45 Credit Limited Enrollment Review Process FAQs
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 45 Credit Limited Enrollment Review Process 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 review, these students must demonstrate their ability to complete the following prior to enrollment in the studio sequence (ARCH 400 through ARCH 403).
- 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.
* General University Requirements
** PHYS 122, BSCI 205, GEOG 140, GEOL 120, GEOL 123/AOSC 123/GEOG 123
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 45 credit limited enrollment review?
Yes, you may still apply 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 (see above) by the end of the semester in which you applied.
** PHYS 122, BSCI 205, GEOG 140, GEOL 120, GEOL 123/AOSC 123/GEOG 123
3. Is there a GPA requirement?
Yes, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all college level coursework is required for all transfer students. Students admitted to the Architecture Program as a Freshman 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 are the application requirements for the 45 Credit Limited Enrollment Review?
Each student must submit all materials required for the application (application form, transcripts, essay, prerequisite course review form, letters of recommendation and a portfolio, the nature of which is specified by the Architecture program). You may download a copy of the application from this website. New applications are typically available in October each year.
7. If I meet the above minimum academic performance requirements, am I guaranteed admission?
Due to limited space in the program, meeting the academic performance requirements does not guarantee admission. The program is highly competitive and admission is dependent on the caliber and number of students applying each year. Students who meet the academic requirements in 1. above have priority over candidates who do not. Only one 'gateway' or performance review course may be repeated to earn the required grade and that course may only be repeated once. If you have questions on whether or not you qualify for admission, please email archadvise@umd.edu and include your full name and UID.
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 campus and apply to the Master of Architecture (3 1/2 year) degree program. Admission to graduate programs is also highly competitive. A GPA of 3.0 is required for candidates applying to the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, College Park.
9. What are the application deadlines for applying to architecture?
Complete applications for the 45 Credit Limited Enrollment Review must be received by the Architecture Program no later than February 1 each spring. The deadline is normally February 1, or the next business day, if February 1 falls on a weekend. February 1 is the due date for applications for entry into the ARCH400 studio in the fall semester.
10. Where can I get an application for architecture and how do I find out more about the process?
You may download a copy of the application from this website. The Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Advisors provide a Review Process workshop in mid-October each year. Portfolio guidance is offered, questions are answered and applications are distributed. Students should make every effort to attend this workshop. If you are not an architecture major and would like join a mailing list for the next 45 Credit Limited Enrollment Review cycle, please express interest by emailing archadvise@umd.edu with your Name, Email and UID.
12. I transferred to the University of Maryland from an out-of-state or private university. What admission standards apply to me?
Although your coursework comes from another institution, transfer students must meet the same prescribed coursework prior to applying. All interested students are encouraged to make an appointment with an architecture advisor to receive advice on the gateway/pre-requisite courses. Some courses are only offered once a year. 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 the 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?
Only one 'gateway' or performance review course may be repeated to earn the required grade and that course may only be repeated once. The ARCH gateway courses are ARCH 170, 225, 226, 242 and MATH 220, PHYS 121 and (1) from the 5 Science Courses Listed in 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 to the TCC to initiate the process having these courses evaluated by the appropriate department at UMCP.
17. What are my chances of becoming an architecture major?
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 45 Credit Limited Enrollment 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 Architect?: A Candid Guide to the Profession by Professor Emeritus Roger Lewis. This book is available in the Architecture Library.
20. I am interested in becoming an architecture major. Can I meet with an advisor?
Yes. If you are a student on campus you should first speak to your current advisor. To ensure that you have the correct advice regarding the gateway courses for Architecture, please make an appointment online to see one of the Architecture Undergraduate Advisors. See http://www.arch.umd.edu/students/advising/. You may also email your questions to archadvise@umd.edu. Please include your Name and UID with your question/request. The Advisors have scheduled hours each weekday during the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer hours vary.
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 a Studio Information Session in April. Admitted students will be invited to make an appointment for academic advising prior to their registration appointments for the Fall.