Is it realistic to apply to my university's Architectural Studies program with no previous art experiece?
Asked by JulesAfter researching the Architectural Studies major at UCLA, its a major I can definitely see myself in. The problems are that A) admission into the major is limited, and B) the supplemental application for the BA program calls for 3 images of creative work - which I don't have (I've only taken one art course in my life - high school art history). I just completed my first year of college and so far the curriculum I've taken is geared toward a major in Sociology. Additionally, the application process begins this fall. So with my non-existent art background, do I have a shot at acceptance into UCLA's Architectural Studies program? And if so, what can I do about the creative work that I must submit on the application?
Favorite Answer
Answered by Purple
How about taking an art class this summer, either at UCLA or at a community college? I think your best bet is to contact the UCLA architecture department and ask to speak to an undergraduate advisor there. You can also try just going to the department. You'll find information on the program (handouts, leaflets, etc.) and get a chance to talk to the receptionist or administrative assistant. He/she will be able to answer many of your questions and you can ask for an appointment to speak to an advisor or professor. Visit the departments webpage. Just do everything you can from this point on to find out as much information as possible to help you make a decision and to find out how to get into the program. If your heart tells you to go with architecture, then keep trying until you get into the program. Don't let the admission process scare you away or lead to self-doubt. You never know what can happen. You want to avoid graduating with a degree you're no longer interested in pursuing a career in. It's really important that you're happy with what you're doing, so don't let an extra year of classes, for instance, deter you. However, even if that happens, you can always go to graduate school in your field of choice if you feel unhappy or unfulfilled in your career later. It's just much easier if you're lucky enough to have that all figured out in undergrad. Keep in mind that plenty of people go to graduate school in architecture without a background in the field. It's roughly a 3.5 year program in many schools for those without an architecture or art-based undergrad degree. Just keep your undergrad grades up. Some also take prerequisites then apply to grad programs. Also, lots of community colleges offer architecture classes, so taking architecture classes there would be a good place to start if you don't get into the UCLA undergrad program next semester. You can always re-apply after taking architecture classes at a community college. Ask a professor or advisor at UCLA. I'm sure they've heard your concern plenty of times and can direct you into the best way to get into the program and let you know what your options are. Good luck.
How about taking an art class this summer, either at UCLA or at a community college? I think your best bet is to contact the UCLA architecture department and ask to speak to an undergraduate advisor there. You can also try just going to the department. You'll find information on the program (handouts, leaflets, etc.) and get a chance to talk to the receptionist or administrative assistant. He/she will be able to answer many of your questions and you can ask for an appointment to speak to an advisor or professor. Visit the departments webpage. Just do everything you can from this point on to find out as much information as possible to help you make a decision and to find out how to get into the program. If your heart tells you to go with architecture, then keep trying until you get into the program. Don't let the admission process scare you away or lead to self-doubt. You never know what can happen. You want to avoid graduating with a degree you're no longer interested in pursuing a career in. It's really important that you're happy with what you're doing, so don't let an extra year of classes, for instance, deter you. However, even if that happens, you can always go to graduate school in your field of choice if you feel unhappy or unfulfilled in your career later. It's just much easier if you're lucky enough to have that all figured out in undergrad. Keep in mind that plenty of people go to graduate school in architecture without a background in the field. It's roughly a 3.5 year program in many schools for those without an architecture or art-based undergrad degree. Just keep your undergrad grades up. Some also take prerequisites then apply to grad programs. Also, lots of community colleges offer architecture classes, so taking architecture classes there would be a good place to start if you don't get into the UCLA undergrad program next semester. You can always re-apply after taking architecture classes at a community college. Ask a professor or advisor at UCLA. I'm sure they've heard your concern plenty of times and can direct you into the best way to get into the program and let you know what your options are. Good luck.
