<p>I have been looking at various schools that offer 4 year BS in arch studies and some have the students complete the 1st or even the 2nd year then apply with a portfolio to continue. </p>
<p>The schools state their programs are very competative so only take maybe 60 students. I find it hard to fathom why any one would go to a school, give up 2 years of their college studying not to mention out of state money fees to then be potentially turned down especially since a 4 yr degree doesn’t get you a degree in Architecture yet. You still need the final 2 years of a Master’s program.</p>
<p>Am I missing something or how is it these schools are attracting students to commit to this? </p>
<p>Even if a student tries to transfer, they will loose credits and the school they try to go to may have different requirements and if they change majors and stay, their pre architecture classes may not count for credit either.</p>
<p>I’ve seen the same thing. My son has been accepted to Oklahoma State where they have a very good architecture program, but after two years of study they cull the class down to 35 students. I think the reason they can get away with this is that there is more demand than there are openings in the schools. The profession has done a good job of limiting the number of accredited schools such that even in tough times they get more applications than they can handle. Many states have only one accredited school, and the number coming out of these schools is not high. Despite the economy the profession must still have enough glamour to keep attracting new students.</p>
<p>It almost makes more sense to just get a 4 year degree in something else then do the 3+ Masters, in the end it may be less years of schooling then if you tried to transfer with part of your 4 yr BS degree. Or just start with a 5 yr program since at least if you are admitted,you know that you will only be kicked out if you can’t keep up. </p>
<p>I was looking at Idaho’s program and they narrow down to 60 for year 2, then 45 in year 3.
What are those 15 who are kicked out supposed to do with 2 years of architecture classes?
If you are paying instate fees, it isn’t so bad but out of state fees can be 25K a year.</p>
<p>I think it important for those applying to really know the policy of the program they are going to as well as have a back up major in mind if they want to stay at a particular school.</p>
<p>Lakemom, many of the schools are discontinuing their 5-year programs in favor of the 4+2. We heard from Penn State that it was because there are a lot more requirements now and it’s too hard to fit it in to 5 years but no other school said that. Just be sure you ask a lot of questions at every school!</p>