The UCs don’t offer BArch. USC does, but it isn’t a top 10 program. According to some, SCI-A is though.
If you want BArch in CA, Cal Poly is the school. It’s always top ten, usually top 5, currently 4, according to Architect Magazine, behind VT, Cornell and Syracuse. It’s in an idyllic location, will be more affordable and the hands on education is spectacular.
Just to reiterate, if you want a BArch, the quickest way to be an independent practicing architect, throw out all of your preconceptions about prestige. You do not want any Ivy other than Cornell. You don’t want any UC. They do not offer the program you’re seeking. If you’re willing to take the long road and uncertainty of BS + MArch, that’s a different story. Know what you want though BEFORE you apply.
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I removed the “first-gen” tag.
Are you “cooked”? You are only as cooked as every other applicant to the Ivy League schools which have very low acceptance rates.
Are you a U.S. citizen?
If you are counting on merit scholarships, the Ivies don’t give those. The UCs give precious little aid to out of state students. You need a different list of schools that DO give merit awards, if that is what you need to attend.
Just clarifying that your parents are prepared to pay the full cost of attendance at the schools you have listed so far…$76,000 a year to $90,000 a year. AND that both of your parents will complete the financial aid application forms where required.
I’m not actually endorsing this reasoning, but I note among kids I have encountered who are looking for some combination of “prestige” both in Architecture but also more generally, in addition to Cornell, Carnegie-Mellon seems like a rather popular choice.
I think some of these schools might be of interest, some were previously mentioned. Some give merit (Syracuse I know would give you good merit). Some don’t give merit. In no order, some safeties and some reaches.
Doesn’t Yale have a highly regarded undergrad architecture degree?
Yes I am a citizen!
Thank you! I have most of these on my list but I didn’t really think about Carnegie Mellon so I’ll note that!
Yale’s architecture major is not a BArch, so doesn’t fulfill the requirements for architectural licensure (their MArch does though.)
I will add we are all assuming OP is looking for a BArch, but their initial list certainly didn’t demonstrate that…so hopefully OP clarifies.
Yes, they are willing to pay the full cost of attendance which I will be forever grateful for.
Thank you for the clarification. In general, I have an interest in architecture, however I am not 100% bound on getting a BArch, since I did hear that it is still possible to get an architecture license with MArch which I already plan on taking(please correct me if I’m wrong!). I’ve heard of several college students who take this “indirect” path, so I was considering that as well.
Double post
BArch and MArch are considered equivalent. MArch and now even DArch are products of credential inflation.
Certainly you could do a BA/BS/BArch and then a MArch, but that would cost you 2-3 years more and close to $300k more.
Lehigh would also be a school to consider for more of a match.
I see. So let’s say I were to take a more indirect path(ignoring the cost inflation for now), would schools like UCs, etc that don’t typically offer direct BArch programs be “open” to me? As in do I have a shot at those?
Noted!
It’s not only extra costs in real dollars, it’s also opportunity cost of the lost employment income over those years it will take you to get the masters. Just FYI.
Tagging @momrath and @bgbg4us on the architecture topic.
@College_girl1234, I’d recommend becoming familiar with the NAAB-Accredited schools (the accreditation agency for architecture programs). A B. Arch will allow little extra room in your schedule to explore other topics in college, but it will get you practicing as an architect the fastest. A B.S. in architecture from a program that offers an accredited M. Arch program might shave a year (or possibly more…usually if you’re staying at the same institution) off of the M. Arch portion (so 2 years instead of 3, most commonly). Other schools that offer architecture majors (B.A. or related majors) might be helpful in getting into architecture programs, but are less likely to get a reduction in the length of the M. Arch, so you should expect the M. Arch to take 3 years.
If you’re interested in the UCs, I would probably only apply to UCLA and UC-Berkeley, as they have NAAB-accredited M. Arch programs (so I would assume they over a B.S. in architecture or similar). Seconding Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo as well.
What is it that you want out of your college experience? Right now it sounds like prestige or USNWR ranking is important to you. What else is important? To help you think about your interests, here are some questions you might want to reflect upon:
What size of school are you interested in?
What kind of climate do you prefer (or prefer to avoid)?
Do you prefer urban/suburban/college or small town/rural campuses?
What area(s) of the country do you prefer?
How do you feel about Greek life (sororities/fraternities)?
How do you feel about significant enthusiasm for intercollegiate athletics?
What kind of vibe among students are you looking for?
Are there particular interests/activities you’d like to pursue in college, outside of architecture?
Will politics or religion play any kind of a role in your college selection? If so, how?
Are there area(s) of the country you think you may prefer to live in after you graduate from college? if so, where?
Knowing more about you and your interests can help people to suggest colleges. Additionally, don’t forget that every good college list needs at least one (and preferably two) sure things for admission that you would be happy to attend for four years. As architecture is such a challenging admit generally, you want to make sure you have this covered.