I'm not sure on all the particulars that you listed but it's a good idea to start thinking about a thesis project. A solid researched and complete thesis project will seperate you from competition. I've seen countless of grad portfolios just kinda half-a**ed. Anyway, it's something to ponder.

Yes, I am not too sure of what a Thesis project is. From what I know and have seen its an independent project and somewhat strong proposal on a site. I appreciate the comment, I will take it to hear. Thanks Dacurug.

Thesis? I can't even spell that word! It's just fancy nomenclature somebody dreamed up to sound important and professional. Don't wait for someone to assign you one (thesis). I mean do some digging, recognize an issue and shock and awe! I'm pretty sure your an architect for more reasons than delivering lovely images esp. when I hear that your looking into grad school for a Masters.

Don't be afraid to educate the professors and staff on a presentation that will drop their jaws. I did that once my fifth year project - completely ignoring the outline and having the initiative to create my own. At first their offened, but then you soon seperate yourself from herd.

Cheers!

Look into getting a business degree with your M.Arch, otherwise there is no need to go to grad school at all (unless you just want to burn money).

Personally, I'd look at a MBA or Columbia's M.Red and/or M.Arch/M.Red combo.



"Don't be afraid to educate the professors and staff on a presentation that will drop their jaws."

I'd be careful of that. Columbia, and many other schools, have profs that have seen everything, and many have created some of the best presentations. Learn and study others, find your niche, but don't just head out into no mans land just to 'stand out'.

"Learn and study others, find your niche, but don't just head out into no mans land just to 'stand out'."

I have been doing this so far and have found it to work. As a 2nd year student I dont think I know enough to make my own decisions and think I know what Architecture is. For now I have been looking at precedents and books.

Trace: Can you tell me more about the "MBA or Columbia's M.Red and/or M.Arch/M.Red combo. "

Are they all 3 semester MArch's? I want to know how much I should save up.
How selective is the school and what are some requirements?
If possible could you tell me what Columbia has over Pratt?

Thank you so much. You have helped me understand a lot

Columbia? It is super super super super selective! One of the hardest to get into, Ivy league, cost more than a house to go to, etc., etc.

I have no idea what tuition is nowadays, but 10+ years ago when I turned down their offer (to attend), it was about $25k a year, so $75k+ for 3 years (why I turned it down, even with their generous offer, it was still outrageous).

Looks like it could be closer to $50k/year! Yikes!! Others on here will be able to give you a better idea.


http://www.arch.columbia.edu/programs/real-estate-development




PS - had I known about the MRed when I got accepted i would have chosen that route. Or, rather, had I known then what I know now. Back then I was only interested in architecture, but as time passes you realize that the world is much larger and architecture is part of the bigger business world, not an isolated 'art'.

Trace thank you so much, you are very intelligent and provided me with great resources. It is smart to aknowledge how small architecture is in comparison with other careers and ofcourse the business world. Anyone else have any tips or suggestions? I am sure since we all study Architecture we must have strong ideas or feelings, why is everyone so quiet?

look into grad schools that will test your abilities and not just assign you projects....

undergrad=water
grad=wine.... be selective/quality...its what you like

i'm curious - if you're getting a b.arch, why are you interested in an m.arch too?

your welcome, airfrogyto19, anything I can do to steer younguns to other careers paths ;-)


Seriously, though, you need to consider what will help you the most and offer the most options. This economy is a good lesson - you need other skills besides basic architecture (dime a dozen out there now).

If my undergrad was a professional architecture degree, I would have never gone to grad school (well, maybe I would have as I was young, idealistic and naive), but no reason you need to.
Ironically, I went to grad school so that I had a professional degree to get licenses, which, most likely, I'll never attempt to get.


Good luck!!

Zug: Thanks for the tip, I think that is the most crucial part and then comes the quality of the staff.

el jeffe: I think I may have used the wrong term. I am seeking the masters program that one takes after one has a B.Arch. It may be called M.Arch1 or March2 Im not too well with the terminology but I wish to go for an M.Arch to further my understanding and take some more intense courses. I like to learn and I like to work hard.

Thanks a bunch, this has helped me so much. I have heard one is free to go to any lecture series from any Arch school. Any tips for going to Columbia's lecture series? Anything I should consider or look out for on my way? Thanks a bunch I appreciate all your help especially Trace for keeping up with me :)

My pleasure, glad I could help


Can't really give you advice about Columbia, I chose UCLA for grad over it. Their website seems pretty good, tho, so I'd spend some time reading up on it.