High School Preparation for Careers in Architecture
Students who are still enrolled in high school and are intending to prepare for a career in architecture should follow the standard college preparatory curriculum offered by their school.  High school calculus and physics are good preparation for college level courses that are part of many architecture and pre-architecture curricula.  Additionally, students should prepare themselves by taking courses in studio art (drawing, painting and/or sculpture) whenever possible. 

Since the discipline of architecture constitutes an integration of both "art" and "science," it is important for students to develop their abilities in both areas simultaneously.  In some cases high school level students will prepare for a career in architecture by taking drafting and computer aided drafting (CAD) courses.  While these vocational courses certainly contribute to the knowledge base and skill level of the students who take them, CAD and drafting courses are rarely an important factor in admissions boards decisions. 

If faced with a choice between drafting, CAD, or studio art, many schools of architecture would favor the studio art courses because it is more likely to build free-hand drawing skills.  Despite our stereotypical image of the architect hunched over the drafting table, a surprising amount of drawing that the architect does is free-hand.  And, even with the advent of computer technologies architects will always be in need of free-hand drawing skills. 

The best advice to high school students is to maintain a good GPA (B or better) while taking a broad range of college preparatory courses including both the arts and the sciences.

Careers in Architecture Programs in Architecture
Many schools of architecture offer intensive Careers in Architecture programs in architecture and related design fields.  Careers in Architecture programs are usually offered during the summer months at many of the nationís schools of architecture.  These programs typically expose the participants to a variety of aspects of architecture including design studio projects.  Many of the programs will offer candid opinions as to the studentís potential for a career in architecture.  Additionally, many programs will provide letters of reference/evaluation of a studentís performance to the applicantís prospective schools. 

The University of Maryland, School of Architecture runs a Careers in Architecture Workshop every summer at the College Park campus.  For detailed information see the Careers in Architecture Workshop webpage or call 301.405.6284.