(sorry I dont know how toc modify my own article, thus I posted it again)
I am an international students, and got admissions from UPENN and Columbia this year. I can not attend the open houses, so I need your opinions. It is really difficult for me to make this decision, although I have seeked for information regarding schools and environments for weeks. I understand that there are some disscussions regarding UPENN or Columbia in the forum separately. after reading those opinions, I have more questions about this decision.

1 academic or practical reputation ?
2 How many students the MArch2 program of UPENN admit in one year? I know that space for students in GSAPP is always limited. Does the crowded space and limited resources seriously influence studies or works?
3 the different academic directions between two schools:
Does Colimbia teaches software skills rather than the essence of architecture? or the digital Architecture in Colimbia, if you are interested in it, is much better than UPENN ??
4 what is the difference between programs of the M Arch2 and MS in Advanced architectural design.

I want to learn scripting but I do not have any programming background. Will they teach us in the beginning of the semester?
I also want to learn theories and the essence of architecture as well. After all, I am an Architecture student.

I have no answers regarding those questions and information. I really need your opinions and advice, thanks.

can anyone help? I deeply appreciate your opinions...

I can try to help. . . I'm a UPenn M Arch II

1 I don't believe there to be a noticeable difference in reputation between the two schools. They have been known to share professors. Any minor difference wouldn't matter if you have the goods on your resume and in your portfolio

2 There were two studios of M Arch II at UPenn this year, I hear they are imagining the same next year, you can ask admissions. We had 25 students, which is a pretty high number for a post-professional program. It gives you a large class of similar minded students, all absorbing the software at the same time. There were TAs to help with the transition.

3 Tough one. Architecture education at Penn is often what you make of it, people are interested in different things. You will certainly have to absorb the digital techniques, but everyone seems to have found their own path. There are many options and concentrations, theory is definitely available in huge spoonfuls if you're up for it.

4 One thing that turned me off about Columbia was the odd degree name. M Arch is pretty universally understood. I don't know why they do that at GSAAP. Someone there should answer back!

5 If you are interested in scripting, they have a seminar class first semester where you absorb the skills, and then you can take a scripting studio for your second semester. Both are taught/led by Cecil Balmond.

Dear Cos:

Thanks for your information. yes, you are right!! Both schools are equally famous and excellent although they have some differences in their direction of works. That's why I am facing difficulties to make a decision. Your information and kindness help me a lot, thanks!!

Guys I have started up a facebook group for MArchII students attending/attended PennDesign. It would be a nice place to meet your peers and discuss about housing/professors/course/campus/philly/electives...

Please join:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78780290676&ref=mf

columbia rocks over upen, who has come out of this school? i mean being in new york speaks for itself. buddy a no brainer. GSAAP all day every day

Columbia is too large in my opinion. If info that I recieved from another forum on archinect is correct, their post professional (MSAAD) program accepts over 100 students each year. Penn on the other hand only accepts 20 - 25 students. You hear more about Columbia and their graduates simply because of the size of the student body.

Anyway.....lisidio - here is a little more info on Penn I gathered from the open house:

PP@PD allows students to pursue a more individually directed course of study. During the fall semester, students take a studio that I found to be different than what exists at any other school. The semester begins with a 2 week trip to an international city. Previous destinations have been Shanghai, Tel Aviv, Delhi, Chandigarh, Los Angeles.......Students take a piece of what they learned there and apply it to their research for the course of the semester.

This new M Arch II program officially started in 2004, so it is still relatively new. I expect even more recognition in the upcoming years, and Penn will be the place to be, especially with its reputation for digital design, generative software, and fabrication. They also just started a joint Integrated Product Design program with the school of engineering.

For all these reasons and more, I chose Penn over Columbia.