M.Arch I&II 2024 Application Status

• Posted: Nov 8, 23 11:38 pm

  ↓ 150 comments – jump to last

• vince_staples Nov 8, 23 11:38 pm  

  Hello everyone!

  This thread is for all 2024 M.Arch applicants to share our application status and decisions, in the spirit of sharing helpful information and supporting each other, especially our mental health.

  If you have questions, ask away! I'm sure someone could help you.

  Suggested format -

  • Undergraduate Degree/School/Year graduated
  • Relevant professional experience
  • GPA/GRE/TOEFL 
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essay/Statement 
  • Portfolio
  • Schools
  • Results
  • Tips

  Thanks to mrcutout for providing the format for this discussion.

• Mustard88

  Mar 13, 24 2:53 pm

   

  I’m curious what criteria you guys are considering when deciding on your school:

  How I personally rank from most important to least:

  1) Reputation (assuming it directly correlates with getting hired more easily)

  2) Money

  3) School resources/vibes

  4) Location

• darknight1689

  Mar 13, 24 3:58 pm

   

  1) Reputation 

  2) Curriculum (Sci-Arc and Yale are at the different end of the spectrum). Do you want to lean toward Theory? Design? Practical? or Multi-disciplinary like MIT

  3) Money

  4) Location

  
  

• sillystarfish

  Mar 13, 24 3:59 pm

   

  How are you judging reputation? Is there a particular ranking you trust most or is it vibes/people you've talked to? Asking because I've been finding it hard to say for sure how schools compare reputation wise

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 13, 24 4:22 pm

   

  What do you guys think about Pratt Vs SCI-Arc Vs GSAPP

• fancydirt

  Mar 13, 24 4:39 pm

   

  They're completely different programs. Do you want to live in Brooklyn or Upper Manhattan or Los Angels? Do you have a car? Do you want to go to a university or an art school or a stand-along school of architecture? Are your parents paying for you to attend graduate school? If the answer is 'no,' which program gave you the most money?

• darknight1689

  Mar 13, 24 5:08 pm

   

  In fact, I know that some Sci-Arch students graduated and pursued careers in Animation, stage design, fashion, and many more (I think it's flexible for those who don't really want to pursue architecture but want to explore the adjacent fields). Pratt and GSAPP stand at the same level in terms of curriculum, but GSAPP offers a bigger alumni network and might open more doors for you. Still consider the amount of scholarship that is given to you.

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 13, 24 5:16 pm

   

  I am an international applicant March II. I have no prior experience of being in these places except for what I have heared from my teachers and mentors who have worked here. Pratt gave some good amount. I seriously can not afford GSAPP. In my family we have saved for my Grad education but GSAPP is a lot. But Apart from money TBH I want an educational presepective on three. Lilke Which is more design and practical ? In my own presepective I am a lot inclined to SCI Arc curriculam.

• darknight1689

  Mar 13, 24 8:47 pm

   

  DM me, I'm happy to share more insight. I'm also an international student and have been in the US for two years studying and working, I can help guide you :)

• Zahir_al_Umar

  Mar 14, 24 3:32 am

   

  For me:
  

• sillystarfish

  Mar 14, 24 4:08 pm

   

  do you guys think Rice or Princeton has better reputation overall ?

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 14, 24 9:40 pm

   

  Princeton, of course, the legendary home of Albert Einstein
  

• gomz4

  Mar 18, 24 6:52 pm

   

  im truly debating Sci Arch vs. Pratt. Thoughts on curriculum??
  

• gomz4

  Mar 18, 24 6:56 pm

   

  ^ one essential criteria for me is outside- beyond the classroom learning, fieldwork, community engagement, sustainability trips etc. I see that Pratt is very good with this (even by it’s instagram/ website) but as for Sci Arch, it’s not that clear. It seems like it’s primarily technology graphic design and art making based? Am I missing something here- thoughts?
  

• Alpinoid

  Mar 13, 24 6:54 pm

   

  Just wondering, those who have been accepted to the GSD do you have publications under your belt? I will be applying next year and have been published now 3 times and another one coming in large art publications. I feel quite a bit of disillusionment with my undergraduate degree which ended in 2021 where I didn't do the best. I wasn't the top of my class and didn't do that well outside of theory courses, but I feel as if this is a huge selling point for my acceptance. Growth...?

• keepbuilding

  Mar 14, 24 4:21 am

   

  they just want people top or at least near top of your class with a unique interest or academic background + leadership potential; if not, you can probably ask a reference from a pritzker laureate or donate another building. follow my tips then you will have a good chance in getting in
  

• ar81

  Mar 14, 24 12:07 pm

   

  it really seems like GSD cares about your thinking more than just focusing on design skills or fancy accomplishments. for example, they had four 500 word essays that question different aspects of your architectural thinking rather than the typical "why study architecture here" and "tell us about yourself" that most places do. it probably helps to have your portfolio, essays, and LORs put forward a holistic vision of you that has a particular outlook on architecture and shows potential for thinking creatively within the discipline, rather than just crafting the most visually impressive portfolio or resume. it also seems like they value diverse academic backgrounds. just my 2 cents.

• Alpinoid

  Mar 14, 24 4:13 pm

   

  I have very good LORs from a few professors/mentors and my current boss. Most of my architectural work deals with Baudrillard's media theory. My interest is about subverting common representation ie doing away with pretty pictures of an idealized architecture for something more raw. It's a lot of ignorant style graffiti mixed with misused technologies to make something appear interesting. It's a New New Brutalism outlook.

• shoogazer

  Mar 29, 24 12:00 am

   

  @ar81 has a good point. I think the GSD values the "holistic" student. I was admitted to the GSD of the M.Arch 2 program and had a terrible GPA (under 3.2), no academic awards or honors, but I worked hard to make sure that my portfolio, my essays, my LOR, were all able to speak to my potential as as student at a high level. Sure publications might help but don't get too hung up about it being a make or break factor. Focus on your potential as a student above all and make sure your application materials reflect that.

• Alpinoid

  Apr 4, 24 3:18 pm

   

  I don't believe it's a make or break, yet my current boss thinks it's very important. My GPA was 3.49 mostly excelling in philosophy courses and theory like I mentioned. I have a very unique production method deeply influenced by post-war sculpture while writing and producing short films about the work. I just find my experience of giving up on architecture because of my professors dismissal of my ideas to now producing interesting work is an important part of my "holistic" student arc.

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 14, 24 6:58 am

   

  Could you guys give me some advice on the following programs? I have MSCDP in GSAPP (1 year new and not familiar), MArch 1 in UPenn, UMich, SCI-Arc (all 3 years). I am interested in research of AIGC, and the application of computer science in Architecture. I want to go to a phd program or second master since I want to do something in the interdisciplinary studies, but GSAPP only has one year and very hard to prepare for finding professors, GRE, etc. But 3 years somehow is too long, maybe? It's very very hard to choose. Oh, btw, affordability is important lol, like nyc is expensive

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 14, 24 9:21 pm

   

  Only do the 3-year program if you actually want to become a licensed architect and practice architecture as a primary career .. if you do not intend to become an architect, then there is no reason to do the three year professional degree, though an arch program is so rigorous it will prepare you for anything!!!… generally speaking, Only go into grad school if it perfectly aligns with your career goals. That’s what I tell younger folks all the time. If you plan to eventually pivot or broaden your horizons in terms of research or an additional degree/PhD, then it makes sense to go to GSAPP.. that said, computational design is becoming an increasingly more important part of this field and was heavily integrated into my program, and if you feel you can master Grasshopper and other parametric, design tools, getting a masters degree in CD or a dual degree in CD + architecture, if you intend to be licensed, it is a stellar idea… But in most cases that would take you 4 years… if you’re not worried about getting licensed, then just focus on the computational design degree and you still can work at some of the top firms that deploy parametric design as part of their design strategy, without ever becoming an “architect”. And you’ll be wildly well paid. You can also take , computational design, or DesComp (as we called it at UNCC) , into gaming or film , aerospace etc and earn a FORTUNE!!
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 14, 24 9:38 pm

   

  Oh I see, thank you sooooo much for your detailed suggestions. so it seems like if I don't want to get licensed MSCDP is much better for me. but seems like one-year program is short? since I am not well-trained in design. Actually, CD+ architecture is really tempting, that's why I am interested in UPenn and SCI-Arc, also umich can dual-degree in CD. Besides that, do you know what exactly the application of CD in other fields like film, gaming? I have no idea about it.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 15, 24 9:39 am

   

  You bring up a great point, one that I meant to mention. If you do not have an extensive design background, then you may want to do the dual degree, or do an M.Arch program that has a high-level of computational design in embedded in the curriculum… Which, more and more, a lot of programs Are starting to do. Is the CD program at GSAPP 3 semesters? If it is just two, then it is more likely better suited for someone who has either a B.ARCH or a preprofessional architectural/design degree… But a three semester program might be just enough to get you caught up on design theory at least enough to work professionally what will matter more in the field is your understanding of the computational design tools at hand, and whether or not you can program and write script. If you can do that functionally, while applying it to theoretical design ideas, then that’s great, but most of what you would be doing initially at a firm, would be helping to realize the conceptual designs of lead architects so you would learn the design theory in practice eventually anyway.. depending on your age, like if you’re still in your early to mid- 20s, then finding a four-year dual degree program would probably be really good for you. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has one of the dopest CD programs, which they tie in pedagogically with other types of research, like acoustic design, lighting design, and of course, straight up Architecture. If you haven’t applied there, you should consider it. -- With regard to the application of CD in other fields, for example, a friend of mine is a Computational designer in Animation, his expertise is fine details like Water and Hair. He did the Water in the new Avatar movie and in Moana. He worked on Avatar for almost 10 years... there are tons of jobs like that. Using computational design to World-Build for CGI affects in film, TV, animation and gaming. Sci-Arc is well renowned for this skill. But they lean so heavily into it, that a lot of their students don't go into capital-A "Architecture

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 15, 24 9:48 am

   

  In summary, doing a dual degree would prepare you for anything. You would have TONS of options upon graduation!

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 16, 24 9:55 pm

   

  thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I haven't thought about these stuff! I will take it into consideration carefully!!!

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 14, 24 7:00 am

   

  see MIT results have come out, probably I am rej, so sad.... just waiting for cmu

• dt_cs

  Mar 14, 24 11:05 am

   

  CMU which course ?
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 14, 24 11:11 am

   

  mscd

• dt_cs

  Mar 14, 24 11:14 am

   

  I see you everywhere I go haha
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 14, 24 9:28 pm

   

  that's right, you too lol

• dt_cs

  Mar 15, 24 10:54 am

   

  Anything from MIT @qingh
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 16, 24 9:51 pm

   

  not yet, might rej I think

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 16, 24 9:56 pm

   

  how about you @dt_cs

• dt_cs

  Mar 16, 24 11:58 pm

   

  CMU - in @qingh
  

• dt_cs

  Mar 16, 24 11:58 pm

   

  What’s your status ?
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 19, 24 10:14 pm

   

  @dt_cs congrats! no results yet :( where are you preparing to go?
  

