I have several questions open for any response.

First some background, I am a studio art major with an emphasis on graphic design. I will be graduating in the spring of 2010.

The first question is... Should I take a year off and apply 2 years from now? I feel that my portfolio is worthy, and I have several noteworthy internships with graphic design under my resume. I hear all the time that I should take a year off, but I really have the desire to begin Architecture and apply next year for admittance right after college.

My second question is... I am interested in a lot of the progressive schools, (Sci-Arc, Pratt, Parsons) what could I be doing now, a year away from the application process. On top of building a good portfolio with graphic design to showcase my design skills, and grades, is there anything else I can be doing? As well what types of things do these progressive school look for in a portfolio?

And finally are there any other recommendations for more progressive, theory based schools?

All responses are greatly appreciated.