I'm in a seemingly unique situation regarding compiling my portfolio for M.Arch programs. Each M.Arch program I look at says that applicants do not need a background in architecture. One simply needs to have a portfolio showing their creative work, and can range from models, to sketches, to pieces of music. With that said, every program hints at, "If you are an illustrator, show us your drawings. If you are a photographer, show us your photographs." This seems to be written for people who have a background in a specific field of art. But what about people who do not have a creative education?

For instance, I have a double major in accounting and finance. Since graduating three years ago, I've fallen in love with architecture, and have been working very hard on portfolio worthy projects ever since. I now have a collection of photographs, 3D compositions, product designs, and a single, hand drawn self-portrait.

How do I compile my portfolio in a cohesive unit? Schools seem to want to see you can draw, so do I include my self-portrait even though it is the only drawing I can include? Do I run out and do a bunch of architectural sketches? My concern is that, in the end, I'll have a collection of work from many different mediums and nothing connecting them to each other or architecture; as if to say, "Look at all the pretty things I can do!!"

I'm going in circles and could use some advice. Any advice.

Thanks in advance for your comments.