razor165

thanks for all the advice. i still havent committed 100% but despite most peoples opinions, im leaning towards USC. A mix of financial considerations (USC trustee will last for 5 years whereas Princeton financial aid will last for 4 but then my masters if and when i choose to do it, ill have all this stress again!), the fact that ive been to USC and moving countries but at least knowing the area to which im going is a bit comforting and also that, as lowly as it might seem, im not sure im up for the challenge of Princeton, with the calibre of the students and the varied classes I would be taking and struggling to master. I think I would rather the studio atmosphere which ive kinda of been setting myself up for.

although as rick said, and ive been telling myself whenever I think ive decided on princeton...it is hard to say no to princeton.

anymore advice would be more than appreciated

momrath

razor, tough decision and entirely personal. It really depends whether you want the fast track to a career or the long and winding road through a liberal arts education. The latter is I think uniquely American and it is sometimes difficult for foreigners to appreciate.

My son, like Rick's daughter, chose to get a BA from an academically rigorous college. He is now working an entry level job at a highly regarded architecture firm and will eventually get an MArch. The managing partners at his firm all took the long way to architecture and many -- but not all -- of the architects that they hire did as well. In fact the founding partner has an MFA, a law degree, AND an MArch.

Architecture draws on so many skills -- creative, analytical, communication, evaluative. Four years at an institution like Princeton would only make you a better architect. It is, however, a long journey and finance is a very real consideration. My son will be around 30 by the time he's licensed and he has friends from his highschool class who will be practicing architects by the time they're 25! To me looking back from the advantage of old age, 30 sounds like a fine age to begin a career, but I can understand the anxiety.

If Princeton accepted you they will help you succeed. The resources are tremendous. You will be challenged yes, but you will be challenged by the whole world of knowledge. At the end of the day, if you don't like what you find there, you will be able to transfer. The Princeton name will never hurt you.

USC is a wonderful opportunity and I don't mean to say that it isn't, but the choice between architecture 24/7 and a liberal arts education is a valid consideration and you can be successful either way.

Good luck and let us know what you do.

rick12

Razor, I completely understand your concerns. The only thing I will add is that I think the best schools have become very good at recognizing the kind of students who will succeed in their unique environment. If Princeton selected you it is for a reason, and I suspect you would do just fine there.

Good luck with your choice,
rick