I believe UT Arlington has a non-arch application process that does not require a portfolio.

I'm sure there are other "non-prestigious" schools that have such applications.

If I were you I would:
1. wait a year to apply to M.Arch programs
2. research programs carefully, and do not make a decision on which schools to apply to based on application requirements!
3. Take a freehand drawing course. It does not need to be architecture-related. You can probably find one at a community college, neighborhood arts program, or private arts center. This will give you some portfolio work, and it will also satisfy the pre-req that many programs have of at least one semester of freehand drawing.
4. Consider whether you've done anything else that might be design-related that you could put in your portfolio. Designed/built any furniture? Done photography? Painting?
5. If no to #4, then consider also taking additional classes (maybe even short weekend workshops) in some of those or other design subjects.
6. Try to get a part-time job in an architecture firm, or at least arrange to "shadow" an architect in his firm for a couple of days, to get a better sense of what architects really do and whether this is what you're looking for (many of us spend only about 5% of our time on what you may think of as "design", and much of the rest of the time on marketing, phone time, site visits, personnel issues, etc.)

Isn't this a parody of all the threads that ask for opinions of their portfolios combined with threads that ask for schools that don't require GREs?

What about applying to an M.Arch program if you have no arms?

There is a 6-month program offered through the local beaver population where I live which leads to a Beaver of Architecture (BVArch) degree. The only requirement is that you be able to swim long distances and chew trees with your teeth. The arms requirement is waived given sufficient oral dexterity.

Dude first off whats up with all the bashing I asked a simple question on a forum full of what i thought was architectual professional but as I can see some of you still have some growing to do. Anyway there seem to be plenty of schools that do not require non-architectual students to submit a portfolio for admissions. As to the Beaver response how long did it take you to think of that idiot response, you non-working dumb trustfund kid.

newboddy- if there seem to be plenty, could you let us know what some of them are? I think that the reason you got such responses was that most (if not all) of us were under the impression that the portfolio was criteria #1. It certainly is at most of the schools that get discussed around here, so if there are some programs that don't require one at all, it would be interesting to know what they are for future reference.

Alright newboddy. I'll shoot it straight with ya'. Rationalist has given you the best answer I've seen so far. Most, if not all schools are going to require some sort of portfolio. It would be a good idea to maybe take a drawing class at your local CC if there's one near you. Also, you could try your had at photography. In fact, before I go any further with my suggestions, just review Formerlyunknown's post. Those are all great suggestions.

As far as all the ass-clowning-around that has happened in this thread, I wouldn't take it personally. Lots of people get sick of seeing the same kind of thread and will make a new s/n to start stupid threads. Applying without a portfolio just looked like one because there is so much emphasis on the portfolio. There is a lot of sarcasm and cynicism on this site. Its just the nature of the beast. Think of it like the kind of name calling and ball breaking you would have done with your buddies in highschool. Its kind of what sets us apart from other professional fields.

Best of luck to you. Let us know if you find any such schools, or if you find a way to put together a portfolio.

Thank you all for the suggestions but taking a drawing class whould push my plans back another year. The suggestion about making a portfolio of photography seems realistic though. What about making a portfolio of my civil designs over the years they are all 2D but i could add some rendering i guess. Could someone show me an example of a portfolio done by someone with my backgroud which is strait engineering. Also are any of you in school with any former civil engineers.

Schools that do not require non-architectual schools to submit portfolios to be considerd for admissions:

University of Houston
The BAC
University of Taxas Arlington

There are at least 6 more but I dont fell like searching the net again you get the point.

Any help whould be appreciated...........

Beyond what is suggested above or to add to:

1. Don't assume you can put together anything worthwhile without a lot of planning, learning patience and hard work. 2 months is no where near enough time without the work (unless you are already an avid photographer, which I assume not if you didn't mention it).

2. A year off sounds like a lot of time, but this is the rest of your life and a huge financial investment. I graduated with about 2x the credits I needed because of transfers (constantly moving higher)


I would strongly suggest going to a summer session at a good school. I went to one at RISD before entering undergrad and it was absolutely amazing. One of the best experiences of my life, both from learning and just fun.

I came out of that with enough for a portfolio - sketch classes, history studies, as-builts, models, designs, etc. Just great stuff.

All in about 2 months. As far as I can recall, there was not any application, just send the check and show up.



[i]If[/] you must apply now, I would just get in somewhere cheap, work your ass off for a year, kill ge requirements, built a portfolio, then transfer (I did this too). It can be a pain, but its worth it if you are ambitious and hungry.

are you talking about undergrad programs? most of them don't require a portfolio.

There are some programs that take a writing sample instead. SAIC used to be one of them.

Virginia Tech?

Newboddy,

So two months before the applications are due, with no prior work to put into a portfolio, you've up and decided you'll apply to architecture school?

You should give this some serious thought. Architecture is a tough profession, particularly for people who aren't die-hards. The schooling is expensive. The skill set isn't necessarily transferable.

When I applied, I had worked on my portfolio for a year. I had said since I was twelve that I wanted to be an architect. And I STILL wonder every day (ten years later) whether I made the right decision.

I'd recommend not rushing into this one.

no portfolio = no good M.Arch program

I just found out that Virginia Tech doesn't require a portfolio for their M.Arch 3 program. That worries me because that's my strongest asset and I've decided to apply to that school.

"For candidates for admission to the M.Arch.3, MS.Arch., and Ph.D. programs, submittal of a portfolio is not mandatory due to the variety of academic backgrounds of applicants. However, if an applicant has educational or professional experience in architecture, design, construction, or visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.), submittal of a portfolio is recommended."

http://archdesign.vt.edu/admissions/graduate

if you have a strong portfolio, afrdzak, send it on to them!