While I wait for forever for my transcripts to get to Columbia from my first school (it's been ten business days), I'm trying to decide if I should attend, provided they accept me.
It's really expensive. I've calculated that the trip will cost me about $8000-$10000 (tuition, airfare, transit in New York, housing, food, some entertainment and spending money because if I make the trip it won't be just to go to school, the experience of the city is also important). This isn't counting the money I won't be making wither, so we could tack on another $2000-25000 opportunity cost. NOTE: above figures are in CDN.
Now that I've established that this will break me, I must now decide whether or not it is worth taking on loans and reducing my lifestyle to that of a 'student'. So far, I've lived fairly comfortably while in school, which I like. I really hate the stress and lack of flexibility that comes with being poor.
Is the experience worth the money/stress/pain that I have stated above? Will it put me in a really good position going into my undergrad? Is it beneficial when applying to grad school (I haven't looked a lot at grad school, but like the looks of what Columbia and MIT have to offer... I would at least like the option to go to prestigious schools)?
I have done two years of university, and am anticipating/hoping for admission into an environmental design program for third and fourth year. I would like to hit the ground running with as much knowledge and understanding as possible, so that I can take full advantage of every opportunity, etc. (i.e. instead of treating the program as my introduction, I would like to understand and be able to produce quality pieces from day one).
So again, given my particular situation, do you think it is worth attending Columbia this summer, or should I continue to live comfortably/put invest and save money to alleviate the debt grad school will generate/buy books, wood, tools, etc. and design and build things myself at home. I could also perhaps do a week or so in New York, so I would miss less work, and skip the large tuition fee, as well as save on food, accommodation, etc.
Sorry, this is a bit of a ramble; hopefully someone can comment.
Yea, I'd say whatever extra advantage doing the Intro will give you can quickly be matched in the regular undergrad program after a month or so. And besides, who cares if your first few projects are less than stellar.
the program will give you an advantage when applying for schools - you'll have more work for your portfolio, possible connections, and more experience.
most importantly, if you are not sure whether you want to go to architecture school at all, you should DEFINITELY get your feet wet before diving in. you may end up wasting more money by going to undergrad school, and then deciding after two years that it's not for you.
my suggestion is 1.) take the intro program - i hear A LOT of people take it and decide architecture school is not for them. or, 2.) do some drafting/design classes at community college to get a feel for it. this way you can work, save money, and get a little experience. i did this before i changed my major to architecture (from biology) and i'm really glad i did it..
good luck
Thanks.
I do want to do architecture school (at least undergrad, and anticipate actually becoming an Architect, so will also be doing grad school). I've done architectural drawing classes, as well as general visual arts, I've read books both on becoming an architect as well as books on architecture, I've spoken to architects, worked for a small design/build firm, etc. So I suppose there is a chance that I'll end up not going all the way, but I would say it is unlikely. i've already done 2 years of undergrad, as the program I'm looking to do doesn't start until 3rd year (one ends up with a 4 year degree, but is only actually following a set curriculum for 2 years).
I would really like to go; I'm just trying to quantify it's benefits and see if it is actually worth the ~$8000 the whole thing will end up costing me.
@ camhard - so did you end up doing the intro program? and how was your experience? did you get to see the city and do all that you wanted to do before the summer program? I am also curious to see what type of projects you did at the program. Thanks!
In my opinion,The architecture profession is dead. Are there great buildings still built? Yes, but as a viable career it simply doesn't compute.
If you are a trust-fund baby, then go for it. If you aspire to someday live in a beautiful, architectural home - then it's as much a longshot as picking-up a basketball and expecting to be the next LeBron James.
I'll second that. I really pity those coming out of school now or within the next 5 years, unless you don't mind working for nothing and have IT/3D skills.
Sad, really. I hope schools (but I know they'd never do it) are advising naive potentials of the reality out there.
No, I didn't end up going. For a while, I regretted the decision, but am happy now that I didn't spend all that money. I think I was actually better off going into my undergrad program with next to no studio/architectural education. I'd still like to do some sort of summer program, but their just so expensive. I'm trying to decide if it's better to just travel or do both (but less).
Well, thanks for the cheery news trace and Geertrude; I'll stay hopeful for now though... although I'm a little worried about my summer job prospects as the end of term approaches and nobody I know has been able to line up related employment. Any suggestions regarding where to apply/what positions to apply for, coming out of a first year curriculum?
you are in canada? from what i hear my former classmates even in winnipeg are busy with interesting work and the economy is nothing like in the usa so possibly you need not worry so much.
which means really it is the same old problem of finding that first job. best way to do that is probably to talk to your teachers and ask for introductions. if that doesn't work out an other option is just to send out letters or call offices in the area you are interested in working for. A nice cover letter and clear portfolio even after one year of design school should get some interest.
to put in context, from what i remember of undergrad days very few of us had summer jobs with offices. in retrospect the ones that did were very motivated people. good luck.
Hey camhard, just wondering which program you transferred to if you dont mind saying? Ive just sent applications out to similar programs (possibly the same one as you), looking at some of the same types of things.
@ camhard, would you be applying to any summer programs this year? And have you seen the portfolio of someone who's been to Columbia's intro to arch program? There are many differing views, so I thought it would be good if you have seen and could give your feedback on the works of someone who's been there, done there.
Apr 4, 10 12:03 pm ·
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Is Intro to Arch worth it (for me)?
While I wait for forever for my transcripts to get to Columbia from my first school (it's been ten business days), I'm trying to decide if I should attend, provided they accept me.
