<p>Hint for terminally bored 4-year BA Arch / BS Arch students on summer break and their super helicopter parents… And even those with other degrees looking for M.Arch 3-3.5 years. Start a spreadsheet with each and every architecture program out there (125 or so). Mark the obvious 5 year B.Arch (and rare 5 year straight M.Arch) programs, take out any that don’t immediately meet your reputation or ranking requirements, and count the rest. You’d be surprised to find how few schools total there are that fit the bill and how there are some awesome schools that don’t offer anything other than the 5 year B.Arch.</p>
<p>Then, try to figure out what ‘Advanced Standing’ is for schools that offer only one M.Arch (the 3-3.5 year variety) While you’re at it write down prerequisites and GPA/GRE type requirements. Everyone needs a portfolio so…</p>
<p>Finally, especially if you’re aiming for top programs, try to get an idea how many spots are offered every year. Some architecture programs are massive, and some, well, not so massive, accepting 30 or less a year. </p>
<p>You will be surprised to see how few schools make even the 1st or 2nd cut, before you start factoring in costs, location, style of school, type of school, and the like.</p>