I don't think it would be too hard for you to transfer, though I don't know how many of your credits those schools would allow you to transfer toward your arch. degree. Both schools are pretty similar, as the faculty is interchangeable (by that I mean some switch back and forth between the schools, and also most are practicing architects). I went to both schools and personally hardly saw a difference in culture, except that the B.Arch at IIT is more technical as they channel their inner Mies. IIT also has much better facilities in my opinion, than UIC, but that depends on rather you like working out of a mid 20 century glass box or a concrete windowless bunker. Nevertheless both have their distinct advantages and disadvantages (facilities). UIC is also the cheaper alternative, since it is a public school and with this economy I'd go for cheaper, regardless of school rankings. Just my two cents...

Ok. Thank you very much, that was very helpful.

I graduated from UIC in 2006 with my Masters. UIC is a good program overall, but I do have to agree that the facilities are not up to the level of IIT. As Digi_Sandbox said, the professors are mostly working architects and I think it helps. UIC Masters program had a great study abroad program, so it may be a bonus. We spent a full semester in Europe (3 months in Barcelona, 2 weeks in Paris, Rome, Florence and Genoa).

It's a pretty good college to touch many different aspects of architecture. Some schools focus on technology, sustainability or urbanism almost exclusively. UIC lets you explore these different specialties.

Although some (a small handful) of the professors do switch back and forth, the studio curriculum sequence seems to be quite different between the two. I recommend meeting with the admissions team at each -- you will get a feel for what they teach. They don't seem to focus on the same aspects of design, from what I've seen at year-end shows.

It's worth noting that the undergrad program at IIT is a professional, 5-year B.Arch program; the undergrad program at UIC is a 4-year B.Sc. in Architecture. There are notable differences in the meaning of those two degrees -- do a quick search here to find more info. Generally, because of this, I would guess that you're not likely to get any advanced standing in the studio sequence at IIT. You *might* at UIC -- I'm not sure how they evaluate transfers from interior design programs.

Hey, I understand that this is a digression from the actual topic. But you guys seem to be IIT graduates and might help me out. I've been selected for an scholarship program for a Masters in the U.S.
I already have a B.Arch degree, I can't seem to decide between schools

Columbia, Cooper Union, Pratt, SCI ARC, UC Berkeley, IIT.

Any help in this regard would be appreciated. Apologies for the digressing from the topic again.

Columbia

Thanks for the reply but the kind of work that i see myself doing is more like

http://ds13.uforg.net/2008/10/xuberant/

this program is the one i'm interested in but it is based in UK. could you guide me towards a similar program in the U.S.

Ok, thank you for everyone's response!

Well, there are a few things you'll want to consider first. I'm a senior in the bs arch program at UIC and i'm happy I went here. I started as a transfer student and although the school I came from had arch transfer agreements for third year placement at other schools (uiuc and iit), UIC rarely takes anything higher than 2nd year, 1st semester placement in the bs arch program. I'm pretty sure there's no admissions to the arch program in the spring semesters- fall only.

So one of two things will happen if you transfer in (depending on your portfolio- make it good). You'll either get placed into 2nd year, with the provision that you'll have to take a summer studio to "catch-up" or you'll have to start at square one. It's pretty unlikely that it'd be the latter option, but our freshman arch class sizes have gotten huge and the work has become really good and really competitive.

I don't know about IIT, my instinct tells me you'd probably get placed a bit higher there- but they're a technical program, and the first year still contains quite a bit of drafting. IIT however costs more, but it will get you into the field sooner, if you want to practice coming from an undergrad at UIC, you'll need to go for your M.Arch

IIT does have better facilities, but UIC does have a few advantages (location and cost mainly). Personally, I'm more a fan of the work that comes out UIC as well (but I am biased).
If you can, definitely attend the year end show that happens in May for both schools. It typically falls a few weeks before you'll actually have to make your decision. Seeing all of the best work from each school will get you an idea of the kind of projects you'd like to work on.

either school will be a lot of work, especially with the number of students in the programs now. pick one you like.