Does becoming an architect feel like an intimidating goal? Maybe you don’t know many architects in real life or perhaps you’re daunted by how competitive architecture school is. Architecture is a profession that requires plenty of hard work, skill and education to make it a reality. But the good news is, it’s well worth the effort and within your reach! Here are tips on how to strengthen your architecture portfolio to increase your chances of getting into architecture school.
The first step for almost all architects to launch their careers is working toward a degree in programs like the Bachelor of Architecture program at USC. But how do you even get into architecture school in the first place?
Here’s a breakdown of how high schoolers can build an architecture portfolio, get accepted into school and become professional architects.
How Do You Become an Architect?
Aspiring architects should pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture, so they have the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the field. Many people also go on to earn a master’s degree in architecture, but it’s not required for every job. Hands-on experience is crucial, though, so students should seek out internships where they can flex the skills they’ve picked up in school.
Finally, in the United States, you need to take (and pass!) some tests to be called and work as an architect. Taking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is a prerequisite for everyone, making you eligible to take licensing exams in the state you plan to practice. After that, you’re ready to truly begin your architecture career and design the buildings of your dreams.
What Do Architecture Schools Require for College Applications?
Getting into architecture school is a crucial part of eventually landing a job in this field. With most universities, you’ll need to fill out a general college application, which you can usually do through the Common App. You’ll likely also need your academic transcript, SAT and ACT scores, letters of recommendation and a personal essay highlighting your personality and what you have to offer to a university. The essay is a great way for you to demonstrate your passion for architecture and reinforce why the school should choose you.
“Take time to carefully consider each essay and short answer question and look for the one that allows you to share your unique journey,” said Jennifer Park, Assistant Dean for Student Services at the USC School of Architecture. “This is your opportunity to reflect on what inspired you to choose architecture as your college major and what drew you to apply. Your story has the power to stand out — use this moment to express your passion and the motivations that drive you toward this exciting path.”
These are all standard application expectations — but then there’s the architecture portfolio, which sets this process apart from, say, applying to business school.
“The portfolio is a showcase of visual work that expresses a student’s creativity, passion and intellectual curiosity,” said Lauren Matchison, the USC School of Architecture’s Director of Pre-College Programs and Interim Director of Undergraduate Programs.
Not every school will ask for an architecture portfolio, Matchison said. However, many, including USC, will.
What Goes into an Architecture Portfolio for a College Application?
An architecture portfolio for a college application is a way for you to show off the creativity, imagination and skills you will bring to the university and your eventual profession.
For USC, the portfolio consists of six to 12 digital images of work you’ve done. Sketches, drawings, paintings, graphic design, photography, video, web design, sculpture, ceramics, fashion design and furniture design are all examples of creative work you can submit. The examples don’t have to relate to architecture but should demonstrate your flair for the visual arts.
These samples could be created in high school arts classes or on your own time. They could also be projects you completed during a pre-college program, like USC’s “Exploration of Architecture” program. This summer program is geared toward high schoolers who are considering pursuing design when they start university. With this pre-college program, they can live on campus at USC and take university-level classes, giving them a real taste for what life as a USC student is like. Most importantly for prospective USC applicants, they will hone their design, art and composition skills, leaving them with physical evidence of what they learned at USC.
“The work that students create in the pre-college program is portfolio-quality,” Matchison said.
What Are the Benefits of USC Pre-College Programs for Future Architects?
Pre-college programs are beneficial for all high schoolers, as it gives them the opportunity to see what it’s really like to attend a university and be better prepared for this major life step. It’s especially helpful for high schoolers who have specific career dreams but haven’t gotten much exposure to what it takes to pursue it, like architecture.
“The USC School of Architecture’s pre-college program guides the student through a series of design projects — teaching design processes, drawing and modeling skills, visual communication, digital and analog tools, and critical and spatial thinking along the way,” Matchison said. “Not only does the pre-college program help a student build and improve a portfolio, it also exposes them to life as an architecture student.”
Students who take the “Exploration of Architecture” program can also expect to check out lectures from top architects, take visits to interesting, unique buildings and design projects around Los Angeles and get hands-on design experience. It’s a truly well-rounded experience that can help students decide if architecture is really their dream, Matchison said.
“USC Architecture’s pre-college program is intense, rigorous, eye-opening and fun,” Matchison said. “Students will learn from and collaborate with others who share a passion for design, a willingness to grow and a willingness to tackle new challenges.”
Learn more about USC Pre-College Programs today.