i chose to go to grad school in 1991 - just in time to escape the working world the '91 recession.
considering what's going on now with the economy, i'd suggest it may be a good place to hitch your wagon for a couple of years.

but, not having worked shouldn't make any difference in admissions.

Yeah, considering the economy, I figure it's a pretty good idea as well. Do you think leaving out an entire studio will hurt, or will committees realize it wouldn't be possible for me to include it?

they might think about it, but you should expect them to only see what is before them.

if your portfolio is strong enough without the final project then don't worry about it.

not working has no effect on your chances if your portfolio is strong enough. its more about do you want a break between undergrad and grad or not..

not working has no effect on your chances if your portfolio is strong enough. its more about do you want a break between undergrad and grad or not..

9000,

I went straight through from a 4 year B.S. program to a M.Arch program.
I will be graduating spring 2009 and do not regret it at all. I could have done alot with my B.S. but I will have many more opportunities with my M.Arch. especially in today's economy. Plus I want to become licensed so I had to go grad school to get my professional degree.

I was one of the youngest people in my class at 22, but I was looking for a change. So I moved to NYC to start my program and have a change of pace, plus NYC has a very strong architectural community.

Balance is important. I was told that I would not get it in because I did not have any work expereince. But my undergrad program had an extensive, mandatory co-op program so in the end this was not an issue.

I had a good portfolio, great references, a clear definitatve design statement, and good resume.I was also very active in the AIAS and community projects. So I think that you should try if architecture is something that you love to do...

I am applying for my Phd for next fall. Some people think that I am nuts...but I am just happy that i found my passion in architecture...

my question gyrlusocute005 how do you afford all that schooling?

pinkbug,


Undergrad-(B.Sci in Arch)-I went to BGSU a state university in Ohio-inexpensive, in-state tuition, plus scholarships and grants...I have little debt from undergrad

Master's (M.Arch)-I go to Parsons School of Design-Since I had little undergrad debt, I have a combo of federal loans, private loans, and department scholarships...Funding for your Master's is hard but I am always on the lookout...I received a regents scholarship from NY state for about $5,000

-Also some of my classmates studied abroad-scholarships abroad

-I am a Design/Build alum- we received a stipend for the summer

-You can also participate in competitions, professional programs, such as the AIAS/AIA.
They also offer money and scholarship/fellowship programs

-Work study/School jobs-Being full time in grad school is rough, but you can work for the school. I was a teaching assistant for one of my instructors.

-City, State, Federal Agencies- Most can offer tuition assistance or help you pay to get your license for ARE- NYCDOB for example.


My debt is going to be high, but I consider it an investment.Professional degrees (Master of Architecture) are costly, but I wanted to be competitive with architecture firms. And my undergrad debt is low.

PhD in Arch- I am applying to Princeton, Yale, and Columbia. The best thing about post-professional programs is that tuition is usually free and they give you a stipend for expenses. You can also apply for outside fellowships since you will be doing research.


You best bet is to:

-Go to a state school for undergrad or for free,like Cooper Union.low debt. You will also have a portfolio and recommendations, you just need to take the GRE.

-For grad-Apply to 6 schools- 2 "reach", 2 "good", 2 "safety"
for M.Arch. You can save money by having a undergrad degree in arch. Classes with overlap so it will take you 2-3 years. Which is not bad, because you can have some classes "forgiven" because you have taken these classes already.You will have to talk to your director and advisor, but I did it...

Phd-free tuition plus stipend/ school funding- Go to a expensive school... you won't be paying $40,000 in tuition...


Hope this helps.

Right now the way the industry and profession is going, if you're in the position to be going to grad school in the fall, it couldn't have come at a better time...

only bad thing is you, me, and everyone else will be applying too.

Shu, exactly. I applied in the aftermath of the 2001 recession and was going against some tough competition and large application numbers in schools that were otherwise less competitive.