There exist threads on both these schools, so I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for that hasn't been covered already.

That being said, those schools like talented individuals who demonstrate ability, intelligence, creativity, promise, potential, and critically thinking.

... Not the answer you were looking for? Well, I think that's because your question is ridiculously broad.

Besides being London based schools with far-reaching reputations, I don't think the two schools are particularly similar, thus making any broad generalisations quite difficult. Furthermore, the program you're interested in will dictate what makes a successful candidate. For example Em-tech vs DRL vs Housing and Urbanism (AA) vs AVATAR vs MArch Ud (Bartlett) will make a drastic difference.

Before anyone can properly give an answer, you need to come up with the right questions. (and possibly dig through the archives a little deeper).

Good luck!

I hear ya. Im pretty interested in the Emtech degree at the AA. But Im sensing that there is more freedom at Barlett AVATAR. Somebody posted that on here before, and thats what it says on the website. I kinda think Neil Spiller is the bomb. Zaha is so 2008, im not sure how much weight she has at the AA nowadays, but im under the impression that the AA is intellectually drier. When I was in school I was really into theory. I read all these books. Ive been out of it for a while, working in the construction industry. it would be nice to have a good amount of freedom.

Whats the difference between the MS and the M.Arch degree under Emtech besides that one is longer than the other. I emailed the AA with that question and they still havent gotten back.

Also, looking at eh AVATAR website, I dont understand their projects. But they seem pretty cool.