Expert: Nazim Nice - 6/21/2010

Question
Dear Nazim Nice,

I am a student from the Caribbean currently in my 4th year in a university in Taiwan.  I am very worried and do not know what to do. During my 2nd yr 2nd semester going into my 3rd yr I started to have stress related psychological problems that developed into a deep depression as a result of doing very poorly in my classes including my design course, I started my design classes but due to my mental problems I was unable to complete it...I am currently still having those same problem but seeking a psychiatrist %26 my school counselor.  In the beginning of my first 2yrs in the program I did well in all my courses and now that I am in my final fourth yr (a 4th year Architecture program) and having to redo a whole yr I am worried that my overall grade may prevent me from being accepted into any master program. In the beginning because the language was a huge problem (all my courses are in Mandarin Chinese) but the language was not a problem except for my structure courses.  I've only had 1yr of learning Chinese but tried.

After everything became more than I can handle mentally I decided to notify the Director of my Department because I did not know what to do, it seemed that no matter what I did, I could not control what was going on my mind...sorry if I may seem to be rambling, I believe I am a good Architecture student, it's not that I cannot do the work because I love Architecture and the process of creating design, I wanted to take time off from school but because I was on a scholarship and so far from home I was unable to.  So far I've done very poorly in the last 2yrs and (3rd %264th)...what advice would you give to a student as myself, do you think that on completion of my studies I should just look for an Architecture job or apply to any masters program, I am worried that even if I have a 'good' portfolio depending on who views it but the last 2yrs of University grades were very horrible  I may not be accepted into any master program, I am working on my 5th yr this coming September so I know my grades would be better than any of my university year because I really want to improve on my work %26 I have to if I want to graduate and improve my grade.

I do not know what to do and I am trying to stay positive that there is a way to fix the problem but I tremendously worried! I never thought this could ever happen to me because I am a very determine individual with high expectations for myself.  

As an Architect as yourself what would you advise a student with my situation and also from an employer perspective?  Do you think when writing a letter of purpose, I should explain why my grades were very poor for 2yrs?

I tried to ask for assistance within my department but not much in what to do, a lot of my professors are not aware of my situation...I do not want to go too much into detail to keep it short without boring you with un-necessary information.  Thank you for your time and any assistance given.


Sincerely,
Eleanor

Answer
Hi Eleanor,

You have a tough problem but in the long run I think if you can finish school and get a job in architecture you may be okay.  I do agree that you may have trouble getting into a masters program, which is why I am suggesting getting a job if you cannot get into a good master's program. I would still apply for the master's program but also look for a job. That will keep your options open.  If you get into a master's program, great. If you don't get in, aggressively look for a job. In most job interviews I have been in they have never asked about grades. So get whatever job you can and then make your goal to learn how to be a good architect. Learn how to do good drawings. Learn how to work with your consultants and coordinate their work into your projects. Learn to do nice renderings by hand or using software.  If you can make yourself valuable in an architecture office, and produce nice projects, you can later use this work in your portfolio to get into a good Grad School. Hopefully a nice portfolio with a good body of work will outweigh your lower grades from undergrad school.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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