GRADUATE OPEN HOUSES – FALL 2021

September 29, 2021 • Dr. Architecture

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSES – FALL 2021

Today’s essay focuses on Graduate Open Houses and provides the dates / links to some graduate programs. ARCHCareerGuide.com does NOT have a vehicle to promote Graduate Open House other than this essay.

Application: Steps for Success

https://www.archcareersguide.com/application_steps_for_success/

Rankings: Worth It?

https://www.archcareersguide.com/rankings-worth-it-2/

Resources for Program Research

https://www.archcareersguide.com/resources-for-program-research/

Resource: Architecture Programs

https://www.archcareersguide.com/resource-architecture-programs/

Architecture Programs

https://www.archcareersguide.com/arch-programs/

2021 Career Days / College Fairs

https://www.archcareersguide.com/2021-career-days-college-fairs/

Graduate Open Houses

Prior to COVID, Graduate Open Houses were an excellent means to visit a campus and interact with students and faculty. You would have an opportunity to see the facilities and view student work up close. If you have never been to the locale of the school, you can see the local town or city. Graduate Open Houses were an essential tool in making your decision. However, the issue was the cost of time and money. Many times, these events were held on a Friday making it nearly impossible to attend if you were a current undergraduate or even an emerging professional.

Now, many of these events are still online but some are returning to in-person. Granted, you may NOT be able to visit in-person, but you do have a chance to interact with faculty and students. At these events, you would have an introduction to the graduate programs in architecture and other degrees along with having a discussion with current students.

When you attend a Graduate Open House, be prepared with questions to ask both the faculty and students represented. Even try to have discussions with other prospective student as they may be your classmates.

Another question to consider is whether or not you attend an Open House in the fall as you apply or in the spring after you learn of your admission decision. Attending in the fall is helpful as you can discuss questions on the application process and how a program makes decisions. Attending in the spring may be more helpful as you know are admitted and can discuss financial aid options.

Other Options

If because of schedule or other reason you cannot attend a Graduate Open House, what else can you do. At minimum, visit their website for details on the program, but also contact them to schedule a phone appointment with the director or graduate director. Ask for the names of current students or recent alumni to connect with to discuss the program. Many programs are still having remote lecture series – attend to learn more about the culture / life of the program. Finally, ask if a previous online event was recorded that you could still access — not ideal, but better than nothing.

Graduate Open Houses are an excellent way to determine if a program is a good fit for you; take advantage of these events.

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSES / INFORMATION SESSIONS – Date order (Note: just a limited list of Open Houses)

ONLINE: Michigan, University of – September 29, 2021

https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/events/2021/09/29/your-path-go-blue-university-michigan-graduate-professional-programs-virtual-event

ONLINE: Virginia, University of – September 27 / October 26 / November 16, 2021

https://www.arch.virginia.edu/events/graduate-admission-financial-aid-info-sessions-fall-2021

ONLINE: Cornell University – October 8, 2021

https://aap.cornell.edu/news-events/cornell-virtual-graduate-school-fair

ONLINE: Southern California, University of – October 14, 2021

https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdOqopzMiGtY7yIxJrhCmC-MZmUlHhjCX

IN-PERSON: Ball State University – October 15, 2021

https://www.bsu.edu/calendar/events/admissions/graduate-information-sessions/2021/10/15/info-session-march-open-house