<p>Admissions is looking for three things in the portfolio: technical skill (especially drawing), design skill (creativity) and presentation (of the portfolio itself). There’s a lot of information on line – including on some of the colleges’ websites – that provides more specifics about how to assemble a strong portfolio.</p>
<p>For example this from USC’s website:
</p>
<p>Pencil sketches and examples of animation are fine, but may or may not be enough. As for plans generated in an architectural drawing class, again, it depends on the degree of skill and creativity they demonstrate.
Does your son plan to apply to a BArch program? Some require portfolios, some do not. He’ll have to check the requirements of the schools he’s interested in. Because the BArch requires a high level of commitment, many schools offer in depth presentations for potential applicants.</p>
<p>If he’s thinking about a BA or BS in architecture or architectural studies, he most likely won’t need a portfolio, but again, he’ll have to check each school’s requirements. (If he’s not clear on the difference – that’s the first thing he needs to understand.)</p>
<p>At those that require it, the portfolio is an important factor in admissions, so in the next 5 months, it would be a good idea for your son to take an art course, like drawing. If he can’t do that at his high school, he could look at courses at a CC or art school. He might be able to find something in your community for the month of August.</p>