It's really expensive. I've calculated that the trip will cost me about $8000-$10000 (tuition, airfare, transit in New York, housing, food, some entertainment and spending money because if I make the trip it won't be just to go to school, the experience of the city is also important). This isn't counting the money I won't be making wither, so we could tack on another $2000-25000 opportunity cost. NOTE: above figures are in CDN.
Now that I've established that this will break me, I must now decide whether or not it is worth taking on loans and reducing my lifestyle to that of a 'student'. So far, I've lived fairly comfortably while in school, which I like. I really hate the stress and lack of flexibility that comes with being poor.
Is the experience worth the money/stress/pain that I have stated above? Will it put me in a really good position going into my undergrad? Is it beneficial when applying to grad school (I haven't looked a lot at grad school, but like the looks of what Columbia and MIT have to offer... I would at least like the option to go to prestigious schools)?
I have done two years of university, and am anticipating/hoping for admission into an environmental design program for third and fourth year. I would like to hit the ground running with as much knowledge and understanding as possible, so that I can take full advantage of every opportunity, etc. (i.e. instead of treating the program as my introduction, I would like to understand and be able to produce quality pieces from day one).
So again, given my particular situation, do you think it is worth attending Columbia this summer, or should I continue to live comfortably/put invest and save money to alleviate the debt grad school will generate/buy books, wood, tools, etc. and design and build things myself at home. I could also perhaps do a week or so in New York, so I would miss less work, and skip the large tuition fee, as well as save on food, accommodation, etc.
Sorry, this is a bit of a ramble; hopefully someone can comment.
Thanks.
>Will it put me in a really good position going into my undergrad?
doubt it. it's a month long; you may learn just as much in a month in undergrad studio.
save your money. do your undergrad. if you feel something is missing, look into intro arch again. it won't turn you into a wonder student overnight.
Yea, I'd say whatever extra advantage doing the Intro will give you can quickly be matched in the regular undergrad program after a month or so. And besides, who cares if your first few projects are less than stellar.
What was the question again?
the program will give you an advantage when applying for schools - you'll have more work for your portfolio, possible connections, and more experience.
most importantly, if you are not sure whether you want to go to architecture school at all, you should DEFINITELY get your feet wet before diving in. you may end up wasting more money by going to undergrad school, and then deciding after two years that it's not for you.
my suggestion is 1.) take the intro program - i hear A LOT of people take it and decide architecture school is not for them. or, 2.) do some drafting/design classes at community college to get a feel for it. this way you can work, save money, and get a little experience. i did this before i changed my major to architecture (from biology) and i'm really glad i did it..
good luck
Thanks.
I do want to do architecture school (at least undergrad, and anticipate actually becoming an Architect, so will also be doing grad school). I've done architectural drawing classes, as well as general visual arts, I've read books both on becoming an architect as well as books on architecture, I've spoken to architects, worked for a small design/build firm, etc. So I suppose there is a chance that I'll end up not going all the way, but I would say it is unlikely. i've already done 2 years of undergrad, as the program I'm looking to do doesn't start until 3rd year (one ends up with a 4 year degree, but is only actually following a set curriculum for 2 years).
I would really like to go; I'm just trying to quantify it's benefits and see if it is actually worth the ~$8000 the whole thing will end up costing me.
@ camhard - so did you end up doing the intro program? and how was your experience? did you get to see the city and do all that you wanted to do before the summer program? I am also curious to see what type of projects you did at the program. Thanks!
In my opinion,The architecture profession is dead. Are there great buildings still built? Yes, but as a viable career it simply doesn't compute.
If you are a trust-fund baby, then go for it. If you aspire to someday live in a beautiful, architectural home - then it's as much a longshot as picking-up a basketball and expecting to be the next LeBron James.
I'll second that. I really pity those coming out of school now or within the next 5 years, unless you don't mind working for nothing and have IT/3D skills.
Sad, really. I hope schools (but I know they'd never do it) are advising naive potentials of the reality out there.
No, I didn't end up going. For a while, I regretted the decision, but am happy now that I didn't spend all that money. I think I was actually better off going into my undergrad program with next to no studio/architectural education. I'd still like to do some sort of summer program, but their just so expensive. I'm trying to decide if it's better to just travel or do both (but less).
Well, thanks for the cheery news trace and Geertrude; I'll stay hopeful for now though... although I'm a little worried about my summer job prospects as the end of term approaches and nobody I know has been able to line up related employment. Any suggestions regarding where to apply/what positions to apply for, coming out of a first year curriculum?
you are in canada? from what i hear my former classmates even in winnipeg are busy with interesting work and the economy is nothing like in the usa so possibly you need not worry so much.
which means really it is the same old problem of finding that first job. best way to do that is probably to talk to your teachers and ask for introductions. if that doesn't work out an other option is just to send out letters or call offices in the area you are interested in working for. A nice cover letter and clear portfolio even after one year of design school should get some interest.
to put in context, from what i remember of undergrad days very few of us had summer jobs with offices. in retrospect the ones that did were very motivated people. good luck.
Hey camhard, just wondering which program you transferred to if you dont mind saying? Ive just sent applications out to similar programs (possibly the same one as you), looking at some of the same types of things.
@ camhard, would you be applying to any summer programs this year? And have you seen the portfolio of someone who's been to Columbia's intro to arch program? There are many differing views, so I thought it would be good if you have seen and could give your feedback on the works of someone who's been there, done there.
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