you choose is equally important and varied as which SCHOOL you choose. (alumni from GSD did 3 years w/BS Arch while another alumni from Penn did 2 years with no Arch degree). Did they get the same caliber ARCHITECTURE education? Is there a significant difference at your school? Is there more overlap at some schools than others? How does the overlap, or lack thereof reflect on the quality of work? I will exclude post-pro degrees bc they generally do their own thing.

To avoid another "my school is better than your school debate", one rule: you may only comment on the schools that you are attending or have attended. Some leniency will be given to those who visited a school and talked to the students.

Case study #1, Sci-Arc MArch 2. was given a tour and March 2 student brought up the significant difference between the two. This was supported by my assessment of the final reviews. MArch 1, 2nd year stuff...blah. March 2, 1st year stuff...wow. March 2 is rigidly geared towards advanced digital design, which I think is good for someone who went through a rigorous 4 years of hand-drawing and making. Maya in the hands of someone new to architecture ...perhaps just glorified graphic design? In this case, M Arch 1 is completely different than M Arch 2 and they don't overlap until the final year.

Non-architecture majors: fresh perspectives or amateurs? I know there are exceptional students in both cases, but let's discuss overall.