ArchMath1992

Alright, so I have always wanted to be an architect since I was a little kid. I graduated HS with a 4.0 and I will end up with a 4.0 this year (my freshman year of college). However, I ended up choosing a non-architecture school for reasons that I regret, but I cannot change the past so I won't linger on that part. I am trying to transfer to an engineering school next year but I won't be able to do an architectural plan of study since I wasted a year at a liberal arts school just because it was practically free. Also, part of me loves math and might end up wanting to teach so I am a little indecisive right now. So my question is this: if I transfer and get a straight-up mathematics degree with a minor in either design or physics, would I be able to get into a competitive architectural school for graduate school? I want to be a big-city architect (I love, love, love, love highrise buildings) so I am trying to get to a school in New York or Chicago - do you guys this would be possible? Thanks!

momrath

Archmath, Yes, you can get into a good M.Arch program with an undergraduate degree in math or basically anything else. The important factors in admissions are first and foremost the quality of your portfolio, your grades, your recommendations and your demographic and life experience. You will also have to fulfill the program's prerequisites. These vary but commonly include some art studio, some art history, some physics and some calculus.

Architecture graduate school is wildly expensive. Grants are available, but are not generous. If you're sure that you're headed for an M.Arch, then, unless there's another reason that you're dissatisfied with your current college, perhaps you should reconsider making a move right now. Is there a reason that you can't major in math at your current college?

higgins2013

Consider IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology) in Chicago. Has a great architecture school. See if you can transfer in as a freshman (5-year program for B.Arch) and transfer your existing college credits. IIT has good financial aid for strong students, but architecture school admission is competitive and unlikely (but possibly) to have spots left for Fall 2012. Worth contacting school ASAP.

Strongly consider transfering into a B.Arch program, rather than following far more expensive plan of completing a BA/BS and then applying to a M.Arch program. Architecture salary range doesn't warrant significant student loan debt, and M.Arch program tend to be very expensive w/relatively little available financial aid. Career advancement is based upon talent and luck and location, not necessarily school pedigree. Ivy degree helps for first job, but thereafter school name isn't a big factor while references and referrals are.