<p>I am interested in architecture and film and would like to explore these areas more. I was accepted into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a decent scholarship, though it would still be an expense. Does anyone know anything about this school and the value of an undergraduate BFA from here? Would this be limiting if one wanted to go on the architectural school for a masters? Also like the idea of exploring film as a medium and could do that as well. Just hesitant to go the art school route. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Architecture Master’s programs accept students with BFAs. I don’t know the likelihood at the top programs. I know there was at least one BFA at my son’s program, but that was from a “full service” university not an art school. Some architecture schools post the educational backgrounds of their students. <a href=“Pages - Yale Architecture”>Pages - Yale Architecture;
<p>The most critical element in architecture acceptances is the portfolio. General course requirements vary. Most require art studio and art history. Some require physics and/or some calculus. Usually physics and calculus can be made up before beginning the program.</p>
<p>I think the decision on whether you want an art school or other, depends on 1) whether you want to be surrounded by people who live/breathe art 24/7 or by people in a wide range of disciplines 2) what your other choices are 3)your financial situation. Architecture and film graduate school are very expensive, so bear that in mind when you look at your undergraduate costs.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your input. I see on the link to the Yale school that there are a few students on the list with BFAs from RISD which is a similar art school. I did get into two arch UG programs - Ga Tech and UVA but am hesitant to commit to 5 years of arch when not sure if it is for me. UVA is a bit out of price range since out of state tuition but fabulous school. Otherwise admitted to liberal arts programs at medium to large universities near my home that don’t have film or arch/design opportunities. I like the idea that I can explore both arch and film studies at this school but it will still be a bit more expensive then the liberal arts opportunities and maybe more limited. Kind of honored by the attractive scholarship offered.Also has a great reputation. Any other thoughts are welcome.</p>
<p>I agree, don’t get a B.Arch unless you’re committed. I also wouldn’t run up undergraduate debt if you’re thinking o either architecture or film graduate school, but perhaps you could take another look at the financials at UVA. Or ask UVA to match SAIC’s package. I would probe a little deeper before walking away from this opportunity.</p>
<p>UVA’s undergraduate architecture degree is a four year bachelor of science which I believe would give you some course flexibility, even the possibility of double majoring in art or some other field in their College of Arts and Sciences. They also have a film studies minor.</p>
<p>If you’re not totally sold on the art school route, take a look at the offerings of the art departments of the other schools you were admitted to. Many offer architectural drawing and art history as well as film courses, even if they don’t have an architecture or film major.</p>
<p>For admissions to architecture graduate school you can go either way – art school or “regular”. It really depends on the environment that you seek for your undergraduate years. Just be sure to cover the prerequisites of the programs you’re targeting.</p>
<p>Your comments are very helpful to me. I am a bit at a loss on how to go about any sort of financial “bargaining”. We unfortunately don’t qualify for financial aid but are in that middle class bracket where paying full price is tough - especially with 2 siblings. My scholarship from SAIC was totally on merit, and UVA I don’t believe offers much of that.I was interviewed for Jefferson Scholars but did not get it. Do you have any suggestions on how to approach UVA on this match request? Should I just call and discuss it? Does it matter who I ask to speak with? BTW my other school was UGA - no architecture but they do have art and visual journalism. But I am pretty excited about SAIC - just wondering if there is anything wrong with it that I am missing.</p>
<p>I don’t have any insider information on UVA’s financial office, but I think your direct approach is sensible. Just call them and explain your situation.</p>
<p>SAIC has a good reputation. It’s obviously very different from UGA, but which is better for you at this point in your life is something that only you can decide.</p>