In 2012 I received an Associate degree in Architectural Technology. In the fall I was accepted into a 4-year pre-professional degree (BSAED) at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. At this point, I was well underway to achieving my educational goals. But after the conclusion of fall semester, I moved to Chicago for personal reasons. This was not an easy or normal decision. Bear in mind, this was something my family and I felt we HAD to do. Most people (including myself) would see this as an upgrade. Unfortunately, my move at a random time proved to be a future problem.

Now, it seems I have put myself in a bit of a corner. My move to Chicago did not happen until late March of this year (2013). When I looked into the possible transfer schools I can apply to I noticed there were only a couple that really had what I needed/wanted. The schools I found are University of Illinois in Chicago and Illinois Institute of Technology. When I finally got settled in, it was too late to apply to UIC. After applying to IIT, I was told that I "should take some studio classes and apply again next year."

Here is my question: how exactly do they suggest I do this without being accepted into an architecture program?

I am having trouble finding a college/university that offers architecture/design studio courses that do not require you to be accepted into an architecture program. Does anyone know what I should do next?

Has anyone ever been or knows someone who has been in a similar situation?
Where can I take a third year Spring studio course that can be transferred into a 4-5 year program?

Any help is greatly appreciated.