• dt_cs

  Mar 19, 24 11:11 pm

   

  Penn State or CMU
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 20, 24 9:13 pm

   

  I see, maybe we can meet in Pennsylvania lol

• leeleepops

  Mar 14, 24 4:02 pm

   

  Just wanted to share my results. 

  Background 

  Undergraduate: Umich BS. Architecture (4 yrs)

  Employment: Arch Firm 1 year 

  
  

  IN: 

  GSAPP $$$$

  Princeton SoA $$$$ + fellowship 

  
  

  OUT: 

  Yale 

  GSD 

  
  

• sillystarfish

  Mar 14, 24 4:26 pm

   

  what are you leaning towards :0 similar background and results as me

• leeleepops

  Mar 14, 24 4:34 pm

   

  I'm in a pickle. I know the curriculum at GSAPP and Princeton varies. Although I do have a community in nyc -- I'm in the process of making a Pros and Cons list. How about you?

• sillystarfish

  Mar 20, 24 11:31 pm

   

  If money was equal maybe gsapp cuz I want to live in a city but as it stands Princeton haha
  

• rinarina

  Mar 14, 24 7:28 pm

   

  Got my official letter from Sci-Arc together with scholarship amount. Checked CPP and my status went from "under review" to "grad admit." Trying not to get too excited as I haven't received anything else from them!

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 14, 24 9:40 pm

   

  congrats! I received too!

• rinarina

  Mar 14, 24 10:47 pm

   

  Just received my acceptance via email!
  Cheers and congrats to you as well!

• Zahir_al_Umar

  Mar 15, 24 12:51 am

   

  Has anybody heard anything from UCLA?

• xjy.xjy

  Mar 15, 24 1:36 pm

   

  just heard back last night. are you thinking of going?

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 15, 24 3:42 pm

   

  nope

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 17, 24 10:38 am

   

  anyone more people been accepted recently feel like most of their acceptances went out early march

• xjy.xjy

  Mar 15, 24 1:33 pm

   

  Any one thinking of attending UCLA for MArch1?

  
  

• fancydirt

  Mar 15, 24 2:18 pm

   

  Right here!
  

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 15, 24 2:45 pm

   

  Is everyone here March 1 ? Anyone M arch II ? \

• ofls

  Mar 15, 24 3:16 pm

   

  Strongly considering it! Just want to hear back about the financial package.

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 15, 24 3:42 pm

   

  havent heard back yet.... did you guys get email or check portal :(

• fancydirt

  Mar 15, 24 4:14 pm

   

  .

• xjy.xjy

  Mar 15, 24 6:19 pm

   

  currently my first choice atm fancy! hope to see you there!!!

• xjy.xjy

  Mar 15, 24 6:20 pm

   

  @Stressed Architect email to check portal

• lynchian

  Mar 16, 24 12:38 am

   

  Anyone get funding / scholarship offers from UCLA yet?

• fancydirt

  Mar 16, 24 1:47 am

   

  @xjy.xjy likewise! It's a fabulous program and LA is a really great design city. @lynchain yes, I received the funding letter at the same time as the offer letter.

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 17, 24 10:38 am

   

  should I be worried haven' t heard anything from them at all :(

• noidea

  Mar 15, 24 3:06 pm

   

  anyone hear from MIT re: MArch1?
  

• Ynot

  Mar 18, 24 10:15 pm

   

  Still crickets, can only make assumptions until 4/1 when all their results will definitely be posted. The website states that the MArch program doesn’t conduct interviews, but I’d need someone to chime in on that. No news isn’t bad, but not auspicious and historically acceptances have been sporadic. Can only wait, but wish you luck!
  

• qingh(qing)

  Mar 19, 24 10:13 pm

   

  still wait

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 17, 24 10:46 am

   

  Pratt vs Georgia Tech???

• Zacro

  Mar 17, 24 1:21 pm

   

  Pratt

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 17, 24 2:15 pm

   

  G.Tech: phenomenal program. Atlanta is an amazing exploding metropolitan city and amazing culture, great food etc. G.tech grads have gone on to do some important work in recent years (the 9/11 memorial for example and the Belt Line in Atlanta, which was a graduate research thesis project that came to life). Also, Atlanta is much more affordable than Brooklyn. I try not to give too much weight to rankings, but “QS Top Universities” has G.Tech’s architecture program ranked as the 5th best in the USA, and top 20 in the world, out of over 200 global programs. Pratt isn’t even ranked, I could go on and on! Just food for thought.
  

• Zahir_al_Umar

  Mar 17, 24 4:25 pm

   

  It's not "ranked" because it's not a research university. It doesn't fit the methodology of what QS is ranking, same with RISD and Sci Arc. It has nothing to do with an actual "ranking" of schools for the merit of their architecture programs
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 17, 24 5:45 pm

   

  Zahir, great and valid point potentially. But as i mentioned, rankings are overrated, they don’t mean that much in reality :) the rest of my assessment still stands, in my humble opinion of course. Pratt is an excellent program, and no one needs my opinion to validate that, but the question at hand is Pratt vs G.Tech, and my choice would be georgia tech, with or without the financial implication. Great Univeristy, great school of architecture and an amazing city! — one thing, you guys should weigh in mind when you are looking at these amazing art schools (sci arc , Pratt, CCS, RISD etc) versus full-fledged universities, is the network, resources, and overall amenities. Like, will you get a decent gym, do they have graduate student housing, what are the libraries like? What courses can you take outside of or tangential to architecture if you want? etc.
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 17, 24 5:46 pm

   

  RISD is super unique in terms of its proximity to, and symbiotic relationship with, Brown.
  

• Zahir_al_Umar

  Mar 17, 24 7:19 pm

   

  I agree with you, it really just depends on what you're looking for. My undergrad was at a UC, big public research university and I feel like I got a lot out of that environment, now I'm looking for something smaller and more focused on just architecture and design. I'm choosing between UCLA, Sci Arc, and Pratt at the moment and I'm leaning towards the latter two for this reason. All the schools I applied to were small and private, besides UCB and UCLA which offered great financial leverage being a California native.
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 17, 24 9:04 pm

   

  Congrats on that. You’ve got some great but tough choices. Since you’ve been in Cali for a while then it really makes sense for a change of scene, and Brooklyn would be an awesome change. LA and NYC both offer tremendous value as research grounds for architectural inquisition… Pratt definitely does have a bit more of a collegiate culture perhaps than sci-arch, in fact, they do have a full-fledged rec center that’s being redone by Gensler (i think?). — I had the pleasure of meeting some of the staff and faculty at sci-arch right before Covid hit, they were awesome. They even helped me improve my portfolio which I am confident is what helped me get into all 9 programs I’d applied to. Obviously, sci-arch is at the cutting edge of design innovation (architecture or otherwise). — I did my undergraduate studies at UCLA and had the time of my life! Tough decisions.
  

• fancydirt

  Mar 17, 24 11:09 pm

   

  Obvious consider cost but Georgia Tech hands down. It's a really dynamic and rigorous program and, as Joey noted, it's in Atlanta which is a fabulous city! It has some of the best food in the country, which should be reason enough, and I would imagine that the resources at GT, especially pertaining to research, are far greater.

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 17, 24 11:17 pm

   

  Thank you all for your input. I agree with everyones points and coming from a non architecture background these new inputs help
  

• fancydirt

  Mar 18, 24 12:34 am

   

  You got this!! congrats on both programs, that's a pretty dope choice, actually.

• abcd18&

  Mar 17, 24 3:22 pm

   

  Hi! Does anyone have any insight on Yale versus GSD for MArch I? I am an international student and don't know many people to discuss this with except for previous professors. I'm looking for some advice, experience, or knowledge. Thank you! 

• Zacro

  Mar 18, 24 2:57 am

   

  Bo

• Zacro

  Mar 18, 24 3:07 am

   

  Both are excellent schools in terms of education, faculty and reputation. Between these two, it comes down to your personal preference. I would be more inclined towards GSD as I understand that the GSD program is more diverse and takes a more expansive approach, which creates a more conducive environment for students to work in.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 18, 24 9:31 pm

   

  With programs this solid you may just want to draw straws ;) GSD seems to lean heavily into the theory and philosophy of architecture, while the research is relevant and applicable to how cities and spaces can respond to social and climatic issues. Yale SoA seems to lean more heavily into science and technology, addressing current issues from a different perspective. I'm saying this as a someone who occasionally reads publications from both. You have a near impossible decision. Ask both programs if they'll put you in touch with a current M.arch student. I have a good friend who's currently in the M.Arch at GSD I'll see if he'd be willing chime in. He told me he's been spying this thread too haha

• abcd18&

  Mar 19, 24 9:34 am

   

  Thank you both! I very much appreciate it. I will attend both open houses to understand better what it would be like in person, but I hadn't considered asking if there were students to converse with. I realize it is a bit of a wild ask for insight. I wasn't expecting it, so now I have been in a bit of a stir when making a decision. At this point, it also comes down to cost, where I want to live, whether I would have a thesis semester and how I feel within both school environments. I know YSOA is a bit of a smaller group, and I hear only good things, minus the school's location (confined to the campus in New Haven, not much else to do). I also only hear good things about GSD, but the cost would be more, impacting my decision.

• unknown000

  Mar 18, 24 6:40 am

   

  GSAPP vs RISD? 

  For Postgraduate Master in Arch 

• Felix006

  Mar 18, 24 12:55 pm

   

  MIT said "March 15—April 1: Application results released." Anyone hearing back SMArchS result?

• jackalope2

  Mar 18, 24 2:14 pm

   

  Still waiting for SM.ACT

• Felix006

  Mar 19, 24 6:29 pm

   

  I guess, no one here really applied to MIT...

• ksvlkm

  Mar 21, 24 2:31 pm

   

  Did you have an interview? If not, there might be nothing to wait for, they seem to interview folks they want in mid-February. (I applied, did not have an interview and haven't heard anything. A friend got both interviewed and informally accepted in mid-Feb - although by DUSP not Smarchs)

• KJLarch

  Mar 21, 24 3:14 pm

   

  I was a waitlist of smarchs program and i got email at march 21th. Even I didnt have interview. Also i know some folks who got in didnt have interview. So interview is quite case by case thing.
  

