Monday, April 30, 2012

Biology to Architecture

I am a 28 year old professional with a bachelors degree in Biology. I am trying to make a career change and I applied to a M.Arch program this year and unfortunately almost all of the schools rejected me (U. Oregon, U. Washington, U. New Mexico, and Cal Poly Pomona). 

I was, however, immediately accepted into the program at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego after a very informal and un-rigorous (compared to the other schools) application process. My concern is why the NewSchool (which by the way is for-profit) would accept me when all of the other schools wouldn't; and while I'm not hung up on going to a prestigious school, I do want to make sure that if I spend the time and money it will be worth something in the end. 

So I'm wondering what you would make of the situation, if you know anything about the NewSchool or have any insight about for-profit schools, and if, like me, you are suspicious that it sounds too good to be true?

Thank you so much in advance for any help and advice you can offer.
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First, congrats on your decision to pursue architecture. 

To learn why NewSchool would admit you and the others would not, I can only suggest that you contact the schools directly to learn more.  Contact each school that did not admit you and ask for feedback on the quality of your application as compared to what they were seeking.  Was it academics, portfolio, statement, etc?

Contact NewSchool to learn more about your admission and their program.  Granted, they are for-profit, but their program is accredited by NAAB.  An accredited degree is necessary to seek licensure.


Unfortunately, I do not have any direct experience with NewSchool and cannot provide any feedback.

If you are not comfortable with your choice, you can stay out a year and apply again with new insight on your application.


Best.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for asking this question. I'm in a similar situation and this question has been on my mind ever since I got accepted to NSAD. I was wondering what your decision was? Are you going to go to NSAD or try again next year for a different school?

I've been doing some research on the school and its reputation. So far I haven't found anything to negative. The adviser I talked to from NSAD told me, "the school is what you make of it". Meaning the experience is up to the individual. However I'm still skeptical.

The question I'm been wondering lately is, "would a degree from NSAD get me just as far as a degree from a more prestigious school?"

Although I am still a little suspicious, I think I am going to attend NSAD just so I don't have to waste any more time. Let me know what you decide, I'm very curious.

Thank you and best of luck..