<p>I realize that this is a pretty selective question, but if anyone has experience with the architecture programs at Yale, Princeton, and/or Washington University in St. Louis, I’d love to hear your opinions on them! I’m really interested in the 4-year program (which all of them have), I want one that’s more conceptual (rather than pre-professional), I need a flexible curriculum that allows me to take a decent number of courses outside the major, and I’d really like to be able to do a study abroad. If anyone can suggest a program or just give your opinion on one of them, please let me know-I’m so conflicted! I’m leaning toward Yale and Princeton, for various reasons, but Wash U’s also a great school… It would be nice to get out of the Midwest though :)</p>
<p>Those are all great programs. First, as a matter of semantics, all those programs are considered “pre-professional” as none lead to a professional degree at graduation from the 4-year program. Most will also allow you to do a study abroad and take a good number of classes outside of the major. </p>
<p>Both Yale and Princeton have very noted architectural thinkers on their faculty (just open up an architecture theory book!). However, with all three having professional graduate programs, you may want to investigate how much interaction you will have with the A-List faculty. Many programs usually reserve them for higher level students at the exclusion of the undergrads. I would recommend checking that out to resolve your issue.</p>
<p>I would say that if you’re inclined to get out of the midwest, do it. Nothing wrong with the midwest but it’s a healthy, growing experience.</p>
<p>kristin, Have you already been accepted at Yale and Princeton? If no, then I would say apply and see how you do before splitting hairs. If yes, then you couldn’t possibly go wrong with either one. WUSTL is also an excellent school the academics may not be on the same level of intensity as Yale and Princeton. This may be a positive, may be a negative. </p>
<p>If by conceptual you mean intellectual, then you would definitely get all the intellectual challenge you could desire at Yale or Princeton. Both schools have distribution requirements but these are not particularly onerous and students are encouraged to take courses in a range of disciplines. Study abroad is common. Yale has a language proficiency requirement. I’m not sure about the others.</p>
<p>My understanding is that students are not automatically accepted into Yale’s BA architecture program but need to apply in their sophomore or junior year (I’m not sure which it is). You might want to learn more about the selectivity of the program.</p>