Admission FAQs

Applying for Admission
Q: I won't graduate from my undergraduate college until May. Can I still apply for Fall?
A: Yes. If you are admitted, you will need to send us a final transcript from your undergraduateschool showing your undergraduate degree received.

Q: Do I need a background in Architecture to apply to the Master of Architecture program?
A: No. Our three-year Master of Architecture professional degree does not require a previous background in architecture, although you must hold a four-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree before entering the program. It is a good idea to take some drawing and/or design studios prior to applying so as to put together a portfolio, which is an important part of your application. (see Architecture Portfolio Requirements)

Q: Do I need to take specific undergraduate courses before entering my degree program? Can I apply for admission if I haven't yet taken these courses?
A: The Master of Architecture professional degree does require that you take specific courses before entering the program. If you haven't taken the prerequisites during your undergraduate program, you can take them at any accredited college or university. If you have not taken the required courses at the time you are admitted into the Master of Architecture program, you would be admitted on the condition that you fulfill the prerequisite(s) before entering the program in the fall. Students entering the Master of Science in Historic Preservation should possess drafting proficiency; those electing the concentration in building and material conservation should have at least one college-level course in chemistry. For more information, please review the Prerequisites on the Additional Information page.

Application Process
Q: What are the application deadlines and fees?
A: The deadline for application for the MS in Architecture and the PhD programs is January 4; for the Master of Architecture programs, January 8; and for all other programs, February 1. The fee for applications is $70.

Q: Is there a different application for international students?
A: There is only one application, which can be used by U.S. citizens, permanent residents or international applicants.

Q: When should I take the GRE?
A: GRE scores must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before the deadline for the program to which you are applying. Please allow sufficient time for scores to reach us. Results of the computer-based examinations are mailed to us approximately 10-15 days after testing; results of paper-based examinations take a minimum of eight weeks to reach us.

Q: Where should my test scores be sent?
A: These scores are to be sent to the School of Design Office of Admissions. The institution code for both the GRE and TOEFL is 2926.

Q: Is there a cut-off score for the GPA, GRE, IELTS or TOEFL exams?
A: We do not have a cut-off for the GPA or GRE scores although we prefer to see at least a 3.3 or above for the GPA and 600 or above for each section of the GRE (4.5 or above for the analytical writing section). Most departments require a TOEFL score of 100 or higher (internet-based) in order for candidates to be admitted unconditionally or a band score of 7.0 for the IELTS (8.0 for the Department of Architecture). You should note that many factors are taken into consideration during the admissions process, not just test scores or grades.

Q: Do all materials need to arrive at the School of Design or be postmarked by the deadline?
A: All application materials and supporting documents must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before the appropriate application deadline. This is NOT a postmark deadline. Be sure to give your recommenders plenty of advance notice.

Q: I'm currently enrolled in another graduate school. Can I transfer credits?
A: We do not allow degree credits to be counted for work completed at another institution; however, you may apply for advanced standing into the Master of Architecture professional degree program if you have completed the equivalent of our first year of the M.Arch. program in another graduate architecture school. The amount of advanced standing, if any, would be determined by the Admissions Committee during the admissions process.

Q: Does the School of Design have any sample portfolios?
A: No, we do not have any sample portfolios. A wide variety of design work and portfolio styles are submitted; there is no one type of correct or successful portfolio. In the case of Architecture and Landscape Architecture applicants, the portfolio is considered a design project.

Q: Are interviews required?
A: Interviews are not required, although you are welcome and encouraged to visit the school. You should contact the office of the program or department to which you are applying to set up an appointment to meet with faculty and/or students. The Department of Architecture has an applicant advisor who meets with prospective students; to set up an appointment, please call the Office of Architecture at 215-898-5728.

Q: Can I apply for more than one program in the School of Design at the same time?
A: Yes. With our on-line application, you can apply to a dual degree program or a degree program with a certificate. You do not need to submit more than one form and fee, nor do you need to submit duplicates of your supporting materials.

Q: May I have my application materials returned to me?
A: The application and supporting material submitted to the School of Design become our property and will not be returned to the applicant under any circumstances with the exception of portfolios and writing samples, which may be returned to applicants if return postage is provided.

Admissions Notifications
Q: When will I receive my notification?
A: Admissions decisions are sent out the third week in March. Admitted students also will receive financial aid information if they applied for financial aid and an invitation to the open house for admitted students, along with a variety of materials about the School of Design, their department, housing, etc. Students must let us know if they accept our offer of admission by April 15.

Q: Is it possible to defer?
A: Some departments will permit you to defer under certain circumstances; however, you should check with the individual department to determine its policy. The Department of Architecture, Department of Fine Arts, and the PhD Program in City and Regional Planning do not permit deferrals and you would be required to reapply if you are admitted but unable to attend. If you reapply within two years of the original application, your application materials will still be on file.

Q: When would I hear about financial aid?
A: If you submit all the appropriate financial aid materials, you will receive information about financial aid with your decision letter.

Q: I've been put on the Wait List; what does this mean?
A: We are often not able to admit all of our qualified applicants into each degree program. We admit a certain number of applicants straight into the degree program, then put some on a wait list. After April 16, when we have heard from the first group, we will start to admit people from the wait list if necessary to attain full enrollment.

Q: When will I get my portfolio returned?
A: If you supplied return postage, we will send your portfolio back after April 1. The Department of Landscape Architecture prefers to keep portfolios of matriculating students until the fall at which point they will be returned. If you neglected to include return postage with your portfolio, you may send us a check or money order for $5.00 payable to The University of Pennsylvania. Upon receipt of this we will return your portfolio.

Q: Where do most students live? Are there dorms?
A: Most students live off-campus, either in West Philadelphia (University City) or in downtown Philadelphia (Center City). The University of Pennsylvania Office of Residential Living has dormitories available to graduate students. For more information, go to www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing.