take the introduction to architecture program.

 july 5 - august 5 

That doesn't seem appropriate at all; if hes about to finish the equivalent of an undergrad architecture degree, why would he/she go on to take an introduction to architecture program?

AA and TU are great. i would scrap the summer program, for something that compliments your experience. You could always do a workshop. I think Columbia has a setup in Paris, but dont know the details.

@BenC : I though to take the Introduction to architecture program to get an idea about March program's level (for example, in my school, computer drawing classes level is very low and I really think that I need to catch up my level) , get rec. letters, realize a good portfolio ... be sure that I want to study there and improve my chances to be accepted. As our BArch is only 3 years in France, I'd like to get more experience and skills. Do you think a one-year internship would be more helpful ? (I also though to do some volunteer work in developing country). Any other ideas are welcome !

@F.T.B. : yes it has, I didn't know, I'll ask them information, thanks !

Thank you both for your answers !

@flojdc04 : Hey I am an undergrad student from Montreal and will be attending Paris Malaquais in the fall (1 year abroad). I am also planning on applying to Columbia for my master degree but I am considering taking a year "off" to get some good professional experience. I've been said that Columbia summer program can be very relevant for an architecture student who is in search for new learning opportunities. Could you give me some updates on your plans (I feel like we have a very similar profile). P.-S. I'm fluent in french so don't hesitate to answer in french!

Thank you!

Oh and AA is one of my dream school! Let me know how it turned out.

AA would give you the best chance, but all those programs are good. 

The real answer isn't easy, you have to be strong in basically all areas. Portfolio, GRE, statement, grades. Recommendations are the least important. Don't skip over the GRE, you should be above 600 in both math and verbal. Best of luck

@FG01 : Hey! Thanks for your answer! Malaquais is a really a good school! Have you ever been to Paris before ? About my applications, I've been accepted to Pratt Institute and Parsons in New York for March 1 and I have an interview for an admission decision at AA this week to enter the intermediate school (transfer in third year). I let you know as soon as I get the answer! 

@RZTZ : thanks for your advice, I took the GRE but I had very short time to work on and I get around 50% in both math and verbal so I'll take it again in a few months.

@flojdc04 : Yes actually, I've been to Paris before and as an exchange student, it seemed like the best fit for me. I am not familiar with the AA curriculum, why would you enter the intermediate school if you already have the equivalent of a Bachelor, is it because it's a non-professional bachelor (if its only 3 years, I presume it is)? What about the EMTECH program? Is it only for B. Arch. graduates only? Anyway good luck on your interview and congrats on your acceptance to Pratt and Parsons!
 

P.-S. Are you attending any summer program this year?

@FG01: Hey! About the AA, you have to get a Part I exam at the end of the third year (intermediate school) to enter to the diploma school (4th and 5th year) then you get a Part II exam (equivalent of a professional bachelor). You can't enter durectly in the 4th year without this Part I exam, so you can apply for the 4th year and just take this exam but most international students attend the third year before to familiarize the school (enter directly the diploma school seems really more challenging) and also because the french 3 years Licence is a non professonal degree.

Yes EMTECH program is only for Barch (or equivalent) it is part of the graduate school (after Part II exam).

Thank you for the interview!! I'm attending the AA summer program, are you attending one ?

Wow thank you I had a hard time figuring out how it actually works. I'll definitely look into that. Unfortunately I am planning on attending the AA summer program next summer (2013). I really want to get some stuff done before I leave for Paris and I happen to have found an internship at this international firm where I'll be working closely with AA tutors.

If you ever feel like sharing your portfolio, I'd be happy to give you my email!

Thanks and good luck! Keep me updated.

OK I can send you my portfolio (.pdf) what's your email ?

Great thank you! I was wondering, what kind of English exam did you sit in order to be able to attend the AA summer school? In Canada, we usually do the TOEFL but I read they don't accept it, is that right?

here is my email for your portfolio : ipfg01mtlqc@gmail.com

Thanks!

I took the IELTS test, I don't know if they accept TOEFL or not, generally IELTS is for England/Europe but I read that many schools accept both.

Oh perfect! I can take both tests in Canada. How did the interview go?

I really want to see what got you an interview at the aa!  ipfg01mtlqc@gmail.com

So? How did it go?

@FG01 : Hello ! I sent to you my portfolio last week did you get it ?

I just graduated from the M.Arch II program at Cornell - best decision and experience there. 

@own1221 : Hello! Where did you go for your Bachelor ? Have you heard about AA for undergraduate ? Did you get a lot of practice experience before applying for  March II program ? 

@flojdc04 : I did! Check out your inbox!