• jackalope2

  Mar 21, 24 4:22 pm

   

  I interviewed in late February

• Felix006

  Mar 21, 24 8:43 pm

   

  still waiting for result?

• hasappington

  Mar 21, 24 10:24 pm

   

  Like a lamb to the slaughter
  

• Felix006

  Mar 22, 24 1:02 am

   

  that sounds horrible. so basically, if I haven't heard anything by now, it's definitely a no then

• jackalope2

  Mar 22, 24 1:31 am

   

  Haha we are no sheeple! I bet they'll tell us tomorrow before spring break, it would be cruel otherwise

• nibbs

  Mar 22, 24 9:18 am

   

  did anyone apply for smarchs comp or is everyone smarchs ad

  I saw 3 smarchs admits on gradcafe

• amirhosseinmoradi0312

  Mar 18, 24 3:42 pm

   

  Georgia Tech Vs University of Michigan ???

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 18, 24 9:15 pm

   

  ooof this is a tough one! Two PHENOMENAL programs!! Taubman College dedicates itself to super high level fabrication and technology research, also proximity to an ever-evolving Detroit with their urban design research. I guess it comes down to snow vs no snow.. cool college town in the Midwest vs really great metropolitan city in the South.. Is one option more cost affective than the other for you? Both are fantastic options. Given these two, I'd likely lean Taubman - graduate student work there has always been really, really impressive. Love that you see as many radical physical models as digital models and drawings. Physical making and manufacturing seems to be an important aspect of Taubman's pedagogical approach. Are you able to visit both before April 15?

• Hossein Moradi

  Mar 19, 24 4:52 am

   

  Thank you for your explanation. My program at Taubman is Master of Architecture (2years) and at Georgia Tech it is Master of Science in Architecture (1year). Unfortunately, I cannot visit, I am an international student.

• Hossein Moradi

  Mar 19, 24 4:55 am

   

  In terms of cost, it is almost the same as the fund that Michigan gave me.
  

• eosoriocruz

  Mar 18, 24 3:51 pm

   

  Illinois Institute of Technology (2-year) Vs Syracuse (3-year) Vs UIUC (2-year) for M.Arch? Thoughts? 

• sb24

  Mar 18, 24 4:14 pm

   

  I was considering Syracuse as well, I'm not sure if you're out of state like me, but even with the aid offer it's still nearly 3 times more expensive than any of the other programs I got into. I would also include aid into any of your other decisions

• eosoriocruz

  Mar 18, 24 5:41 pm

   

  Yeah, I'm currently living in Chicago but I'm not sure if moving would be a good idea but IIT is so expensive too! It's hard but Thank you!!

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 18, 24 9:00 pm

   

  Syracuse is a private school right? UIUC and Syracuse both have strong reputations for Architecture... Are the two-year offerings M.arch Professional degrees with advanced standing? - if so, take a two-year option, which leaves you with IIT or UIUC.. if you save money by going to UIUC (and for only two years) it feels like a no-brainer.

• sb24

  Mar 18, 24 10:18 pm

   

  I had trouble finding any information on Syracuse's graduate architecture program. Their undergrad is very prestigious, but I couldn't find any information that said the same about graduate level study. Regardless, I do think to the average person its associated well with architecture which may work to your benefit.

• eosoriocruz

  Mar 19, 24 9:57 am

   

  Thank you guys!!

• twinkybear

  Mar 18, 24 8:15 pm

   

  is anyone going to the USC open house this weekend? :3

• rinarina

  Mar 19, 24 12:33 am

   

  Ill be there!

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 18, 24 11:30 pm

   

  For the international students... how are you going about finding a place to live? Are we guaranteed on campus  residence being international for the first year or is that only for undergrad?

• xjy.xjy

  Mar 19, 24 12:10 am

   

  idk! its like stressing me out. theres no gaurenteed graduate housing. theres an application process to get it and the housing is usually divided into single graduate housing and family housing (for married students and students with kids).

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 22, 24 10:40 am

   

  Hey ! Is there a whatsapp group or any other sort of social groups to connect with everyone ?

• Opn2024

  Mar 19, 24 1:49 pm

   

  Has anyone received Yale financial aid package yet for M.Arch I? 

• zaroth

  Mar 19, 24 3:56 pm

   

  No not yet also waiting

• sillystarfish

  Mar 20, 24 11:28 pm

   

  Me and 2 other ppl ik got them on the 13th
  

• recuerdos__de

  Mar 19, 24 2:22 pm

   

  Is anyone else waiting to hear back from UW or UCLA?

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 19, 24 3:40 pm

   

  I haven't heard anything from UCLA, assuming it is a rejection. In the past they sent all their rejections last minute before the April 15th deadline

• recuerdos__de

  Mar 19, 24 3:45 pm

   

  Thank you!

• sodaorpop

  Mar 20, 24 2:47 pm

   

  Could anyone tell me about the pros/cons of GSAPP MArch I? I got into this program but not sure if it's the school I can fit in.
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 21, 24 7:59 am

   

  Don’t overthink it @soda, just go! GSAPP will open a world of possibilities. If funding isn’t a major issue, just go. Manhattan is crazy Wild expensive but you’ll figure
  it out! Do you have other options?

• sodaorpop

  Mar 21, 24 2:27 pm

   

  Thanks! I've admitted to Umich (2yrs) with no funding. I'm still waiting for MIT but guess Gsapp gave me a half-ride so it is the best option for me now..

• imrtns

  Mar 21, 24 4:48 pm

   

  Any thoughts on GSAPP MSAAD vs AA DRL? 

• KM23

  Mar 21, 24 4:52 pm

   

  Princeton SoA vs GSAPP? 

  (M.Arch I)

  I was awarded the highest Princeton fellowship which covers my tuition. Crazy to consider anything other than that offer but I had my heart set on Columbia from the start. 

  For background I studied Engineering and Design in college and I'm an artist. I'm interested in sustainability and material research. 
  

  Can anyone give thoughts/ advice on the difference between the two programs. I'm worried Princeton's program might be too small. I know that might mean more attention from professors and potentially more access to resources, but it still makes me a bit nervous! On the other hand I've heard GSAPP's resources sometimes get stretched out.

  I know I can't go wrong with either (and I should probably follow the money). I'm planning on going to both open houses but any advice beforehand would be very much appreciated!! 

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 21, 24 10:54 pm

   

  See my comments below... Do your due diligence as outlined below, then pack your shit and go to Princeton. You already know the answer ;)

• leeleepops

  Mar 22, 24 12:11 pm

   

  Same. I received full tuition from Columbia and Princeton + fellowship. It's really hard to tell. I think it just depends on which student/faculty work you like more, and how will it benefit you once you graduate.

• KM23

  Mar 26, 24 10:49 am

   

  @lee did you go to GSAPP open house?

• leeleepops

  Apr 7, 24 1:39 pm

   

  yes, and I just went to princeton's

• mmk5885

  Mar 21, 24 8:46 pm

   

  pratt vs ucla? for m.arch 1. Any input would be much appreciated <3

• Felix006

  Mar 21, 24 9:00 pm

   

  LA or New York? that's the question

• keepbuilding

  Mar 25, 24 4:50 am

   

  Can someone provide some insights into the job market now in LA and NYC for architecture?? I'm also considering LA vs NYC, and NYC is (i think) more expensive, but I don't know if it will pay off :/

• keepbuilding

  Mar 25, 24 4:51 am

   

  @mmk5885 to your question, on top of the location, i think the two schools have very different styles.. maybe you should take that factor into your consideration.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 21, 24 10:40 pm

   

  @mmk5885 UCLA AUD has some of the most forward thinking educators in architecture and urban design.. check out the incredible work Dana Cuff is doing - she's literally reshaping the Los Angeles housing crisis, not just in theory but in PRACTICE... it's also the most beautiful campus in the USA. At AUD you can also apply in your second year to take courses at the IDEAS campus down in Culver City, which is a high level tech/media/research design facility. The culture at UCLA is so incredibly rich and inspiring. I still pinch myself that I turned down UCLA AUD even after I received a full ride offer, but I can't let you make that mistake ;)                                                                                                            ---- The following advice is for EVERYONE IN THIS THREAD comparing their last two options: You have till April 15 to decide, so take a deep breath,  calm down, center yourself and now it's time to truly research the programs. If I were you I would:                       1. watch lectures and presentations by faculty in both programs you've narrowed it down to                                                                                  2 find out which studio professors you would have your first year and look into their research                                                                                3  find out if you can get your hands on their course syllabi or any syllabi within the program.                                                                            4 Y'all need to dig a little deeper into the specifics like faculty, lecture series and research.                                                                                  5 Try to find out about Grants being won, gifts and funding to the programs etc. --                                                                                        6 Then do what I did, email those professors and find out if you can get zoom meetings with them, ask them what they're reading, ask them to suggest reading and things you should be looking at and thinking about and see if what they point you to aligns with your interests. Ask if there is a Summer reading list. If you can't get a zoom meeting send them a barrage of emails and get a conversation going..                                       7.  Find out who runs the Architecture library and the fabrication facilities and get in touch with those people too, ask specific questions about resources and tools and training etc. Find out how muc fabrication grad students are ACTUALLY doing                                         8. Find out if there is graduate student housing (this is super important for places like LA and NYC -- (UCLA does have grad student housing)     9. Find out about career fairs, networking events and Internship/recruitment opportunities. How tied into the professional realm is your program? What firms come to the career fair? regional or national firms? What is the hiring rate upon graduation.                             10. Lastly and MOST importantly, try to get in touch with current students in the same program as you, they will be the most honest with you - NOT during the open house, but after hours when you start a private conversation with them.                                                                                        This exact approach is how I ended up at UNCC in the end, I was blown away by the professors and their current research and impressed with the time they took with me, and how valued they made me feel. -- the way those people thought about the built environment.                     --- You can ask everyone in this thread for their opinion but you MUST dig deeper. Coz this is your decision in the end. Remember the first piece of advice I had for y'all when I first stumbled across this thread, I said "you will be fine no matter where you end up", and it's the truth.  Architecture school is a means to an end, not the goal itself so don't sweat it. And go with the CHEAPEST MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION YOU HAVE even if it is not your top choice. Please trust me on this one thing!!!                                                                                                   

• abcd18&

  Mar 21, 24 10:47 pm

   

  Thank you for this! It's seriously the best thing I've seen on this forum. Deeply appreciated!!!

• watermelonsunday

  Mar 22, 24 7:08 am

   

  @Joey, hi! I am waiting for UCLA’s funding package, and have a half ride from USC, but due to financials I won’t be going to neither if I don’t get at least 75% or full funding. Do you have any tips on how you secured full ride offers at all the schools you’ve applied to? Do you think it’s ok to keep negotiating when they’ve already increased a little bit but it’s still not enough?
  

