BNguyenSD

Hello everyone,

I'm an international student from Vietnam.
I just got my acceptance package to UC Exploratory Program - in the College of Arts & Sciences several days ago.

When I applied to UC, due to my average SAT score and a few days later than DAAP Priority Deadline, I got rejected from DAAP Architecture Program in early April.
However, my international adcom at UC suggested that I should study in UC Exploratory Studies (University of Cincinnati - Degree Programs) program during freshman year, then try to transfer to DAAP Architecture as an "on-campus" transfer.
The adcom did warn me that it's very HARD to transfer to UC Undergraduate Architecture. In case I would be able to transfer successfully, I would have to take a Summer Courses to catch up with UC Arch students for the 2nd year. If not, then I could also apply to other programs at UC (such as Urban Planning, Industrial Design...)

At this time, I feel like enrolling UC would be a very risky option, as UC Arch program is one of the top national Arch schools. Therefore, can anyone give some advices toward my case, or experience of how hard it would be to transfer to UC Arch in the 2nd year?

I'm looking forward to your guidance. Thank you.

taxguy

They do accept transfers. I just met a kid who got in with a 3.6 overall GPA. For other programs you would generally need at least a 3.5 overall,which isn't that easy to do in college.

Frankly, my feeling is to apply to an architectural program or ID program where you can get in immediately instead of taking the risk. There are plenty of good programs that aren't as hard to get into as UC. Try Pratt institute. If you don't have a portfolio, try SCAD, they have no portfolio requirements and aren't that hard to get into.

Here is a list of AIA approved schools:https://www.acsa-arch.org/membership...=31&Alpha.y=11

Good luck.

BNguyenSD

Thank you, sir! I really appreciate your advice.
Interestingly, I did apply for SCAD Architecture and got accepted (with portfolio). Now I'm waiting for the school to review and calculate for scholarships and financial aid.
But then, personally I just favor UC Architecture more than that of SCAD since I'm a little bit hazy about SCAD Architecture Program (so are my friends and cousins who study Arch in the US). It's a little bit strange to me that SCAD offers a 5 years M.Arch program (NAAB accredited).

In addition, can I ask you about about the student with GPA 3.6 you mentioned above? As an international student, I'm not quite familiar with the semester/ quarter system of US Colleges. Is the student's 3.6 overall GPA his whole freshman GPA? Or it's just a semester GPA?

Again, I really appreciate your help, Mr. taxguy.

taxguy

BnguyenSD. the 3.6 GPA is the overall GPA for the freshmen year and NOT just one semester.

Frankly, I also think that UC is MUCH better than SCAD especially because of their coop program. However, I am leery to recommend a school where you will have such uncertainty as to admission. If they only wanted a 3.0, I think that it would be easily doable. A 3.6 overall GPA, however, isn't easy to accomplish. You might actually be better off going to a community college and taking all of your basic gen eds there. Why?

1. Community colleges are MUCH cheaper, and you will save a bundle!
2. Community college generally have better and easier grading then that of four year colleges. Thus, you will have a better chance of getting that 3.6 GPA. Just a thought.

BNguyenSD

Hello, taxguy.
Yesterday, my cousin who is studying her last year MArch at UC ask about my case and she said that in case of successfully transferring, instead of completing the Undergrad program in 4 years, I'd have to do it in 5 years and result another tuition year cost. After receiving the $7000 scholarship from UC, the cost to attend is still very challenging to my family, as I'd have to live on-campus.
In addition, I just got a $15000 scholarship from SCAD, which make tuition a lot more reasonable. And I take SCAD 5 years M.Arch program (NAAB accredited) a great saving! Perhaps I will enroll SCAD this Fall, though.

Thank you, taxguy. You've helped me a lot!

taxguy

BNguyenSD, don't forget one thing: DAAP has mandatory coops. This means that you will generally get paid for two quarters starting in your sophomore year,which significantly reduces the tuition. However, if SCAD is that much less expensive, go for it. Best of luck.