Expert: Bruce - 10/9/2007

Question
Hi,my name is Hristo,I am from Bulgaria,but right now i am living in the USA.I have finished highschool in my home country ,but now I would like to continue my education in the USA. My desire is to study architecture!
My questions are these:
-What would be the best way to start studying architecture if you don't have any knowledge in this field?
- Is going to a community college a good idea and if so, which community college offers the right classes? I live in NY ,so it would be good if the college is in NY too! And if going to a community college is a good idea,what kind of classes should i take there?

  Thank you very much!          Hristo

Answer
Hristo,

I think starting at a community college is a good idea. It will allow you to get back into the school setting, and become acquainted with an American college setting (if you are not familiar already).

Strong grades at the community college, even if you just go for a year, can help you gain admission to an architecture program, and maybe scholarships, too.  

My advice would be to take some basic classes at the community college, things that will be part of an architecture curriculum, but aren't architecture related. This could include pre-calulus or calculus, art history, English composition, and a computer graphics or design course. Even more that taking my advice, I encourage you to call an architecture college (Copper Union may be one) and ask them what they would suggest for the community college classes.

Since your schooling was in another country, you ought to take the TOEFL exam if you have not already done so.

What part of NY are you in? I am actually in western New York. Out here I would suggest Alfred State College for you, as ASC has a variety of programs, including architectute technology. This trains for a basic level arch career. This isn't necessarily what you are looking for, but it might mean that you could pick up a course or two out of this curriculum as a basic introduction to the field.ASC also has computer assisted design and other courses like this that could be useful as preparation and/or for transfer.

You would not necessarily have to stay at the community college for the full two years. One may be enough to get you set for transfer.

Also, ask the arch schools you are considering if they will want you to take the SAT or ACT.

Lastly, if you have opportunity to involve yourself in any kind of related volunteer work, like historic preservation, or giving tours of historic buildings, that would look good on your college applications.

I hope thus helps. Please feel free to send more questions as they arise.  Best wishes to you.

Bruce

I hope this helps.