#104 - CHOOSING THE RIGHT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL
SUMMARY
This week David and Marina discuss choosing the right undergraduate architecture school, quarter vs semesters programs, universities vs architecture-only schools, architecture curricula, faculty members and school leadership, study abroad programs, if a 'name brand' institution degree will get you more money when you graduate, school sizes and location and more.
HIGHLIGHTS
TIMESTAMPS
(07:05) Academic Calendar: The pace and quality of projects, student development and (44:28) the number of projects designed are impacted by quarter and semester calendars.
(10:47) Student Body Size: Student exposure to different ideas and preparation for professional life are both shaped by group dynamics.
(15:08) Accredited and Non-Accredited Schools
(16:34) Faculty: Prospective students can estimate what a program is like by researching the right school leadership. These are the people to listen to.
(19:55) Reputation and Location: Does the school name and location affect the kinds of jobs students get after graduating?
(22:20) Portfolio and Jobs: Students are hired based largely on their portfolios, which is shaped by their schools' curricula.
(27:55) Passion vs Architecture: Even if prospective students 'know' they want to become an architect, questioning why one is attending undergraduate school is an essential part of making the right choice.
(31:20) Universities vs Niche-Schools: Is it necessary to take non-architecture courses to become a good designer and successful architect?
(33:53) Exchange Programs
(35:53) Curricula: Some programs have a more prescriptive curriculum and others are more open. Here are the pros and cons.
(38:49) Student Work: Researching a program's current student work can help prospects understand its philosophy and curriculum, even if they 'know nothing' about architecture. Here are the things to look for.
(45:48) Senior/5th-Year: The final year in undergraduate school is arguably the most important and not all schools structure it the same way. Here are some of the 5th-year program types and how they shape a student's design and personal development.
