I think the evening option is designed with working professionals in mind, so it might be a little less rigorous than the daytime studios. That doesn't necessarily mean less inspiring, though, and of course, it is what you make of it. If you have time, be sure to take advantage of daytime lectures, tours, and workshops that are also part of the summer program.

Admissions shouldn't be a problem. My overall GPA is far worse, and I didn't apply until late March. I got in just fine... I think it's more-or-less handled on a first-come-first-served basis.

Do you get to choose a particular studio or it's just pure luck to have a terrific instructor.?

On a side note, I heard that material fees are not covered and they can be quite hefty ....

If I remember correctly, the application form has a section where you can state a preference for a particular instructor, but the decision is ultimately up to the school.

You're responsible for buying your own materials, and how much you decide to spend is up to you.

cfso1952, I also chose the night studio when I took the summer program at Columbia several years ago when I was an undergradute. My classmates ranged from college students to middle-aged professionals, and all were working full-time jobs. The diverse experience of the group was definately a plus.

However, I also felt that the day time students had a much more immersive and coherent experience than I did. The day student also spent all day in the studio working together, while the night students would only be there from 6- 9 or whatever. I think the similar background of the students there (almost entirely college students) contributed to this.

As much as I enjoyed wandering around NYC during the day, I would recommend the day studio -- I think it would've been much more worthwhile. I'm sure there's plenty of time to slack off during the day if you choose to.

Although I now understand that architecture school is often defined by obtuse assignments and scathing critiques, I would describe my instructor as profoundly uninspirational. He was also frequently late to class because of his own full-time work obligations.

The analytical yet abstract nature of the assignments often confounded me and my classmates. I certainly did not expect the projects to be "draw your dream home," but the open-ended assignments coupled with absolutely brutal critiques created a lot of stress. Again, probably good prepation for architecture school. I definatetly learned alot and made good friends.

I lived in on-campus housing and it was fine -- large double room, right across Broadway from campus, shared with a (daytime) architecture student.

i did most of my work from the evening hours until the next morning. studio hours were mostly for discussion, not production, of our work.

if you don't have a daytime commitment and want the most bang for your buck, switch to the day studio. you'll be more immersed in all the program has to offer. take advantage of the many activities (workshops, tours, etc.) other than studio offered during the day. go to museums on the weekend.