• mmk5885

  Mar 22, 24 10:16 am

   

  Wow, thank you Joey! Lots of good stuff to think about here, I really appreciate it. I have open houses/a UCLA faculty meeting next week, and I think you offered a really great framework for the kinds of questions I should be thinking about. Thank you so much!

• mmk5885

  Mar 22, 24 10:16 am

   

  @2005bmw325i I got a full-ride offer from UCLA and a half-ride from Pratt. I emailed Pratt and basically said "Thank you for admission, this program is really great I think it would a good fit for me. X school offered me X amount of money, can you match that?" It was easier because I had a generous funding offer from one. As a backup for UCLA, you could maybe try to differ and move to California for a year to establish residency. I know people who did that for undergrad but not sure if that would be an option for you, just something to think about

• watermelonsunday

  Mar 22, 24 10:34 am

   

  wow, congratulations on your offers! did pratt end up matching your ucla offer? i don’t think i can use my half ride offer as leverage to get full funding :-(
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 22, 24 12:04 pm

   

  @2005, @mmk took the words out of my mouth. If you are an American citizen you can become a California resident after one year of WORK (ie paying state taxes and or registering a car in the state). You could game the system. Move there, get a job and work for one full year (like July to July), then apply for State residency if UCLA will allow you to defer. Or You can pay the out of state tuition for the first year, work part time for ONE FULL YEAR while in school (summer to summer) and apply for residency and get in-state fees in your second and third year and onward. This is what I did, even though I was on a full ride, they asked me to apply for State residency so they could split my Fellowship with another student in my second year, which I was totally okay with! Also, MMK's suggestion about how to approach the email is accurate. You can see if UCLA would be able to come up to 50%. Just bear in mind, UCLA is a state public school so they won't have near the same funding to give away as USC would.-- Just try, take a humble respectful approach in your email

• watermelonsunday

  Mar 22, 24 12:32 pm

   

  ohh i’ll look into it and also try to contact ucla’s admissions, thanks Joey and MMK!
  

• LizzieDArchie

  Mar 22, 24 11:48 am

   

  I got rejected from everywhere I applied. This is my second application cycle. I am a bit disappointed, but I am going to try harder next year. Is there any tips on making myself a stronger candidate? I am planning on attending GSAPP’s summer design program, I am attending a design workshop at Tulane next month, and I am looking into other internships/fellowship to hold me over another year. Any advice is appreciated. 

• reallynotmyname

  Mar 22, 24 12:08 pm

   

  Who rejected you this round? I suggest a two pronged approach: 1) Improvement to your application and portfolio. 2) You need to find and add some less-selective "safety" schools into the mix next time.  It seems to me like Tulane will admit somebody if they make a good impression in the workshop program. 
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 22, 24 12:10 pm

   

  Lizzie I am so sorry to hear this. You should check out the Los Angeles Institute of Architecture and Design. (or a similar program in your city). They have a one year "graduate prep program" for people without portfolios who eventually want to apply for grad programs. If you start this year you'll already have a portfolio by end of fall. Also try to take on a creative hoppy like fine art or photography. Take art classes at a junior college.. Go ahead and do the design workshops THEN do a full year of prep if you can.

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 22, 24 12:49 pm

   

  Hey there, do not lose hope ! Its their loss not yours ! Anyone will always be amzing and creative regardless acceptances. You can always dm me ! I can teach you programs, some cool ways to make graphics pop out. I would suggest to make a portfolio and cohesive that covers a lot of your skills in different mediums and it connects with your essays and LORs. I think your application as a whole should show your motivation and deep routed interests for architecture. I am sure you will make it in !

• LizzieDArchie

  Mar 22, 24 1:14 pm

   

  Thank you for your responses! @reallynotmyname I did myself a disservice, I only applied to 3 competitive schools: MIT, Rice, and Columbia because I almost didn’t apply this year and only had energy to do applications for my top 3 choices. Next year, I plan to apply to at least 10 schools for extra insurance. @joeythegiant Those graduate prep programs seem promising. I am out of Texas, and I seen in other comment threads that you are also originally from Texas. Do you know any graduate prep programs in Texas by any chance? @talhazulqarnain I would appreciate any feedback I can get, so if you would like…I can send you my portfolio through dm. I think my portfolio this year was interesting, but I can definitely see some things that could have been improved.
  

• reallynotmyname

  Mar 22, 24 1:24 pm

   

  If you are in Texas, take a hard look at University of Houston for the discovery program: https://www.uh.edu/architecture/special-programs/summer-discovery/
  

  And consider going there for grad school.   I know some UH grads that have done really well.  Hard work and networking on your part can overcome the school not being an Ivy.  In-state tuition also makes it pretty compelling.
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 22, 24 2:59 pm

   

  Really cool to hear someone mentioning the Gerald D Hines College of Architecture at UH. SOLID program! one of the most "hired-from" programs in the nation. Also really well funded and their faculty are really active in ACTUAL practice doing not just academic research but creating REAL dope buildings.... also Lizzie, there are still programs with open enrollment so it's not too late for you for this Fall. There are a bunch of programs with rolling admissions (USC, I think UH and my program UNCC to name a few) @talhazulqarnain is down to help with your Porty, I'm down to help you with your written materials. I used to be a reader for UCLA undergrad applicant scholarships. I think I Could help you craft the right narratives. 

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 22, 24 3:10 pm

   

  I asked chat GTP to give me a list of 20 M.Arch programs with rolling admissions Here's what it gave me: University of Michigan - Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (Ann Arbor, MI) University of Oregon - School of Architecture and Environment (Eugene, OR) University of Cincinnati - College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (Cincinnati, OH) University of Kansas - School of Architecture and Design (Lawrence, KS) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - School of Architecture (Troy, NY) Montana State University - School of Architecture (Bozeman, MT) University of North Carolina at Charlotte - College of Arts + Architecture (Charlotte, NC) University of Oklahoma - Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture (Norman, OK) New Jersey Institute of Technology - College of Architecture and Design (Newark, NJ) University of Nevada, Las Vegas - School of Architecture (Las Vegas, NV University of Texas at Austin - School of Architecture (Austin, TX) University of Minnesota - College of Design (Minneapolis, MN) University of Colorado Denver - College of Architecture and Planning (Denver, CO) Washington State University - School of Design and Construction (Pullman, WA) Syracuse University - School of Architecture (Syracuse, NY) University of Arizona - College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture (Tucson, AZ) Florida International University - College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (Miami, FL) Arizona State University - The Design School (Tempe, AZ) Ball State University - College of Architecture and Planning (Muncie, IN) Kent State University - College of Architecture and Environmental Design (Kent, OH). Point is, if you beef up your portfolio and craft compelling application essays between now and this summer there is no reason you shouldn't apply for a program this Fall. Why put your life on hold if you dont have to.

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 23, 24 9:43 am

   

  Sure go ahead DM me, Ill be happy to help.

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 23, 24 12:47 pm

   

  Also one thing I will like to share with everyone here, I am not sure what exactly is the criteria for checking portfolio or applications. I am not going to name this one person, they are currently enrolled in Harvard GSD 2023- Their portfolio is available online since that persons shared to show others their accepted GSD portfolo. What broke me was 2 of their shared Images are "Plagiarized " I understand inspiration is something, But this is copied work. I have an addiction to illustrations and creating visuals and I can tell this one is photoshoped as their own work. That too of an architect whos work is published. So this made me really question the Criteria and attentiveness of the people looking through portfolios ? Maybe its luck as well ?? One has to be insanly lucky to walk by like that lol !

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 23, 24 8:49 pm

   

  Amazing catch. Also really scary. That person cheated their way in. Not fair
  

• darknight1689

  Mar 25, 24 2:30 am

   

  I heard from three Gensler people who went to Columbia that the school will view your portfolios on a big TV screen and sort it out quickly to different pools of accepted, rejected, or consideration. Then, a more qualified admission committee will examine your resume, personal essay, and letter of rec. The chances of getting caught are slim since those schools receive 700-1200 applications yearly.

• sillystarfish

  Mar 22, 24 1:32 pm

   

  finally got rejected by mit lmao 

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 23, 24 7:05 pm

   

  How competitive is the Columbia intro to architecture. Do they let anyone in? I am from a non architecture background with family in New York so considering it

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 24, 24 5:31 pm

   

  I’m pretty sure these programs are completely open door policy, they are created for people with no architecture experience so you can start building up your porty
  

• LizzieDArchie

  Mar 25, 24 2:06 pm

   

  I submitted my application, then the next day I was accepted. I think it gets harder to get in as the slots get filled.

• lh11

  Apr 5, 24 9:53 am

   

  hey lizzie! is this program online or in person?

• Jerry10

  Mar 24, 24 3:44 pm

   

  I was accepted to the M.Arch at Parsons with a scholarship of 75 percent and it is currently my top choice.

  I kept reading mixed opinions about the program, is a degree there worth $20,000 in debt? 
  I really like the concept of the program and the fact that parsons is part of the New School sounds promising to me. It's just hard for me to know the quality of the  Architecture program. I would appreciate any help!

• sb24

  Mar 24, 24 5:07 pm

   

  I don't know much about the m.arch program specifically, but that's a great school! Unless you got some other great aid offers, $20k is slim compared to what most people have to take out for an m.arch. If its your top choice, I would not let the $20k be a factor in deciding against it at all and also think New York would be an incredible city to take on graduate study.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 24, 24 5:40 pm

   

  You also have to consider probably another $40K per year for the cost of living (housing, transportation, food, utilities, arch school supplies and books) plus a little bit more upfront for a decent gaming level computer with a really good graphics card for an architecture program. (probably will cost you around $3K). SB24 is correct, $20K per year out of pocket toward the tuition isn’t horrible in the scheme of things — that’s actually pretty close to most schools in-state tuition’s for graduate professional degree programs — it’s just the cost of living in New York City that will get you.
  

• Jerry10

  Mar 24, 24 6:06 pm

   

  @sb24 @JoeyTheGiant Thank you both so much for your help!

  I understand that the cost of living in NYC is a bigger problem than tuition fees in this case. 
  I am an international applicant, but my girlfriend is from the US and is also starting her master's in NYC in the fall, so I think we can at least lower our costs a little bit.
  I will probably also get financial support from my home country, but I will still need to get a job on campus to pay for some of my living expenses.

  Of course the idea of studying in NYC really appeals to me, I'm just wondering about the quality of the program (as i said, i really like their approach) at Parsons and if it's worth it, since I'm from Europe and can study here at a much lower cost.

  I also have an architecture background, so luckily I'm already technically well equipped.

