I just spoke with Arindam Dutta over the phone (no official letter yet) - while the programme seems amazing and perfectly in line with my research interests, I'd really like to hear past and present students' experiences with the programme. Here are some of my general questions:

Were the faculty helpful - not only in terms of figuring out your personal research, but also w.r.t. mentoring and discussing where this might take you post-SMArchS?

I only have a BA in Architecture (so not a professional degree) - I'm still waiting to hear back from DUSP but I'm hesitant to jump into a dual degree simply for the sake of degree-collecting. What disadvantages would you think I'd have though if I only pursue the SMArchS? Would you recommend that (if I get into the MCP) that I do both, or choose one?

As an international student who can't afford to come for the open house (although I've spoken with faculty in the past) I'm particularly interested in what international students experienced within the programme, and in terms of what this meant for your job prospects (in the USA and/or your home country), and other things. I'm trying to figure out if BA --> SMArchS is a good/bad/whatever move for me personally, and would be really grateful to anyone who can give me the lowdown on their own experiences.

Thanks!