hi,

this is my first post... please give me some constructive advice.

I've been accepted to the 3+M.Arch at University of Utah. I only applied to one school because it's the only school offering architecture in my state, and I wanted to save money. I just finished my first semester. with an A in studio class and an A- in communication class (computer applications). Although my grades are alright for now, I hate getting a grade for doing something i enjoy so much. along with other reasons, I've came to the conclusion that i should try to apply for other schools.

I did not know how to research for schools and wasn't very sure what type of architecture i was interested in. I'm interested in environmental/ sustainable design with "design" as the emphasis. I'm also interested in alternative building methods. I would like to get into a school that can prepare me for the design field, to become a practicing architect. (sorry I'm not interested in teaching or research)

I haven't taken any GRE, and hoping I won't have to. I do not have much savings, so ivy league is out of the question and I don't think my credentials are high enough to get in anyway. I only have a 3.4GPA for my undergrad. but i have a 3.8gpa for my first graduate semester. (don't know if that would really matter)

I found a few schools i would like to apply, and hope you guys could tell me, if you would pick those schools? why or why not? or if you have any other schools in mind that would be a good fit, please let me know... all schools tends to bring up all the "good" qualities of their program, but I have a hard time finding what is the down side about these programs, so please tell me if you know... and any other constructive advice regarding my situation are appreciated.

Taliesin
university of new mexico
pratt
university of hawaii
university of colorado, denver