Hey all,

I recently have become interested in a Masters of Architecture program. I am currently a senior undergrad majoring in political science with a minor economics. My question is past the dotted line, so skip the recap if you're in a hurry.

The path to this point is a bit winding. The Recap: I've always been artistically inclined/spatially-aware, and earlier in grade school, I actually wanted to be an architect. My dad always encouraged me in this direction. Towards the latter end of high school, however, I went to a rigorous math and science magnet school, where I had no time for the arts and eventually lost interest.

As a passionate political/social justice/environmental advocate, I became convinced I only wanted a college degree in an area where I could make direct positive change--whether business (i.e. social entrepreneurship), political science, or whatever. These subjects were real, and they were right there, in the mix of reform and creating a better world... Architecture, on the hand, came off as a bit disconnected and aloof, based on my own caricatures.

Through college, I have found myself getting my creative fix outside of class, in graphics, web design, and documentary filmmaking. Documentary filmmaking was an obvious career choice for me in theory due to its combination of visual design and knowledge/positive change, but after two internships, I have slowly accepted it's not for me--bureacratic, perhaps not the type of design process that I savor (i.e., too many irritating social interactions)...

Now, I'm an old man. Senior. I'm taking an architectural design class for non-architecture students. I'm finding myself really liking the design process--the design, studio work, and the satisfaction of completion. And finally, I can tap into those shapes and designs I've had pent up in my mind. At first, I was afraid I would like it because I might get that gnawing suspicion that I might have chosen the wrong major. So, after a long day at the studio, I decided to look up the requirements for a Masters of Architecture....and they accept liberal arts majors!

Contrary to my expectations, architecture is a lot more interwoven with causes that are very important me. An obvious example is environmental sustainability, where radically sustainable design is becoming more important. Moreover, architecture can play a significant role in how people interact and know one another, which to me can be tied in some ways to social justice. I also really like the studio environment--it is very meditative almost, being immersed in your own thoughts. Finally, what I most appreciate about architecture is the sense of the universal...

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SO, my questions are:
1. How do I go from where I am now to being a candidate for a top Masters of Architecture program in 2-3 years? Namely, I need to get design experience and build up my portfolio.

2. The bigger question is how the hell would I pay for this? I'm from a middle class family, and though I have a partial scholarship to a top tier school, I will have to pay tens of thousands in loans back just for undergrad. This is my big issue. After seeing how much a Masters of Architecture costs, and how little an architect gets paid, I'm pretty worried about the feasibility of this... I'm on the verge of figuring out what I'm going to be doing the rest of my life.

3. Is there a way at all I can teach myself architecture on the side? Not to become an accredited architect per se, but to design my own house, public space, etc.
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Things I should probably learn or do:
1. Make models--clay, wood, other materials--how those materials interact with each other, hone my abilities to a superb level.
2. Sketch- I haven't drawn seriously since 9th grade, though I have the ability...
3. Learn principles of design: i think I have a lot of intuition for design, but right now it is untamed and unrefined....how would I learn/self-teach myself some of these principles
4. Engage in entrepreneurial projects: I'm thinking of projects i could engage in for at least a year after college to build my portfolio. Right now, I have zero 3-d projects under my belt. I'm really hoping I can find part time paying job with some sort of innovative sustainability firm once I graduate....
5. Understand/research the mathematics of architecture/other architecture... golden ratio, patterns, etc.

Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.