can u talk to the arch faculty there n see what's their requirements? i know they change the head of department, and hiring new teachers, so there might be some good changes in the future.

do u plan to work in hk? otherwise there is no point to stay in hku, there are alot of choices out there! even u wanna work in china, studing in hku not necessary an advantages.

good luck!

hi there fellow hku-mate,

I can appreciate your interest in architecture, but you need to ask yourself whether you want the 'prestige' in the name of the school you want to go to or rather you want to actually do some design.
having said that, fortunately for architecture the portfolio carries a lot more weight than GPA, so if you want to get into a decent school, I would suggest you look around for any studio-type courses. unless you are extremely frustrated with hku's program, I would suggest you sit it out while figuring out your exit strategy. if I remember correctly there are broadening courses or electives that may be offered by the arch. department that you might be interested in? alternatively look for the summer schools that are offered by various institutions...that would be your first step in testing whether you are a good fit for the profession and also to pick up that much needed design experience and training for your portfolio.
lastly, are you sure you want to go to a US school? do some research to look at the schools you are interested in; there are decent schools at both canada, europe and the uk.

good luck!

Thx for the comments.

To fellow hku-mate =)
Actually I have already taken the broadening course offered by the architecture department and got an A in that :p (yep, A in broadening but still GPA with 2.76) Anyway, I do understand that portfolio is a lot more weight than GPA in other places, that's why I am even more frightened with my lack of experiences. What kind of studio-type courses/programs would be suitable for me in Hong Kong?

My reason for 'prestige' is that, I seriously don't understand what schools are looking for. If I can have my undergraduate in a 'prestige' school, still can produce great designs, with understanding in engineering, cost less and please my parents, then shouldn't it be better than just running away and pursue for my dream? And because of this uncertainty, that's why I am still here and hoping to do whatever I can to work it out.

My reason for US school is because, first I got a Greencard which will enables me to work/internship, second is because some of my cousins live in NY (of course I may not necessary study in NY but still they are inside the territory of US) UK is way too expensive... it's quite out of my budget. I've been learning Spanish recently and I'll see if that can open up new possibilities. I am going to look at schools in europe later on.

To aspect
I've tried to apply for transfer before but they didn't even interviewed me. I ask the office and they don't let me see the professor so...
Before I plan to work in hk but now I don't think that way anymore...