  
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 24, 24 8:32 pm

   

  That context totally helps. As I’m sure you know, the New school/Parsons has an incredible reputation as a school of design globally, but I don’t know much about it in terms of architecture specifically — the good news is every accredited school of architecture in the United States is closely monitored by the NAAB (the national architectural accrediting board). So every program, including the less competitive /prestigious” programs, offer the most high-quality and rigorous architectural education as prescribed by the board. In fact, NAAB had very strict requirements about what courses are taught, how they are taught, and what is happening in each design studio and Elective across the country. (Y’all the review criteria is insane) Since Parsons is accredited, you will get a high quality education from there, the same education you would get a Columbia, or GSD or MIT or elsewhere because ALL of the programs are held to the SAME standard. And to be sure, standards are insanely high. If you look at the course curriculums for programs across the country, you will notice that they almost have identical course sequences, from theory/history, to design studio, to comprehensive/integrated, professional practice and representational courses; that is because all of the NAAB programs in the nation are adhering to the same exact prescription. — if you do a little digging, I bet you will find that many of the adjunct educators within the Parsons school also teach at GSAPP. This is quite common where universities are closely linked geographically. Where are you coming from in Europe?
  

• Jerry10

  Mar 25, 24 8:25 am

   

  Thank you so, so much, this is incredibly helpful! I was struggling to understand the academic landscape in the US and this gives me a much better perspective on how architecture education works in the US. I am very interested in the sociological perspectives on architecture and urbanism,so I think Parsons is a good choice for that and NYC is the perfect environment. I'm from Germany and I would say that the programs here are generally on a good level, but very different.

• LizzieDArchie

  Mar 25, 24 2:01 pm

   

  I got accepted into Parsons last cycle with a 35% scholarship. When I went to visit, I was not impressed with their studio spaces and allocation of resources. The architecture building is one of the oldest buildings of the New School. The studios were very dark, a bit cubicle in nature, and it looks like the architecture students seem to get the short end of the stick. I personally decided not to go to Parsons after seeing that.

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 25, 24 3:47 pm

   

  I toured there last month and found the same thing. Very small studio and mainly focused on fashion and art programs. Could just be small because located in the heart of NYC
  

• talhazulqarnain

  Mar 25, 24 8:58 am

   

  Hello everyone are there any whatsapp groups or other social groups for admitted March people.  For housing or general discussion ?

• Kade

  Mar 29, 24 1:28 pm

   

  also looking for this -- hotels are expensive. let me know if you found any groups !

• lh11

  Mar 25, 24 3:36 pm

   

  if anyone goes to gsapp´s open house today could you say your thoughs + experience please!

• imrtns

  Mar 25, 24 5:48 pm

   

  also want to know ! - what program did you get in?

• lh11

  Mar 25, 24 9:23 pm

   

  i got in the M.S. Advanced Architectural Design, hbu?

• imrtns

  Mar 25, 24 10:18 pm

   

  same !

• lh11

  Mar 27, 24 10:23 am

   

  i participated today in the MSAAD curriculum presentation via zoom, and here are some highlights: there were about 80 people on the zoom, they also mentioned the cohort usually rounds up to 100-105 people. the director seems really passionate about the program, he enjoys being a part of it and the student work produced. the curriculum and the whole program is very centered in nurturing your OWN interests. of course the fact of being in NY was a big selling point but i liked that not everything revolves around just that. at least to me it did NOT seem like all they had to say was ¨hey look at us we're an arch school in ny and that's all we have to offer¨. in the summer semester it's only 10 studio options which are only for AAD students, while in fall and spring it's about 20 options and mix students from the MARCH program; since you already explored and got accustomed to the school during the summer, it's kinda like when you go back in the fall you already have a higher level of knowledge to participate in more advanced studios and conversations with more people. studios are 8-12 students. the whole presentation was based on showing student work and to me they showed a huge variety of perspectives. something that scared me is the quality of graphic and animations that the projects were presented with, this was actually one of the biggest motivating factors when i decided to apply to gsapp, but looking at these projects by past students i just sat there thinking how the hell am i going to achieve that level lol. honestly i loved it, listen i know the whole point of the session was to sell us on the program lol and I KNOW it's not worth 100k in debt but being in that zoom made me more scared of missing this chance than anything else. hope this helps if youre thinking about going there!

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 29, 24 12:26 pm

   

  @lhr1, you are making the right choice 100% to wait and not spend that money. Those students are using software to create those videos and renders that you will learn and eventually be able to do in your sleep! Same with the conceptual design stuff and representational drawing skills, you will learn those in any program worth its salt. -- Then you'll never use em again in the profession LOL ;)

• dt_cs

  Mar 25, 24 6:13 pm

   

  I’m confused to Choose between Penn State’s Design  Computing and CMU’s Computational Design. Funding wise both are same. Anyone knows about the course please share your thoughts ! Would be really helpful. Thanks 

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 25, 24 6:15 pm

   

  You should have applied to Boston.
  

• dt_cs

  Mar 25, 24 6:18 pm

   

  Where in Boston ? And why so ?
  

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 25, 24 6:55 pm

   

  Why not? If you’re just picking places at random without researching in advance, what’s the difference?
  

• dt_cs

  Mar 26, 24 12:24 am

   

  At this point it’s done. Can’t really think of applying anywhere now. Let me know if you have any opinions about the school and course I had asked for
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 28, 24 2:46 pm

   

  See if you can reach out to the faculty in the program and get zoom meetings with them, find out how the approach Computational design and how their methodology would prepare you for professional practice! i If you can find passionate educators with whom you connect, then go there! ..Having said that, Pittsburgh seems like a very critical place to study architecture. I used to party with my friends at Penn State which was fun, but not a lot in the way of architectural or urban design to inspire

• imrtns

  Mar 25, 24 7:26 pm

   

  I don't know about Penn State but I did undergrad at CMU and know that the computational side of things was very strong. 

• dt_cs

  Mar 26, 24 12:08 am

   

  Thanks @immart
  

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 12:35 pm

   

  wow. final financials are in. is anyone here expecting to take out $200,000+ in loans for their program?

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 28, 24 12:47 pm

   

  200k for a glorified art degree? For fuck's sake, are you that dim? No arch degree is worth anything above 40k today. 6-figure student loans for this career path is criminal.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 28, 24 1:17 pm

   

  I have to second what Non has said. No architectural degree is worth taking out $200,000 in debt. 

  Just for a bit of perspective on that. 

  Your monthly payments will be around $2,000 for 15 years. 

  The national average pay for new architectural intern is $44k (up to $75k in large metro areas like NYC). 

  Do the math.

• lh11

  Mar 28, 24 2:21 pm

   

  absolutely no, no way. im from the Dom. Rep., intl applicant with intl degree from a developing country and only got accepted into gsapp with no funding. my latino parents wanted to start taking out loans and stuff so i "dont miss this chance", but hell no. what am i really going to be missing anyways? its not worth it, no matter how prestigious or hard to get into the school is. my plan is just to try again next year and apply to more schools to land an offer with funding. its the only and smartest way to go about it, if youre not filthy rich ofc!

• reallynotmyname

  Mar 28, 24 2:35 pm

   

  Being accepted into GSAPP suggests that you are a highly qualified applicant. Perhaps applying to a few less competitive schools next time might yield you some offers with funding.

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 2:43 pm

   

  @Non-Sequitur -- I'm dim? Fuck off lurker. This thread is literally about applicants to dominantly $60,000+/yr institutions. Have you noticed that if you read above you'll see constant Yale, GSD, MIT, and GSAPP? I'm trying to consult with other applicants on their results and offers, assuming that they aren't on a full ride somehow paying your $40k max for 3-3.5 years that doesn't even cover food and housing while being a student. I never said I was paying 200k, just if anyone was expecting to. That's one of my options. That's why I'm in this chat seriously considering each and every one of my options because why the fuck would I not with the caliber of this decision to pursue a masters degree.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Mar 28, 24 2:49 pm

   

  Non Sequitur nailed it! ABSOLUTELY NOT worth 200k. Breaks my heart that our culture has programmed us to even think this might be acceptable. These school's names aren't as relevant in this profession as people think they are. 200k if you were going into Medicine, maybe!

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 2:52 pm

   

  @Chad Miller -- I appreicate the perspective. In terms of monthly payments via federal loans and income adjusted, I've seen it lower than 2,000 expecting a starting salary of 60-70k working in NYC/metropolitan areas like you've said. Dual income no kids not married is what I expect in order to better manage inevitable loans in post. It's unfortunate but with even in the schools I have received full rides to, housing, food transport, and materials already run the estimates to 70-80k. Is the only viable option to live with parents, work part time jobs, and not have a car to make payments on during masters? That's the only way I can really see it being viewed as valid with some of the perspectives from those saying it isn't worth it.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 28, 24 3:05 pm

   

  zaroth 

  First off Non isn't wrong. No architectural degree is worth a $200k price tag. Ever. 

  Second - I don't know your finical situation so the $2,000 a month was an average. 

  Third -  I'm glad you have a full ride scholarship. That's the only way it makes financial sense for even $70-$80k even with dual income and no kids.  Yes you'll be making more money in NYC but as you know the cost of living is incredibly high there.  

  Put it this way - where I live in Grand Junction, CO the average starting pay for an intern is $42k.  You would need to make about $116k to keep your standard of living the same in NY, NY. 

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 3:15 pm

   

  @Chad Miller -- Yeah my response to Non is more about the attitude in their comment, I'm just asking to see what the scope of loans looks like for this year's applicants but if you get called out for spending over 50k I can see why people likely don't want to say anything. Also seems like Non has for like 10 years been commenting and saying nonstop to go to the cheapest possible option every time, so I think it's a nice kind of initiation into archinect forum.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 28, 24 4:06 pm

   

  Non's been saying it for ten years because it's true. As long as you attend an accredited school it doesn't matter where you go.

  There are some people who think that if they go a 'prestigious' school they will get paid more, get to design the next big building, ect. That's not true. 

  Attending a prestigious school MAY help you with networking but that's it. Your personal work (portfolio) and participation in the architectural community with have 10x the impact on your career than where you got your degree.

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 28, 24 4:30 pm

   

  Z... you seriously need to reconsider how valuable arch degrees are and it does not matter if you're the smartest person in the world, swallowing 100k or more debt for an arch degree is fucking stupid.

