<p>apr,
Finally getting back to you on some posts of yours. I understand that your son is ready to commit to a BArch degree program. My D was not. But I have another daughter who is in a professional undergraduate degree that required a commitment of this same sort and she was fully ready to make that commitment as she was involved in that field her entire life, whereas my arch kid had only minor exposure to arch before college (unlike what your son has at his HS). </p>
<p>Your son has a pretty good list going so far. I’m not sure if your son is willing to look out west but has he explored USC? I know your son cares about the selectivity level of the university he attends (I understand that too). One thing I will mention is that when looking for specialized degree programs, such as BArch, it becomes a little more of a look at the quality of the BArch program and the selectivity of THAT, a bit more than of the university as a whole. When looking at BAs, then the focus is less on a single department but more the whole school. Ideally for your son, he might go to a very selective BArch program that is ALSO located in a selective university. However, with my D’s experience who pursued a professional undergraduate degree program, it was more focused on finding the best degree program and often the top ones are not always located in the most selective universities. She preferred a professional degree program that was very selective that was also in a selective university (and ended up in that situation which was ideal for her) but she was also open to top professional degree programs that simply are not located in the most selective universities but those in the field, know that the programs themselves are tops and very selective. So, I know a while back you said your son wasn’t as keen on Syracuse as it is not a highly selective university but the fact is, their Arch degree programs are very well regarded and so I think when pursuing a BArch program, your son may wish to focus on finding very well regarded arch programs even if the university itself is not the most selective. Something to keep in mind. Those in architecture know of these excellent arch programs and the general public may not be aware of the high selectivity of the arch programs themselves but that’s just the way that is. </p>
<p>You wrote:
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<p>Just to clear up any possible confusion…First of all the dual Brown/RISD degree is BRAND NEW and this is the first year’s admission cycle. My D did NOT attend this program. It sounds like an exciting path. You have to be accepted to both Brown and RISD in this new program. It certainly is one worth pursuing for your son. BUT, I also want to throw out to you other options there. As a Brown student or as a RISD student, students may cross register classes. I believe Brown students can take up to four RISD classes. Not sure the amount on the RISD kids’ end. At RISD, they already have their own liberal arts classes at their own school, but can take some at Brown too (where there are wider offerings). The schools are down the block from one another. My D took two classes at RISD. In my opinion, since your son wants a BArch, he could apply to RISD and then have access to Brown courses as students have been doing right along (OR try for the dual degree program but that likely is even harder to get in). Another thing you mention is that your son wants to continue with soccer and playing music. You should know that RISD students can participate in Brown’s extracurricular groups. So, your son likely could be on an intramural or club soccer team at Brown even if he attends RISD. I have to say that it is harder for those doing a BArch program to be involved in heavy duty extracurriculars given their schedules and time in studio. That was one of many reasons my D didn’t want to do a BArch (she is in sports). In any case, I think attending RISD is a viable option for your son as it is a top BArch school with access to Brown courses and Brown extracurriculars. Or he should contemplate the new joint RISD/Brown degree. </p>
<p>You asked:
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<p>The MArchI programs are either 3 or 3 1/2 years long depending on the school. There will be no advanced standing for my daughter, to my knowledge.</p>