Architecture, it’s not just for Romcom protagonists. Many students dream of becoming architects. There are a couple of paths to becoming an architect, but many choose to study Architecture as an undergrad. Not every school has an Architecture program, but many offer 2 types of degrees for undergrads interested in becoming architects. These are usually called a Four-year Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.A.) and a Five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) Before applying to a school you will have to carefully check their offerings and the architecture programs they have. Many of these programs can be competitive. Having the right transcript can make you a stronger candidate. We wanted to break it down so you know what classes to take to prepare you for your dream architecture program.
Know your prereqs
Some architecture programs have re-requirements. These can include requirements like 4 years of math or math up to a certain level. If you already have a dream program, check their requirements. Not every school will have them, but some will and it’s better to prep for them than be blindsided.
Get serious about math
If you want to get into a competitive architecture program, consider taking AP, IB, or BC Calculus. If your school doesn’t offer a high-level Calculus class, consider taking one at a local community college. Your transcript should have 4 years of math and preferably at a high level when possible. Architects use a lot of math and a strong understanding of mathematics will make you look good on paper and be a valuable skill.
Physics
Buildings are best when they don’t fall down. Understanding pesky forces will help you make structures that hold up. Try to take a high-level physics class such as AP Physics if your school offers it.
Your electives should be art
The gold standard of art electives for architecture would be something like Mechanical drawing and CAD (Computer Aided Design). However, most high schools do not offer this specific of a class. Many schools however offer 3D Art and Design, AP ART, or Drawing. These are also valuable electives for hopeful architects. Many schools also require a portfolio for architecture students and you may be able to use art pieces from these classes in your portfolio.
Art history
Not every school offers Art History, but if your school does, it's worth taking. Often Art History classes come with a unit on Architecture that will give you some great context.
Take a class outside of class
You should be exploring your interests outside of class. A great way to do this is by taking a class (or classes!) outside of your high school. This is especially good if your high school doesn’t have a ton of options, but we recommend it for all of our students. There are a couple of ways to take supplemental classes. Two of the most popular however include summer programs and online classes.
Summer Programs
Many colleges have pre-college summer intensives for high school students. You can either choose to take a related program or look for a specifically architecture-focused one. UCLA, Cornell, Syracuse, and others have specific architecture-focused programs. These are a great way to explore the field, however, they can be pricy and only often happen at specific times. If you are someone who has to work in the summer or if cost is a concern, don’t worry, you can also look into online courses.
Online courses
Online courses are great for all students. They are highly accessible and are often free or affordable. There are tons of choices when it comes to online classes, but here are some we love for hopeful architects.
-Yale’s Roman Architecture
-3D CAD Fundamental from Taiwan University
-The Museum of Modern Art’s Reimagining Blackness and Architecture
-UPenn’s Wonders of Egypt
-Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship at Duke
Taking the right classes in high school can give you a great foundation in Architecture (Pardon the dad joke.) Many architecture programs have more intense supplementals attached to their applications. We highly encourage hopeful architecture students to start early and really research the programs that they are applying to.
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