coco222

I have a recent interest in pursuing a bachelor's degree in architecture. However, I am a senior in high school and have taken no art classes...
Is this a major hindrance to a college acceptance to a school of architecture? Say Notre Dame/Cornell?
What can I do in order to make up for some lost time? - or - Are individual sketches sufficient?
Thanks for your input in advance!

Mysticalkites

Yes, both Notre Dame and Cornell require portfolios which should have at least 20 images (artworks). If you can, you should probably take an art class senior year.
And if you can't complete a portfolio, you will have better luck at 4 year BA programs than 5-year B.Arch schools because you will find most of the later require and weigh admission into their schools based on portfolio presentation. However, schools like Pratt and V.Tech will waive the submission of a portfolio for admittance into the 5-year programs if you UW GPA is high (I believe for Pratt it has to be a 3.7 or something).

Also, what are your sketches of?

jessnic

I didn't and I got into syracuse, carnegie mellon, etc. Just demonatrate that you have spatial intelligence and can draw/paint/take photos/make sculptures, or whatever your creative forte is.

momrath

What architecture programs are looking for in a portfolio are potential and teachability, not accomplishment. Your portfolio should demonstrate creativity, a grasp of one or two artistic media, especially drawing, and a sensitivity to design in its overall presentation. Colleges know that a high school student may have had limited opportunity and resources and don't expect professional level work.

A semester's worth of art/drawing isn't much time to put together appropriate material, but it's doable. Perhaps you could find an artist or art teacher willing to work with you over the rest of the summer or take a Saturday class at a museum or community center.

Most importantly, before you commit to a B.Arch you need to be 110% sure that architecture is for you. The B.Arch is a rigorous and intense program that doesn't leave a lot of room for academic and career exploration.

You indicate that this is a change of direction for you. You might want to take a gap year to catch up and reinforce your decision. Or focus on universities that allow you to delay the commitment to architecture until you've had a general exposure.

The problem with some B.Arch programs (Cornell included) is that if you have a change of heart and want to switch to liberal arts you may not be able to graduate in four years. which of course means additional expense.

The BA/BS + M.Arch route to architecture is a good option, but be aware that it costs more and takes longer than the B.Arch.

turbo93

+1 on the above. DD1 took a large number of art / design / drawing type courses in HS and that helped create a very good portfolio. Ultimately, tho, such classes were much more useful in giving her an insight into the 'creative process' rather than prepare her for 1st year Architecture (Chipboard 101 and 102, respectively).

Ditto on the BA/BS + March route (which is what DD1 is on). I can't imagine what a 5-year BArch looks like, as DD1's 4+2 is really 4+4_Summers+2...