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USC or CalPoly SLO, Please help!
I am a transfer student and I have been admitted to Calpoly SLO's architecture program with a 3rd year advanced placement. I am still waiting on USC's decision.
I've been told that CalPoly has a better program compared to USC and they also rank really high every year in Design Intelligence rankings but USC is very prestigious. However Ive heard that USC only teaches the "business of Architecture" and not "real architecture" plus they don't hold a constant spot in the rankings. As far as the tuition goes, USC gives very good scholarships so it might even come out cheaper than Cal Poly since the state schools don't have much budget. Also USC will give 2nd year placement if not first year summer studio. Please please please let me know what you think. This is a very very very hard decision for me and I would really appreciate any input.
PS. I haven't taken the second year structure courses that Cal Poly requires. I am actually considering starting from 2nd year because I think it's not really good to start third year without much knowledge about structures. Can you also give any suggestions about this?
Oh btw I am an undergrad student from LA.
Hey nh1370, I am currently a 3rd year architecture student at Cal Poly. I transferred in 2 years ago into my 2nd year had it has been the best decision i have ever made. I absolutely love it up here, the program is excellent, and the area SLO is amazing. The projects I have done here have been getting alot of recognition and since i'll be starting my fourth year next year I am having the opportunity to intern with SOM/HOK/or Aidlin Darling in SF in the fall, Gensler in LA in the Winter, and RNT in San Diego. Not many programs do that. Cal Poly will really prepare you for the professional practice. However it is super intense, and I rarely sleep but I'm sure all programs are like that. As for USC, I am not sure, but here are my two cents for Poly. Oh btw there are like 40 transfers that got accepted to poly this yr for architecture compared to just 17 when i did. So you'll have a good group to bond with.
Best,
Derek
If you are looking for jobs in SF Bay Area, going to SLO might be a good idea. SLO grads seem to have good reputations around here. When I graduated from Cal undergrad, I had to compete with them for a job and I've been told that they usually have upper hand. I think that SLO grads tend to be equipped better for landing a job. The majority of staffs in my office are SLO grads.
I think SLO's a great program - it might be the most bang for a buck. You'll pay lesser than UCs but getting a really good education from the school that ranks high in the nation almost every year. I can't say the same for USC - how much will you owe after you graduate?
Thank you both for your inputs :) I really appreciate it. I was actually just admitted to USC and so now it's between UCLA, USC, and SLO! But I think I'm going to SLO! cant say for sure until its too late to change my mind but hopefully it's the right decision. Thanks again :)
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