I’m a rising senior completely in love with MIT architecture, but getting in is a long shot.
What really draws me to the school is the vast amount of different ways the projects are formed, how it seems more about the creativity and design rather than actual “buildings”. I love the many different mediums the projects seem to stem from, and how in-depth the projects really go.
Im looking for 4 year arch schools, and my stats are a 4.3 weighted, 1420 SAT CR & M, 32 ACT, 9 APs with 4.5 AP score average.
MIT offers two undergraduate (non-professional) degrees: A Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Studies. My understanding is that students apply to MIT as a whole, not directly to MIT Architecture. The portfolio is optional, but my guess would be that a strong portfolio could give you a significant boost in admissions.
Some other undergraduate programs that I would suggest you look at are WUSTL, Virginia, Michigan, USC. There are many others, really, just about any university that offers both pre-professional and professional architecture degrees in the same department. All offer a balance of design, structures and technology though the focus may vary. All draw heavily on the resources of the architecture department.
Look at the individual application requirements: some require portfolios, some don’t accept them.
Also pay close attention to what you can afford. Most likely you’ll go on to get an MArch, which is an expensive degree.