• joseffischer

  Mar 28, 24 4:42 pm

   

  Non! He looked you up and has your number dude! You're going about this all wrong, convince all the youngins to go all in, $500k or bust. When they come out asking for fat initial salaries it'll help raise wages for the rest of us

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 5:02 pm

   

  Sequitur I only wish your comments were constructed from some kind of foundation or base of experience you could share, but all you've done is act as a droning voice of dejection for the field and the prospect of studying it. Noone is going to make decisions on grad school based on the ill-tempered ramble of a 40/50-something year old who dissuades by not-so-subtly showing their immense regret of getting into this industry. You can direct your frustrations toward the graduate programs and the prices they set, but maybe for next couple years of M.arch applicant threads you could rephrase your absolutist mentality into something more palatable than coming across like an asshole.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 28, 24 5:17 pm

   

  zaroth - you're reading too much into this. Non is a successful architect with a good deal of knowledge about the profession. He is simply blunt and tired of seeing people pay way too much for a degree.

  I'll say this again - Non isn't wrong. If you're paying $100k for a degree in architecture you're foolish. You'll never be able to get out from that type of debt with how much you'll be making.

  To be honest, its starting to sound like you're the one who is upset about how much you're going to pay for your education.  I know, it sucks.  

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 5:52 pm

   

  Chad - I'm sensing there is some kind of mix-up with the actual point of this entire conversation. $200,000 for architecture school is obscene, I understand that and never said it wasn't. When we unpacked that 200k and talked about monthly payments, initial salary, and dual income no kids, it was not an attempt by me to justify and defend a $200,000 debt that I would be bringing to my grave. It is me asking a forum of applicants in similar positions looking at similar offers, cheap and expensive, and gauging a range of loans with their respective program, as the role of financials are of obvious importance. If Non is a successful architect with a good deal of knowledge about the profession, he can act that way. Lurking on forums filled with 20-somethings calling the degree a "glorified art degree" is in no way productive in a literal architecture-dedicated forum. While it doesn't make him wrong about the weight of expenses, it certainly draws a massive contrast to you who actually shows an interest in providing advice and elaborating through useful conversation.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 28, 24 5:59 pm

   

  There was some kind of mix up. 

  You took Non's comment as in insult against you. It wasn't. Non was saying if you pay $200k for an architectural education you're a fucking moron.  

   An architectural education from most high end schools are 'glorified art degrees'. Look at the accreditation data for these high end schools. Look at job placement data by the schools. Look at the licensing data. Speak to firms about who they hire. Most high end schools do not perform well in preparing their students for the practice of architecture.

  That being said . . . .

  Everyone graduates with a hug knowledge gap. That's what your internship is for. You're not going to know enough to even assist in practicing architecture without someone much more experienced by your side.  There is a reason most architects don't hit their 'stride' until their 50's.  

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 6:15 pm

   

  This is actually helpful and provides insight. I appreciate that. Non saying "For fucks sake, are you that dim?" is certainly infantilizing and an insult, so I took it that way. Also got a few private messages from people apologizing for him, so I'm not going to act like he's actually a hard-shelled puppy looking out for my best interests.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 28, 24 6:30 pm

   

  He's not a puppy. 

  He's not looking out for you. 

  Non used to explain to people why going into huge debt for an architectural degree is a bad idea.  The majority of people would argue with him, tell him is an idiot, an bad architect, a failure.  After a few years, theses same people tend to then complain that they're fed up with the profession after a few years of not 'making it'. They then say stuff like 'we should be making as much as doctors'. It's annoying at best.  

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 7:27 pm

   

  Awh, I feel bad for him. That's rough trying to explain and have a good conversation with people who respond really rudely like calling them an idiot and other terms alike.

• joseffischer

  Mar 28, 24 7:47 pm

   

  It's interesting to hear the archinect forum as a place full of 20-somethings... My experience is that people like Non, donna, chad, etc are the regulars and for about a month or two out of the year the forum gets inundated with people applying to arch school, who then go silent for the remainder after acceptances come through...

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 7:52 pm

   

  My mistake @joseffischer I intended to say thread instead of forum. Don't mean to insult those outside of 20s that are M.arch applicants.

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 28, 24 8:00 pm

   

  Chad, your patience is admirable. The rest are just soon to be disgruntled m.arch grads wondering where their 100k went when they realize they can’t cure cancer with their art degree.
  

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 8:17 pm

   

  I'm sorry about those other people chad talked about who hurt you. cracking open a singha in your name my friend

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 28, 24 8:49 pm

   

  Hurt? um... no, not even close. Patience runs short tho when people think the internet can answer their adult questions. Enjoy not being able to buy a house for 20y after you graduate.

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 9:05 pm

   

  Well from what Chad said it seems like a lot of people were calling you a "failure, bad architect, idiot" and you got scared off from actually rationalizing your points to people anymore. I just think that's just mean and makes me sad y'know because I wouldn't say that. Also you're fully locked in on the constructed reality in your head that I said I was planning to pay $200,000 but can't budge. Super specific about the house too, lol. Projecting much? You're an odd character but I do actually enjoy talking with you

• Non Sequitur

  Mar 28, 24 10:12 pm

   

  Try again. maybe put some effort next time.

• zaroth

  Mar 28, 24 10:21 pm

   

  Nah we'd be friends in real life and you know it

• Chad Miller

  Mar 29, 24 11:05 am

   

  zaroth - The only people who've had issues with Non's advice have been a dozen or so undergrads who don't know what they're talking about. 

  Also you missed the part where the ignorant undergrads all seem to come back a few years after graduation and complain about how their education was a waste and they aren't making enough money to pay their student loans.  

  I hope you get better at trolling. 

• zaroth

  Mar 29, 24 12:36 pm

   

  Chad, you got a full night's rest along with me so read over this thread again, see that you've been literally arguing about a point I never made and have clarified too many times, make a coffee, enjoy that Colorado landscape, and forget about it.

• Chad Miller

  Mar 29, 24 1:29 pm

   

  No one has been arguing a point you never made. 

  We've been saying do not pay $200k for an architectural education.

  It wasn't about you.  No one ever said it was about you.  No one ever said you were paying $200k for an education.  

  The responses given were general comments about paying $200k for an education.  

  You made this about you.  

  It's raining hard here so I can't get out into the great Colorado landscape.  

  I will forget about you as soon as I leave this site.  

  You're bad at trolling.  

• zaroth

  Mar 29, 24 2:14 pm

   

  womp womp

• sillystarfish

  Apr 13, 24 12:40 pm

   

  i think this forum skews "always take the cheapest option 100%" which is definitely valid but I find from talking to architects/students out in the world that I've met its pretty common to not care as much about money (maybe theyre all just from rich families lmao), I've met plenty of people who've turned down full rides for MIT/GSD/etc but also they've been able to negotiate more money usually so its not like full ride vs 0 scholarship. That being said I am 95% picking my cheapest option haha

• Stressed Architect

  Mar 31, 24 1:05 pm

   

  curious about any computer recommendations for architecture. Need to be able to handle anything required for the program. Thanks in advance

• pandahut

  Mar 31, 24 4:21 pm

   

  Stressed, minimum I would say:
  500GB storage - get external up to 1TB no doubt and store most of your work here to alleviate program storage
  16 GB ram (32 ideal)
  Nvidia or AMD Graphics (4GB Min 8GB Ideal)
  Windows is preferred, MAC you can boot camp but why deal with that.
  
  I would look for a factory refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad or a Dell/Asus. Newegg, etc. You can typically find great deals sub $1,000. This will get you around running Adobe CC, Revit, Rhino, SKP and any rendering software.
  

• Stressed Architect

  Apr 1, 24 8:54 pm

   

  thank you

• Wendy123

  Apr 2, 24 4:06 pm

   
  • BFA (Sculpture + Industrial Design) /RISD/2022
  • Work experience as a UI/UX designer in mixed reality, Internships at large motor companies as a innovation designer, and a internship a financial company as a UI/UX Designer amoung other self-employed contract roles.
  • 3.7 GPA
    
    
  • 4 Letters of recommendation, 2 from professors that I had a closer relationship with, 2 from professors from my studio classes.
  • Essay/Statement: was okay, it described why I pursued my past experience, what I gained from them, and my recent goals at grad school. I think there's room for improvement for my essays. 
  • Portfolio: The only architecture professor I showed it to told me that the layout is too crowded and there is way too much information haha. However the content is solid. The content of work itself is my application's strongest aspect. It has 4 experimental robotic/urban related projects and a last page spread on sculptures. 
  • Schools: Yale, Princeton, UC Berekley, Cornell, GSD, MIT, RISD. I wouldn't view this objectively as a ratio because some schools I applied last minute without thinking about to going there before, but just as a last throw, often with an essay missing. For Columbia I straight out told them "I'm excited to come to Yale" as a typo on the essay. WILD.
  • Results: Yale with $$$, Cornell with $$, RISD with $, UC Berekley with $ - but it's a different design program that I applied to.
  • Tips:
    1. I spent 2-4 weeks in application preparation. DON'T BE LIKE ME. I heard this before from other applicants who got into GSD but honestly it's usually a hit or miss when you apply last minute so DON'T DO IT. I am almost certain that I could have gotten into GSD or MIT if I spend more time preparing my application. This may sound too arrogant, and maybe it is, but the truth is my application was poorly prepared and I know I can do better
    
    2. You can reduce the size of your portfolio in adobe acrabat easily and with good control. Search up how to do that online and don't worry about it.
    
    3. Essays are still important don't disregard them. Spend time on making them as good as your portfolio. 
    
    4. I made the mistake of not elaborating on my accomplishments in my CV with a lot of detail. I read someone elses's CV, they got into GSD with presidential scholarship, they added every little thing onto their CV - all press on them, no matter how small, all teaching assistantships, etc. I didn't think the small roles and accomplishments I had were a big deal so I didn't even include a lot of them (I didn't even include a club I co-founded, which I thought was low effort). BIG MISTAKE. Be proud of everything you have ever done and they will be impressed by you.
    
    5. In conclusion, Don't be like me.
• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 3, 24 3:43 pm

   

  The "Im excited to come to Yale" thing is the funniest thing I've seen all day! Thank you for being humble sharing that.. hilarious stuff. Congrats on all your admits!

• zaroth

  Apr 3, 24 5:37 pm

   

  boutta scan the crowd @ the yale open house tmrw and act like we've never been on this forum before hahaha

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 3, 24 3:48 pm

   

  My generation came in and killed the thread with their pessimism and arrogance LOL. Sorry y'all some of us older folk are pretty chill and optimistic and experiencing thrilling, rewarding careers in this field (now officially in my late 30s). Def can't wait to hear what schools y'all choose in the end. 12 more days till National Decision Day. I've said it twice, I'll say it again. Y'all will be good wherever you end up! -- and please go with the CHEAPEST option! Be sure to post your final decisions!

