I'm in debt, but being at GSAPP, I see it worth every penny. Most of the people I know are in debt as well. I can't speak for everyone, but it's just something I will deal with once I am done. I'm not saying that choice is the right one for everyone, but if you know what you want to get out of Columbia, and you know you will spend your time making the most out of every moment, at the end of the day, the experience outshines the financial worries. I don't like seeing how much interest accumulates on my loan in the mean time, but I've never been one to save money, over losing out on an experience. (and it's not even about the name for me, it really is about the energy and attitude the school has towards architecture that led me to study here)

I really do think it's your decision to make in the end. Some people may regret certain things, and some may not, but you have to realize what kind of a career you want to have, and what you need to do to make that career happen. I don't believe big name schools are right for everyone...my undergrad wasn't a top school, but it helped get me to where I am now (in respect to personal, professional and academic growth) so, it's just a matter of thinking about what you're willing to sacrifice in life, to get the life you want.

at the end i feel one is only as good as one's portfolio.. nobody cares much about the "school" you went to. i'd go for Michigan simply because its a bigger program with many different options all across the spectrum

Michigan is certainly no slouch when it comes to reputation. The "Ivy League" moniker means nothing... It's an athletic conference made up of eight universities in the Northeast. Here on Archinect and elsewhere, it's not unusual to see Michigan mentioned alongside the other top-tier schools like GSAPP, UCLA, et al.

Go to Columbia. That is what you really want. Debt is not funny, but you are coming across as the kind of person that will really regret not going for the name. If it has come down to money vs. name for you choosing a program, go for the name.

Having just graduated from Columbia in the past two years I can tell you that your decision is not an easy one. I have student loan debt you wouldn't believe and sometimes feel like I will never be able to save money or retire. The choice you make now will ultimately determine the course of your entire career.

Those who say that going to an ivy like Columbia is just for name recognition, DO NOT know what they are talking about. I know that because I used to be one of them. I got into Columbia and Michigan at the same time, looked at both programs, took money out of the equation and went to GSAPP...it was the best decision I could have made and it was worth every penny. Columbia will open doors because of name recognition, this much is true (and since when is that a bad thing) but mostly it will teach you how to think differently, analyze yourself, your methods and constantly drive forward in pursuit of the architecture/design of tomorrow (the next big idea). You will be thrown into the deep end of the pool on the first day, have the opportunity to access everything from complex theory to digital tools used in the aerospace industry. Columbia will open more doors for you internationally because of all the connections there and it will be easier to fall into whatever career niche you are looking for. Many students graduate and start their own practice from day one...this is easier in the NYC job market (present economic conditions are not that great but will be when you get out) When I graduated the MArch, I literally had 25 interviews in 2 months just with NYC firms. In the end, many people who get into school like Columbia and Michigan tend to gravitate toward either the NYC or other major metro area job markets. If you go to GSAPP you will already be part of that environment. Detroit is less than alive these days and you probably would not want to stay there and work over the summer.

Why not go to Michigan? In my opinion UMich's program is chasing GSAPP and has been for years. There is clear evidence of this...they are importing professors from new york...specifically adjuncts from Columbia and UPenn. In the last two years they started pursuing an advanced digital curriculum including scripting, BIM modeling and fabrication. Why go to the program and get second tier knowledge, go to the source of the research at its center.

Don't worry about the money, not everyone at GSAPP is rich and in the end you'll all have something to sarcastically joke about...how hopelessly in debt you are. Trust me...its worth it.

Good luck with whatever decision you make. Architects never have it easy and are always faced with hard and sometimes impossible choices.

otis151 :

Thanks for your comment :) I don't know what will be the best choice for me. I want to be like you I mean.. I don't wanna regret my choice that I made. I have another question. Did international students at GSAPP also get a job in NYC like other domestic students?

That all depends on the job market and the economy. When I graduated two years ago the job market was booming and everyone got jobs including international students. Now that the economy is bad, firms are less likely than before to sponsor working visas....however, you do get the free year after graduation before the student visa expires. This situation is pretty common across the country but sponsorship all depends on the firm, the market, and how bad they want you to work for them. I'll tell you this, in a crappy economy, you are going to need all the points you can get to distinguish yourself from others, and name recognition with Columbia on your resume is a good place to start. Competition for jobs is brutal right now.

Personally, Columbia is my dream school, i know it fits me perfectly to help me grow in my approach to architecture so based on finances I would take the debt. Because of circumstances in my life I can not go so I will actually be attending Umich. Both good schools but I know where I would fit and had that gut feeling about Columbia being the right school for me if I could go. Good Luck!

Thanks for giving me information :) I decided to go to Umich! I looked back when I applied to graduate schools in USA. At that time, I just want to meet people have different backgrounds and know about various perspectives because I think architecture should be for people ( I mean.. for people who live in space that I created.. I didn't think about ivy name ). I forgot my thought because of ivy name :(
After thinking about many sides, I choose Umich! I want to enjoy my graduate life without concerning $$ ( I'm not rich enough to study at Columbia or NYC ) However, a matter of money is not the only fact to decide Umich. I like Umich's curriculums, especially criticism and thesis program, and they will also give me free English program in Aug. :) I might regret my decision someday... but, right now, I don't think I will regret. I got into three schools (Umich, Upenn, and Columbia) that are great and I realize I might have some potential :D That's enough for me to start new life in USA.