CRITERIA – YOU
Over the past few weeks, we have been presenting the many different criteria that you may wish to consider when determining which architecture programs to apply. We discussed criteria for the Institution and Program; now, we switch to YOU criteria.
Architectural Education – B.Arch, M.Arch, or D.Arch.
https://www.archcareersguide.com/architectural-education-b-arch-m-arch-or-d-arch/
Resources for Researching Architecture Programs
https://www.archcareersguide.com/resources-for-researching-architecture-programs/
Criteria – Institution
https://www.archcareersguide.com/criteria-institution/
Criteria – Program
https://www.archcareersguide.com/criteria-architecture-program/
Career Days – College Fairs 2023
https://www.archcareersguide.com/career-days-college-fairs-2023/
YOU
Consider the following attributes prior to selecting a school and an architecture program:
Level of confidence: What is your confidence level in becoming an architect? Do you want options as you progress through college, or do you want to dive right into architecture?
For example, if you are not completely confident in becoming an architect, you may consider a program that offers the pre-professional four-year bachelor of science; this way you can begin to explore architectural studies but not in full force, as in a professional B.Arch. program.
Personality type: What type of person are you? Will you feel more comfortable at a large school or a small school? This is a difficult criterion to nail down but also a critical one. Ask yourself, “Will I be comfortable here?”
Closeness to home: How close do you wish to be to home with respect to miles or time? Proximity to home is typically a top reason for selecting a school. If it is important to you, draw a circle on a map around your hometown indicating your desired distance from home.
What schools are inside the circle you have drawn? However, challenge that notion and select the school that is best for you regardless of its location. You should consider each of the over 125 accredited architecture programs. Narrow the choices later based on other criteria.
Budget: Do you have a specific budget for college? Obviously, with college costs increasing at a rate greater than inflation, cost is an important criterion. However, recognize that your college education is an investment in your future. Remember, once you have your education, no one can take it away.