• lh11

  Apr 3, 24 4:12 pm

   

  lol i wanted to say it but damn! it all went quiet and tense in here after that. thank you! youve been a real one from the start :)

• zaroth

  Apr 3, 24 5:26 pm

   

  appreciated joey! going with my second cheapest option hehe

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 3, 24 10:09 pm

   

  Congrats Zaroth! That’s huge!
  

• ma18

  Apr 3, 24 8:00 pm

   

  has anyone received an aid package from USC?

• Stressed Architect

  Apr 4, 24 12:07 am

   

  Hello as you have probably seen through my numerous posts that I am relatively new to the field. What are some good resources that can teach me autocad, revit and rhino. I know the schools run their own sessions but I have some free time right now and want to get ahead of the game. Thanks in advance.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 4, 24 8:54 am

   

  You should not need AutoCAD or Revit at all at this point. Toward the end of your program, you should have a professional practice course where they teach Revit… Otherwise, you will learn it in the field during your first internship, but there is a great YouTube channel for revit called the Balkan Architect. Rhino will be key at this stage, and again, I would go to YouTube tutorials. Get familiar with the interface. AutoCAD, in that you type your commands in, which means you need to know them. It absolutely takes some getting used to but once you get used to it, you will be soaring. Starred by trying to do basic 3-D boxes, cylinders, cones, then try to do some Boolean operations through these masses, then play around with rails, and then use “curves”, to start playing with pipes.… Know that the word “curve” in the Rhino world just means a line whether or not it’s curved or straight. But find a YouTube tutorial that’s giving you a specific task to follow along with, that’ll be more beneficial than random playing in the software. — if you want to pay for courses, you could do some thing like the “jumpstart” programs at UCLA or Columbia, even if you’re not a registered student, they will typically allow you to participate, these two or three week courses are designed to give you a crash course in Rhino and the Adobe suites. (Photoshop and illustrator are also two key softwares that you will need to learn
  on day one.)

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 4, 24 8:56 am

   

  I meant, the rhino interface is a lot like AutoCAD, in that you have to type in your commands… You can, of course, toggle to the icons and click on them, but it becomes much faster once you know the name of each command to just type it in. You’ll see what I mean once you get going with the YouTube tutorials.
  

• recuerdos__de

  Apr 4, 24 1:22 pm

   

  I also recommend looking into your local community college/ colleges.. A lot of them have ample resources/ course offerings in Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative suite, etc.

• recuerdos__de

  Apr 4, 24 1:24 pm

   

  I completed a Rhino course at a local CC and would happily share the course files with you.. My professor broke up commands into worksheet-like .3dm files which helped me understand some of the nuances of the different commands.

• Stressed Architect

  Apr 4, 24 4:47 pm

   

  Thanks my email is colenelnuggets@gmail.com
  

• fancydirt

  Apr 5, 24 10:50 pm

   

  Hey Stressed, I'm in a similar boat as you. I've spoken to a few different chairs from graduate departments and the overwhelming thought is that software skills are not necessary to have coming into a program. Rather, having some conception of three-dimensional thinking in conjunction with good design instincts seems to be most crucial up front. It might be good to workin on your hand drawing skills if you aren't proficient? I think I'd agree with Joey and suggest learning some of the more important adobe programs (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, etc); I actually found these programs 100% while developing my portfolio, so maybe you already have some working knowledge of adobe yourself? Lastly, I am very biased when it comes to "intro" courses pushed by schools. Columbia offers a 5 week "introduction to architecture" course, which is between 4-5 thousand dollars. it's full time so you can't work during the month the program lasts, and you'll need to figure out some way to pay your rent in or around Morningside Heights. Youtube is just so insanely democratic and free with information; my two cents (and I'm doing this myself) would be to spend your money on a good computer, a far cheaper online course, and use the time you have before grad school to learn independently and indulge in a bit of free time.

• holly72

  Apr 4, 24 10:56 am

   

  Hi Everyone :) 

  I received offers from Pratt, Northeastern and University of Miami. All are three-year M.Arch I program as I have an unrelated bachelor's degree. I'm having a hard time making a decision. The toss-up is mainly between Pratt and U-Miami. Does anyone have any insight on either program?

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 4, 24 1:48 pm

   

  take the cheapest.

• lh11

  Apr 6, 24 12:06 am

   

  jesus christ non sequitur but could you please for once answer someones question?? holly72 is not asking what she should, which choice should she make, which school she should go to. its literally such a direct and precise question on INSIGHT of programs. ¨the cheapest¨ isnt insight. if you have no true insight on the experiences, the student work, the events, the schools culture and vibe... then just dont answer these types of questions which are so clearly stated... what if she for some reason has the same amount of aid for all three??? what if her home country or state or whatever is financing the whole thing and she doesnt have to worry about money? damn this is getting so old and annoying.

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 6, 24 7:21 am

   

  Cost is the only that matters when kids still think the name is worth 100k debt. Some get it for free but most don’t. If only one kid reads this and says wait a minute, I’m a fucking idiot for considering this size loan, the. My job is done.
  

• lh11

  Apr 6, 24 8:13 am

   

  and you have such a valid point but you dont have to disregard other concerns and inquiries just to prove it.
  

• zaroth

  Apr 6, 24 9:13 am

   

  dont go down the street I did @Ih11, sequitur is actually a chatbot AI running broken scripts. it can't learn from input data. tech from the past...

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 6, 24 9:18 am

   

  Ai robot? you flatter me.

• zaroth

  Apr 6, 24 9:23 am

   

  must be lonely

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 6, 24 9:32 am

   

  Nah, just incredibly busy and looking for a few minutes of distraction between coffee cups.

• zaroth

  Apr 6, 24 9:33 am

   

  wait this is the best comment you've made hahaha "incredibly busy" is awesome i can tell

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 6, 24 9:47 am

   

  you'd be surprised how busy most of the regs here are.

• lh11

  Apr 6, 24 11:20 am

   

  well wasnt this the comic relief we all needed!

• josephlee

  Apr 6, 24 10:03 pm

   

  Hi holly72, congrats! My friend is in Pratt's M. Arch program so I can better speak to it, but I know that a big draw of U. Miami is the opportunity to study classical architecture (like Yale). RAMSA, a big name firm that uses classical elements, hires from programs like Yale and U. Miami.
  
  Pratt on the other hand is more "artistic" and their studios can be abstract and concept-driven. For example, one of the intro studios was designing an artist's residence using a takeout container. I think they also emphasize fabrication as my friend is almost always making physical models for her studios. One other thing I'd add is that there are Pratt people all over NYC, so if you want to work in New York after graduation, it could be a good program for you. 
  
  I think you can take a look through each program's student work to see if you vibe with their curriculum and faculty focus. If you have the opportunity, maybe also drop by their open houses 

• leeleepops

  Apr 7, 24 11:48 am

   

  GSAPP or Princeton??? 

  Thoughts...

• leeleepops

  Apr 7, 24 1:40 pm

   

  Note: they both offered me full tuition.

  Over the last few days I've been doing research and my mind has been racing. I'm super into fashion and architecture and I'd like to be able to explore the two fields more once I've finished the MArch Program. I'm just torn between the two. Everyone has been saying Princeton, because it's Princeton, but I've been dreaming about NYC since my time in undergrad. I  just don't want to regret my decision. 

  Can anyone provide any extra insight? 
  

• Chronograph

  Apr 7, 24 2:00 pm

   

  I definitely don't have as much insight as others or GSAPP students would. But I visited GSAPP last year and the conditions of the facilities were a takeaway I couldn't really forget. Really cramped and tiny workspaces, and to me the building itself felt dated in a way that was beyond aesthetics. Word around is brilliant faculty, keep in mind no thesis but a general kind of "focus" across 3 years. Princeton I haven't researched much but as you already have heard from others... it's Princeton. Arguably experimental compared to other Ivy programs but not sure how the curriculum compares when directly against GSAPP. It will also be a hell of a lot more expensive in NYC which you can always consider after graduation. In my entirely honest personal opinion, GSAPP name carrie's much less weight than Princeton would and I kind of think there's potential for an over abundance of GSAPP Arch grads seeking NYC work. It all depends on what you bring to the program yourself, but seeing some of the projects with wall texts riddled with spelling errors and bad sentence structure, as well as frequent 3D printed models felt less exciting than what I've seen from other schools on a similar tier. Hope this was helpful but it's also from a pretty foggy perspective.

• fancydirt

  Apr 7, 24 5:15 pm

   

  First off, congrats on two full tuition scholarships from Princeton and Columbia! That's major! Can I ask where you're from? I think studying architecture in a stimulating city, or put differently in a city that you'd want to fall in love with is a big consideration (why anyone would want to study architecture in New Haven CT, aka the worst city in America, is literally beyond me...). I'm actually from the Upper West Side, very close to Columbia, and it's an absolutely gorgeous neighborhood. That said, it's not exactly cool or influential or young--lots of unfriendly old people, lots of international Columbia students who don't know how to cross the street, lots of families. Really crappy restaurants (though Harlem has some really dope food and bars) and really stupidly expensive supermarkets. From what I remember the graduate student housing is a total dump (it's like, under the 1 train on 125th street and the building looks like a prison) and, as Chronograph noted, the facilities are very cramped.

• fancydirt

  Apr 7, 24 5:29 pm

   

  the rest of my comment got deleted...ANYWAY, I would be tempted to consider Princeton. It's a small and fabulous program. Princeton is a cool town with a cool record store and a has a ton of resources. I was choosing between Columbia and UCLA, and ultimately went with the program that gave me the full ride (not Columbia, they can eat my shorts) and I'm extremely excited to fall in love with a new city--I think that's really important. You don't go into architecture because you don't like cities...so ya. G ood luck! I'm excited to find out where you end up.

• josephlee

  Apr 7, 24 6:17 pm

   

  To add to what the previous comments have said about location, an important thing to keep in mind is that living in New York is difficult as a budget-conscious grad student, even with a full ride. A question you should ask yourself is whether you’re ok with the financial pressures and distractions of living in a city like New York. If you are okay with it, then New York will give you many benefits including proximity to professional opportunities that you may not be able to get as a student at Princeton, e.g., my friend at Pratt was able to secure an interesting gig at an urban design firm during the school year because she lives in New York. Another thing to add is that GSAPP is notoriously stingy with funds, so the fact that you got a full ride means that they likely see you succeeding in their program; GSAPP is known for being experimental and students are able to take studio projects in their own directions, for example, my Intro to Arch critic at GSAPP said a classmate of hers created an app for a studio while others went down a more “traditional” route. Given your unique interest in the intersection of fashion and architecture, GSAPP could be a good fit. I also want to provide a counterpoint to Chronograph where, yes, Princeton is very prestigious, but GSAPP is too and has a large alum network in New York due to its larger cohort size (I believe ~60 compared to Princeton’s 10 or so [somebody please correct me if I’m wrong]). At every major firm in New York you will likely find GSAPP alum.
  Something to think about. Either way, you have an amazing choice and you’ll have a blast in either program.

