Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Admission to ARCH

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding admission to the B.S. in Architecture degree in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

1. What are the Review Process course requirements for admission to the B.S. in Architecture degree?

New transfer students, as well as students already enrolled on campus who wish to change majors to architecture, will undergo a transfer admission process; to meet the provisions of the process, these students must demonstrate their ability to complete the following prior to enrollment of the studio sequence:

• Fundamental Studies CORE requirement*
  
• Distributive Studies CORE requirement*
  
• ARCH 170, 225, 226 and 242 with a minimum grade of B in each
  
• MATH 220, PHYS 121 and one of the courses** listed below with a minimum grade of B with one C allowed in the three courses.

2. I have not yet completed ARCH 226, one of the five (5) science courses** or some of the CORE Distributive Studies.  May I still apply for the review process?

Yes, you may still apply for the Review Process if you are currently completing these requirements during the semester you are submitting your application.  But if admitted, you must still meet the academic standards by the end of the semester in which you applied.

3. Is there a GPA requirement?

Yes, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all college level coursework is required for new transfer students.  Students already admitted to the Architecture Program must obtain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA. NOTE: all college-level work includes courses from other institutions, whether or not they were accepted as transfer credit to the University of Maryland.

4. I received AP Credit for PHYS 141/142 or have taken PHYS 141/142? Do these courses count as equivalents to PHYS 121/122?

Yes, PHYS 141/142 may serve as equivalents for PHYS 121/122. PHYS 161/262 may also be taken instead. Please note that the academic standards as listed above must still be met.

5. I received AP credit for MATH 140. Does this credit count as equivalent to MATH 220?

Yes, MATH 140 may serve as an equivalent to MATH 220. Again, note that the academic standards listed above must still be met.

6. What is required to submit for the review process?

Each student must submit the Review Process Packet (application form, transcripts, essay, prerequisite course review form, letters of recommendation and a portfolio, the nature of which is specified by the Architecture program). To obtain a packet, come by the School office (packet is typically available in October of each year).

7. If I meet the above minimum academic performance requirements, am I guaranteed admission?

No. Just because students meet the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the architecture major.

8. How many times can I apply to architecture?

A student may apply only once to any given LEP. If a student does not gain acceptance, it is advisable to pursue a different major on the campus and apply to the Master of Architecture (3 1/2 year) degree program.

9. What are the application deadlines for applying to architecture?

Complete applications must be received by the School of Architecture no later than the stated deadline each spring, February 1 unless it falls on a weekend. The Architecture Program only accepts applications for the fall semester.

10. Where can I get an application for architecture?

You may obtain an application from the School of Architecture Building, Rm. 1298. The School provides a Review Process workshop on the application process in mid-October at which applications are distributed.

11. What if I met the architecture direct admission requirements from high school?

If you were eligible for admission as a freshman, you may request to switch majors to architecture by the last day of classes of the first semester of your first year of enrollment. However, because of the number of students in the major, it is unlikely such a request will be granted. Instead, students should follow the prescribed coursework and apply for the review process at the end of their third semester.

12. I transferred to the University of Maryland from an out-of-state or private university. What admission standards apply to me?

Although their coursework comes from another institution, transfer students must meet the same prescribed coursework prior to applying for the review process. Note: students from other institutions must be admitted to the University before admission to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture will be granted.

13. If I repeat a course will both grades be calculated in the GPA and credit level I need for ARCH admission?

It depends on when and where you took the course. For courses taken at the University of Maryland, please refer to the repeat policy in your undergraduate catalog for more details. For transfer courses, the GPA and credit calculation are based on the repeat policy and official transcript of the transferring institution.

14. Can I repeat an ARCH Gateway course?

Yes, according to the policies of the University you may repeat each of the ARCH gateway courses once. The ARCH gateway courses are ARCH 170, 225, 226, 242 and MATH 220, PHYS 121 and (1) from the Science Five (See Question 1).

15. Are my grades and credits from another university, community college or another major on campus counted in the GPA and credit total I need to be admitted to ARCH?

Yes. All grades and credits from all coursework taken anywhere are included toward your GPA and total credit level for ARCH admission. You are required to submit transcripts for all coursework previously taken; failure to do so may cancel your admission to ARCH and may result in disciplinary action from the University. (Note: College credits taken while in high school are included in your credit level and grades for purposes of ARCH admission.)

16. How can I find out if the courses I took at my previous college transfer to University of Maryland?

The University of Maryland College Park has a Transfer Credit Center (TCC). TCC is online on Testudo, the University of Maryland web services portal. Please visit www.tce.umd.edu, click on transfer course look-up, click on the state where your previous school is located, click on the school. You can view the courses from your previous institution, if they transfer to the University of Maryland, and if they are equivalent to University of Maryland courses. If a course is not listed it does not necessarily mean that it does not transfer, rather that the course was never evaluated. To have a course evaluated you need to take the course description and course syllabus from that course to the appropriate department at UMCP after you have been admitted.

17. What are my chances of becoming an architecture major?

As with candidates applying from high school, the Architecture Program seeks the most qualified students for admission. To that end, the process is competitive. Typically, approximately 54 students are offered admission to each year's junior studio class (including those who were admitted as freshmen).

18. Who are the decision-makers in the ARCH Review Process?

The Review Process Admissions Committee, consisting of School faculty, reviews all applications.

19. I am interested in architecture, but not sure if the profession is right for me. Are there resources that could help me learn more?

Both the Career Center and the Counseling Center on campus can assist you in determining where your interests lie and what career might be right for you. You can also access www.archcareers.org for free information. For more details, read Becoming an Architect authored by former Associate Dean Lee W. Waldrep or Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession by Professor Emeritus Roger Lewis. These books are available in the Architecture Library.

20. I am interested in becoming an architecture major. Can I meet with an advisor?

Yes, but realize that current architecture students will have preference.  If you are currently a student on campus you should first speak to your current advisor. If you still need more specific information the Office of Undergraduate Advising at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation would be happy to help you. The Office has scheduled hours each weekday during the Fall and Spring semesters. Call 301-405-8000 to schedule an appointment or direct questions to archadvise@umd.edu.

21. If I apply to architecture for the fall, when can I register for ARCH courses?

All admitted students to the Architecture Program will be invited to attend the Fall semester all-program meeting in late March. Afterward, students can make an appointment for academic advising. As students will learn of their admission decision prior to fall registration, advising typically will occur during early April.