<p>Since middle school, I have had a strong interest in architecture. In high school, I took three years of classes, spent a year at an internship, and eventually worked at the same company over the summer (although I didn’t do anything fun) and I am now awaiting admission decisions from the schools I applied to, all for architecture. </p>
<p>Here’s the thing: from everywhere I look, people are ripping on a career in architecture, whether its the low wages, poor respect, tough hours, lots of abusive schooling, and poor career mobility. I do really like architecture, but after hearing all of this, people do not seem very encouraging in pursuing this career. I’d like to know if you other high school seniors believe that you are 110% committed to architecture.</p>
<p>I like urban planning just as much, and I would like to take classes in business and political science. I want to know If I’m alone in getting cold feet about architecture school before having even really been accepted anywhere</p>
<p>hmmm- well I think that you have good cause to be worried-- however, aren’t all great things just like that? I mean, it is going to be tough and maybe you will get all of the things that you just mentioned (low wages, tough hours, ect…)- but maybe you won’t. and I don’t think you need to be 110% committed going in- because I don’t think anyone is- they can’t be. Try it out-- see if architecture is what you really want to do- and if it is then pursue it, simple as that.</p>
<p>im at cornell architecture now, and i definitely wouldnt say the schooling is abusive. long hours? yes, but its the same thing for every other major, except when they are studying for tests we are drawing and buildign things (more fun, in my opinion). if you have dreamed of architecture for so long, why let the negatives drive you away, when you have let the positives intrigue you to pursue it? i have always learned about the low wages and everything, but since you already have experience, you could always ask for a higher starting salary. but think of it this way: as architects, we can practice until we are lying on our death bed, as arch. is always growing and evolving (plus, everyone needs buildings to be in all the time). doctors, on the other hand, really cant practice their entire life, especially when they are 90+ years old.</p>
<p>still interested in business? take classes. thatll help in the long run, especially if you want to have your own firm. everyone has other interests…no one can possibly be 100% architecture all the way. i still love biological and atmospheric sciences…thats what im using my out of college electives for ;)</p>
<p>i’ve been in your situation before and honestly i’ll say it’s not worth worrying about it. whether you will enjoy architecture in the future or not will depend on how you engage with the profession and whether you are fit to be in it. architecture isn’t for everyone but the only way to find out is to go into it. </p>
<p>people are a good source, but remember that the final judge for
how you will engage your future years of your practice is yourself.
listen carefully but critically to the people around you, and make
well guided decisions through your own experience vs. those around
you. enjoy senioritis!</p>
<p>While I am not an architect, my son is sold on it. He isn’t concerned about salaries, etc. He is currently a junior. My feeling is: major in what you have an interest in, like to do, and based on your strengths. Ignore salary, etc. You will end up a lot more happy, enjoy life more, and your job. My undergrad is engineering (practiced it for 5 years), got my MBA in Marketing in the evenings (was in marketing for high tech firms for 20+ years) and then went back to school to get a secondary teaching certificate (40% pay cut). I am in my 3rd year teaching–and I love it. My son when he was in elementary school wanted to be an artist, then a cartoonist, before settling on architecture in middle school. I just told him if he wanted to be an artist or cartoonist, go in with your eyes open knowing the money isn’t there (especially initially) but if that is what you enjoy, go for it.</p>
<p>yeah im a senior, just accepted to rpi architecture. I read up a ton on architecture and all the negatives. at first i was scared. i talked to a lot of people. some people told me that i could become a starving artist, or i could be an architect and be guaranteed a job and a decent salary. Im not worried because i know i want to be an architect and i am sure of it. I think the people that complain are the ones that arent successful and those that are dont bother to tell anyone. in the end, if your interested i wouldnt worry about it, youll make money, youll survive, and if its what you want, youll be happy.</p>
<p>hah, is this the typical story or what, I once thought the same thing. my parents love that that’s what i want to do, but my aunts and uncles think i’m wasting my time. they tell me to be a lawyer and make a lot of money.
i know that if i choose to do anything else, i will be disappointed. i thought about foreign lang., english, art, physics, engineering, none of it sounds as fascinating and fulfilling as arch.
i like art and math and physics, and everything that it melds into is arch. so yeah, i think everyone has second thoughts about it due to things they hear from others, the rigorous schooling, low entry wages, etc. and the thought of these things actually excites me. i can’t wait until i have to stay up all night working on a model or drawing out plans on my computer! nothing could steer me away from it.</p>
<p>yeah, i’m doing it cause I love it, and If i’m committed, i’m sure the money will come along eventually. Thanks everyone for your advice. I appreciate it.</p>