• josephlee

  Apr 7, 24 6:23 pm

   

  I also want to caveat my above message by saying that I did not go through GSAPP or Princeton’s M Arch program. Most of my data points were collected by speaking to working professionals, doing research into the programs, and taking GSAPP’s Intro summer studio, so take what I’m saying with a grain of salt. However, I do live in New York so my comments on location are first-hand :-)
  

• leeleepops

  Apr 8, 24 10:46 am

   

  @fancydirt thanks sm and I'm from Michigan!

• leeleepops

  Apr 8, 24 10:46 am

   

  thank you all for providing your opinion, i'll keep these in mind.

• Stressed Architect

  Apr 8, 24 8:54 am

   

  any Canadian applicants heard back from Carleton? I havent heard anything from them. I am not planning to go but I dont think they even looked at my application.

• dt_cs

  Apr 8, 24 2:32 pm

   

  anyone here going to Penn State ?

• KM23

  Apr 8, 24 5:34 pm

   

  I haven't heard back from Pratt yet. I've already decided on a school but still want to know!

• Chronograph

  Apr 13, 24 2:44 am

   

  just paid the deposit n officially matriculated, mental clarity and closure is killer. congrats to all and best of luck in the fall! wishing the experience of a lifetime for u folks

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 13, 24 10:31 am

   

  Congrats! Where to?

• Chronograph

  Apr 13, 24 1:12 pm

   

  thanks! yale m.arch I

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 13, 24 4:28 pm

   

  Let’s goooo!
  

• GH42

  Apr 13, 24 4:24 am

   

  Got into Yale, Princeton, & GSAPP for M.Arch I—all with full tuition scholarships. Where would you guys go?

• sillystarfish

  Apr 13, 24 12:47 pm

   

  I was debating between these exact 3 schools!

• sillystarfish

  Apr 13, 24 1:03 pm

   

  Would love to hear other people's thoughts but here is what I thought after visiting all of them

  Yale: best for capital A architecture and real buildings due to their design build project first year and studio emphasis, great class size and vibe from the open house

  Princeton: best attention from professors, most funded thesis and travel opportunities, class size is a bit too small imo

  GSAPP: best location, big name professors, and best networking opportunities, most theoretical studios with a lot of digital focus, super cramped studios and maker spaces

  something that helped me decide was that someone told me you can learn building construction and how to practice from just actually working and school is a unique time to explore theory/history/independent research 
  

• Chronograph

  Apr 13, 24 1:20 pm

   

  i decided on yale out of yale vs. gsapp, but princeton rejected me so I also didn't really do much follow up research. gsapp is lowest for me, personally, but princeton vs. yale is a tough call. I'd go with yale but I'm also biased, I think the classical education and interdisciplinary nature of its pedagogy is exciting and progressive while not anti-traditionalist, and avoids falling into the extremes of the visualization-digital focus that gsapp, sci-arc, and weitzman often do (which I find mostly unappealing)

• Stressed Architect

  Apr 15, 24 4:33 pm

   

  If you have a master of architecture degree (non ivy) is it worth doing a MS. AAD postgrad degree at an ivy for one year?

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 15, 24 5:56 pm

   

  No unless it’s free and you want to delay adulthood.
  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 15, 24 6:29 pm

   

  @stressed, This is a question I’ve debated as well, I think it’s a good move only if you intend to work in academia. And as Non Seq said, only if it comes with a full ride offer. You should not pay a dime to an Ivy League school with a $44 Billion dollar endowment. It makes no sense — they should be paying you …. I’ve talked myself out of it for now coz I’m enjoying developing my design skills on my own.. just landed an incredible position at a sick global design firm and launching my own design/build development practice with their support. Point is, I don’t need anyone to teach me how to get better at this profession in terms of theoretical design, I just have to do it through practice and kick ass!! BUT, if you want to teach architecture and theory at the college level and get paid super well for it, then that one year post-graduate advanced degree will serve you well and help you land a good teaching gig at a good university!! If you plan to actually practice architecture, it’s just not worth the time, in my humble opinion. To Non.Seq’s point about “growing up”, you’re potentially holding up legit career advancement going back to school . — if I do get another masters it will be in real estate development (MRED/MSRED), not in design (MIT, Penn, GSD, USC or UCLA who launches their MRED next year) to bolster my business acumen and learn more the economic factors driving development and the need for architecture at all, but even then, I’m learning all these things in practice and partnering with brilliant business minds so I can focus on being a brilliant designer/architect - so going back for another masters feels like wasting time. There’s too much money to make from working hard and learning in practice. Sorry for the long ass essay answer.
  

• reallynotmyname

  Apr 15, 24 8:05 pm

   

  Do architecture professors in the US generally get paid super well?

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 15, 24 10:09 pm

   

  Yes, yes well into the 6 figures, plus grants for research etc. and after they earn tenure, they can almost never be fired
  

• Chad Miller

  Apr 16, 24 11:27 am

   

  Joey - Kind of. The average pay for an non tenured professor in architecture is around $87k.  That figure is for someone with an average experience of 9 years.  

  Professors with tenure make $130k a year on average IF they  are in the right school. The key is the professor has to be valuable to school. IE - people come to the school for that professor.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 16, 24 12:17 pm

   

  Well said. Though it likely depends on multiple factors, I know professors making MUCH more than those figures. The "Ivy" degree may help with negotiations when applying for teaching work at a well funded research university with a solid architecture program.. One quick addition to my note above now that I think about it, in the professional practice course in my last semester of the M.Arch, we were encouraged to go do a 1-year post-professional advanced degree at a big named school if we intended to work in academia.

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 16, 24 12:18 pm

   

  but to your point @chad, the folks I've spoken to could have been exaggerating the facts .

• Chronograph

  Apr 16, 24 12:34 pm

   

  CM where did you get that stat? 9 years of experience, non tenure and 87k avg? a google search shows a vast range and I can't seem to find the one that says 9 years of experience. is that just the lowest amount you found?

• Chad Miller

  Apr 16, 24 12:38 pm

   

  Chrono - It's from a variety of sources, including the department of labor. It takes the average professor 10 years to obtain tenure - hence the 9 year experience at the average highest pay.  Due to my associations I also have private resources from within acidemia.

  Joey - I'm sure there are architecture professors making much more than that. The average pay for a non tenured arch professor in NYC was around $190k!  Like you said, there are multiple factors that will impact the pay.  It seems like a good profession if you're interested in it!  

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 16, 24 12:45 pm

   

  thinking about borrowing a giant pile of money for a piece of paper in hopes that you'll be able to make back said money (eventually) by teaching the next generation of suckers who enter the profession is on a different level of silly.

  Also, profs with no practical work experience are not worth 200k even if that's how much they earn.

• Chad Miller

  Apr 16, 24 5:31 pm

   

  Depending a persons experience, and where the school is I could see arch profs making $200k a year in the US. Probably not in Canada though. ;)

  On a related note:  The best professors I've ever encountered were the ones with decades of experience practicing architecture.  These professors not only had the real world experience but they also were great instructors who enjoyed teaching others.  All of them were able to keep their ego out of the classroom and simply guide students.  

• JoeyTheGiant

  Apr 16, 24 6:46 pm

   

  Same, my favorites were the ones who practiced while teaching. So much better. One of my professors (who told us to go to an ivy for one more year if we wanted to enter academia - though, he was being somewhat ironic in tone coz that wasn't his path at all), is a top 100 ranked architect in the US running a solid small practice and teaching solid design studios and other courses. His design studios lean into practice and design/build (at scale) more-so than into theory. It makes a HUGE difference. He has a MASSIVE and obnoxious ego but can back it up.. The ones who did not practice were weaker educators generally though it must be acknowledged that their focus was theory and they were damn good theorists. I feel like I can wrap my head around any conceptual dilemma at the office and solve it. And that's largely due to those intense theoretical design studios. Theory and Practice are the sun and the moon, both necessary.

• Non Sequitur

  Apr 16, 24 7:32 pm

   

  Chad, tenured arch profs don't make even close to that... maybe 140k (cad) average. Their salaries are also public knowledge too since university is partially publicly funded. But that 140 goes a long way when you don't need to pay for your hospital bills or ammunition.

  just checked, the top prof in my grad school is 280k cad

• Chad Miller

  Apr 17, 24 12:00 pm

   

  Yup. In the US though a tenured arch prof can make $200k in major metro areas like NYC, San Fran, ect. Then again the cost of living in those major metro areas are 2-4x the US average.

• Chronograph

  May 5, 24 4:22 pm

   

  If anyone on the GSD waitlist receives a status update/notification, please let me know! They said final decisions on the waitlist would be sent out early may.

• joshmarunde

  May 30, 24 4:13 pm

   

  Undergraduate Degree/School/Year graduated

          - BA Business Admin / Ferris State Univ / 2022 (started in 2005, returned and finished. 

  • Relevant professional experience

          - Professional, Touring Musician. Some design, buildout and renovation work on rental properties and on wine shop/deli.  

  • GPA/GRE/TOEFL 

          - 3.0 - enrolled in classes in 2009, left for tour and carelessly did not withdraw. 3.8 in last two semesters. 

  • Letters of recommendation

          - Former educator (Accounting), Professional relationship (VP of Supply Chain Mgmt for large company), and former Dept. Head / educator for Music Program at Ferris. 

  • Essay/Statement 

          - Writing about experiences that led me to architecture... extensive travel, arts, and culinary experiences have taught me the importance of quality and design. These experiences coupled with my passion for competition and perseverance (2x CrossFit games, 3x 100mi finisher, entrepreneur) have provided me a unique combination of hard and soft skills. 

  • Portfolio

          - Not much arch related... photograph depicting some arch and my ability to identify lighting, position, and perspective; live music performance, band artwork and creative examples, as well as a ROUGH sketch of my wine shop/deli design.  

  • Schools

          - The only school from my top 5 (5th) that hadn't closed off applications was ASU. Still plan to apply next year for Parsons, Columbia, and NYU

  • Results

          - In at ASU (entirely online program)

  • Tips

          - Really drew from my creative strength and unique life experiences. I was not ready for Grad School in 2010 (had I finished my undergrad), but I know that when I am "in" I am ALL IN and I have a strong record of proving that. 

  - NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK - where you want to work (after school) 

• JoeyTheGiant

  Sep 19, 24 5:37 pm

   

  Hey everyone. How's the first semester treating you? insane I'm sure

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