NYC_Proj_DG_Mgr1

I just wanted to help with all the questions for Grad Students wanting to break into the Architecture Graduate Program. Usually, most architecture departments don't care what you got your Bachelor's in, so long as your portfolio looks good. I would say that the most important sections judged during the review process are as follows: (1) Creative Capability, (2) Academic Performance, (3) and Contribution to the Program. I'll break these down even further.

Creative Capability - Ultimately, this is measured through your portfolio. You portfolio is your way to show how you can think outside of the box. An outstanding portfolio can pull you out of the pit if you know you have done poorly in any of two other areas below.

Academic Performance - This will be based on the grades that you received during your undergraduate studies. You can also include in this your GRE scores.

Contribution to the Program - What experiences do you have to offer the program? Most universities want a diverse environment. What sets you apart from the average person? (Don't worry, you can always work on this before you apply.)

If you still need more help in this area, I would suggest reading Get Accepted Into Architecture School. You can search for it in Amazon, or you can follow the link at the bottom (I'm not sure if the moderators will allow links; that's why I say to search for it on Amazon). The Graduate portion in there isn't really too long, but that's because the portfolio requirements will be the same whether you apply to grad school or undergrad (it will only differ for those who already have undergraduate architecture degrees...they are on a completely different track). The book tells you all you need to know about creating the perfect portfolio and application. Good luck to you all!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/148001172X

I think you should start with #6

Just a word to the wise, no one uses umbrellas and people will immediately know that you aren't from Oregon if you do.

Yes. I have been an undergraduate at the University of Oregon for five years. What do you want to know?

I'll just throw out a few things that I would wonder about.

It is a pretty good town for bikes. There are a lot of bike lanes and bike shops. You can live hear without a car without any trouble. In fact, two years ago I had a room mate that always drove to school. He had to leave 45 minutes early so he could drive around looking for a parking space, and I would leave 15 minutes before class and bike or ride the bus with no trouble. I don't really ride the bus enough to say if it is a good way to get around, but you do ride free with your student ID.

There are some really good natural food stores that stock a bunch of vegetarian and vegan food, organic produce, and bulk food in bins. Also, there is farmer's market that is open more than half of the year, which is conveniently located down town.

I think rent is pretty reasonable. Right now I live about 3 blocks from (the closest part, about 5-6 blocks from where I actually have classes) of campus and pay $365/month in a three bedroom apartment. I think it is not hard to find a place for $300 if you are a little farther from campus and have a room mate or two. I am not really sure what it costs to live alone, since the only year I lived alone I was in the dorms.

The weather is okay. It doesn't get really cold or hot, but it seems to rain quite a bit.

A block from campus there is a little strip of restaurants which includes Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Pizza, Healthy Eclectic (I don't know what to call it; pasta, burritos, omelets, etc, but with a lot of fresh ingredients), Bagels, Subs, and a Bakery. This is mostly $5-7.

I went to U of O for undergrad; I had an amazing time, especially for rafting and white water activity.

Enjoy the restaurants that are there; Sweet Life is one of the best dessert places I have ever been to, The Jail has amazing teriyaki with large portions for a small price, and Cafe Roma has great drinks next to campus (but fills up very quickly with students studying!). Also, Eugene has great pizza places, namely The Pizza Research Institute and Pegasus Pizza (good prices on pitchers of Oregon microbrews as well).